Baby Diapers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Disposable, Cloth, Biodegradable, Training Nappy, Swim Pants), By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2012 - 2022

Industry Insights

The global baby diapers market size was valued at USD 45.08 billion in 2016 and is expected to develop at a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period. The market is projected to witness higher demand over the coming years owing to the rising awareness regarding child health.

Increasing population is among the major factors driving market growth, primarily in the developing nations of Asia Pacific region. Constant product developments owing to improving manufacturing technologies are also fueling market growth.

Emerging countries such as India and China are projected to dominate the market over the coming years owing to rising population and disposable income levels. However, growing awareness regarding the adverse effects of the chemicals used in these products may hinder market expansion. However, the advent of high-quality and biodegradable products is estimated to boost the market.

R&D activities intended towards development of innovative products are also likely to spur industry growth over the coming years. Growing number of Internet users has fueled the e-commerce sector as an effective distribution channel for consumer goods, which, in turn, is providing the baby diapers market with numerous growth opportunities.

Product Insights

On the basis of product, the market is segmented into training nappy, swim pants, and disposable, cloth, and biodegradable diapers. Disposable diapers emerged as the dominant product segment in 2016 and accounted for more than 64% of the overall industry.

The biodegradable products segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the next few years. Rising preference towards using high-quality, eco-friendly products is the major factor boosting their demand across the globe. In addition, manufacturers are focusing on developing bio-based diapers, which is also anticipated to propel segment growth over the coming years.

Pre-fold cloth diapers accounted for 33.38% of the total global cloth diapers market share in 2016. All-in-one cloth diapers were the second largest product segment for cloth diapers and are presumed to continue this trend over the forecast period.

Within the disposable diapers segment, super-absorbent disposables, regular disposable, ultra-absorbent disposable, and bio-degradable diapers are the major categories. Ultra-absorbent and super-absorbent disposable diapers emerged as the dominant products owing to their excellent absorbing capacities.

Global swim pants market was worth USD 3,427.3 million in 2016 and is expected to grow over the forecast period. Rising population, easy affordability, and increasing awareness regarding baby health are a few factors presumed to positively impact the global baby diapers market over the forecast period. Emerging regions are projected to present the highest opportunities for market growth.

Regional Insights

Europe emerged as the largest region in the global market in 2016 and accounted for more than 33% of the overall revenue. High standards of living along with awareness regarding child health and hygiene are major factors responsible for this growth. Moreover, constant technological advancements in the regional industry are also estimated to propel market expansion.

The Asia Pacific region emerged as the second-largest market in 2016 with a share of more than 28%. It is anticipated to expand at the fastest growth rate due to rising disposable income levels and increasing population in the region.

Many international manufacturers are focusing on starting their operating and distribution facilities in Asia Pacific due to cheap labor costs and large customer base. In China, most of the manufacturers are relying on local distributors and suppliers owing to the complex distribution channel in the country. Government focus on improving the manufacturing sector through initiatives such as “Make in India” and “One Belt, One Road”, subsidies, and tax cuts is a major driver for the region.

Baby Diapers Market Share Insights

Some major industry participants account for nearly half of the market. Companies are focusing on the long-term partnerships with suppliers and distributors for inbound and outbound logistics. Merger & acquisition is one of the key strategies undertaken by most of the companies to maintain the industry position.

Global companies are investing in establishing a structured distribution channel with the help of third-party distributors. Key companies in this industry include Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G); Hengan International Group Company Ltd.; Kimberly-Clark Corp.; Unicharm Corp.; KAO Corp.; Phillips Healthcare, Drylock Technologies NV; First Quality Enterprises, Inc.; Cotton Babies, The Honest Co.; and The Hain