Polypropylene Absorbent Hygiene Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology, By Application (Baby Diapers, Female Hygiene Products, Adult Incontinence Products), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2022

Industry Insights

The global polypropylene absorbent hygiene market size was valued over USD 9.00 billion in 2014. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the major polymers used in the absorbent hygiene industry. Excellent physical properties such as mechanical, thermal, chemical and degradation over other thermoplastics make PP most apt for absorbent hygiene industry.

Polypropylene is widely used in diapers and sanitary products owing to their higher water absorption capacity. PP nonwoven fabric has been increasingly gaining acceptance due to its superior physical qualities such as lightweight, reusability, toughness, and flexibility as compared to other nonwoven fabrics.

U.S. polypropylene (PP) absorbent hygiene market, by technology, 2012 - 2022, (Kilo Tons)

It has also been reported that polypropylene baby diapers contain an inner lining of vitamin E and aloe which helps in preventing skin irritation among babies. Polypropylene absorbent based baby diapers are very convenient for children as they eliminate the need for constant laundering at very high temperatures to kill the bacteria present there.

The rise in disposable income in the emerging countries expected to result in higher buying power for baby diapers. Such factors are anticipated to remain a key driving factor for global polypropylene absorbent hygiene market over the forecast period.

The increasing geriatric population has resulted in a surge for adult incontinence products in Germany, the U.S. and Japan. Government initiatives to increase FDI flow and plans to host baby diapers assistance programs in low-income level families is expected to benefit the overall market. The emergence of bio-based raw materials manufacturing technologies may create ample opportunity for the absorbent hygiene product manufacturers.

Higher birth rates coupled with rising awareness among people regarding benefits of baby diapers is also expected to have a positive impact on the global market. Moreover, technological advances have resulted in a growth of biodegradable diapers that do not have toxic effects such as diaper rashes and skin irritation.

Prolonged exposure to polypropylene absorbent materials may lead to certain skin problems amongst babies. Moreover, people working in PP factories are reported to suffer from asthma, nosebleed, and challenges related to respiratory tract and eyes.

Recent research has also thrown light on facts such as lower sperm count and infertility later on in life which may result from prolonged usage of disposable diapers. Strategic initiatives from manufacturers such as product diversification and M&As to open ways for the industry participants to acquire a significant market share shortly.

Technology Insights

Spunbond was the dominant technology used for the production of polypropylene absorbent polymers. This segment accounted for over 45% of the total market demand in 2014. PP fibers produced by spunbond technology are relatively cheaper are being increasingly used for hygiene applications due to its cost-effective nature compared to other nonwoven fabrics. There have been significant advances in manufacturing polypropylene resins & additives using spunbond technology since commercialization.

Though melt blown polypropylene technological process has a niche market, polypropylene polymer is used extensively in the meltblown process for hygiene applications due to its low viscosity and low melting point features. This technology demand is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period.

Application Insights

Baby diapers were the leading application segment in the global market and accounted for over 35% of total demand in 2014. Growing infant population coupled with rising healthcare awareness has raised the demand for baby diapers in the recent past.

Geriatric population growth across the globe, especially in China, Japan, Germany and the U.S., is presumed to assist the adult incontinence product growth over the forecast period. The adult incontinence products demand is expected to witness a significant growth of 7.1% from 2015 to 2022.

Polypropylene absorbent hygiene market share, by application, 2014

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific PP absorbent hygiene market led the global industry with demand share exceeding 35% in 2014. Increasing birth rates and shifting consumer preferences towards modern lifestyles have resulted in a surge in demand for PP absorbent hygiene products in recent past. Higher birth rates in India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Indonesia are expected to assist the overall market demand in the near future.

European nonwoven fabric consumption is concentrated mainly around adult incontinence and wipes products. Advanced consumer preference in hygiene resulted in an extensive demand for these female products in the region. Female sanitization products are expected to grow at a significant pace in Europe, at a CAGR of 6.9% over the next seven years.

Polypropylene Absorbent Hygiene Market Share Insights

The global market is dominated by a handful of industry participants. Major companies include Jofo, Polymers Group Inc., Global Nonwovens, Gulsan Holding, CNC International Co., Ltd, Mada, Pegas Nonwovens, Fibertex, Mitsui, Kimberly-Clark, SAAF, Shandong Kangjie Nonwovens and Freudenberg.

Kimberly-Clark also took initiatives in recent past by educating mothers through pediatrician program about the benefits derived from using baby diapers and keeping the baby’s skin dry to avoid rashes. The industry is consolidated in nature. However, the existing market players face stiff competition from the local or unorganized sector which provides affordable and international standard products.

Report Scope

Segments covered in the report

This report forecasts volume & revenue growth and provides an analysis on the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2012 to 2022. For the purpose of this report, Grand View Research has segmented the global polypropylene (PP) absorbent hygiene market on the basis of technology, application and region:

• Technology Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022)

  • Spunbond

  • Meltblown

  • Composites

  • Staples

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022)

  • Baby Diapers

  • Female Hygiene Products

  • Adult Incontinence Products

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

    • Malaysia

    • Indonesia

  • Middle East & Africa

    • UAE

    • Egypt

    • Turkey

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

  • Central & South America