Adult Diapers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Tape on Diapers, Pant/Pull-Up Type, Pad Type), By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, LATAM, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Report Overview

The global adult diapers market size to be valued at USD 28.65 billion by 2025 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7% during the forecast period. Adult diapers can be categorized under incontinence care products, which are largely worn by individuals suffering from severe incontinence, diarrhea, mobility impairment, or dementia, among other conditions. Growing geriatric population, increased affordability of diapers, rising urbanization, and increasing awareness towards improving hygiene conditions are among the primary growth stimulants for the market.

Furthermore, such incontinence care products are increasingly being used in medical centers, particularly for patients suffering from acute illnesses, as these diapers aid in preventing leakage, maintaining body fluid levels, and providing comfort. Apart from medical use, there has been a marked increase in adoption of these diapers for other purposes, such as by divers during deep-sea diving, pilots while they are on long flights, and workers at their manufacturing sites. Thus, the aforementioned uses of adult diapers for medical and non-medical purposes are poised to bolster their sales worldwide.

Advancements in technology have resulted in a significant rise in the adoption of disposable adult diapers by geriatric population. These diapers offer an innovative way to effectively manage problem of incontinence as they are made using a gel-like polymer bead core that increases their absorbency capacity, which in turn provides better comfort and protection to consumers. Thus, an increased demand for disposable diapers owing to their enhanced retention and fluid absorption capabilities is projected to boost market growth over the forecast period.

In spite of these favorable trends, factors such as lack of awareness and social stigmas associated with incontinence, particularly in underdeveloped countries are anticipated to impede the growth of the market. However, governments in collaboration with major adult diapers manufacturers, are undertaking initiatives aimed at eliminating such social stigmas, which in turn are estimated to provide significant growth opportunities for the market, in underdeveloped regions as well.

Adult Diapers Market Trends

The growing elderly population is the key driver that propels the adult diaper market growth. Adult diapers are used by elderly adults to avoid any infection occurring from public restrooms during travel. Life expectancy is increased globally due to medical advancements which is another factor contributing to the growth of adult diaper market. Growing awareness, increased disposable income, an improved healthcare system, rising urbanization, and improving affordability all have a positive impact on the market.

The adult diaper market growth is being hampered in developing nations due to lack of awareness and knowledge. The adult diaper market is not widely adopted in countries with a low per capita income. In terms of manufacturing, the synthetic material of diapers irritates the user's skin. Excessive use of adult diapers also invites negative consequences.

The COVID-19 pandemic has improved consumer awareness regarding the use of disposable personal care products including adult diapers as a preventive measure driven by COVID-19 concerns. Moreover, urgent situation demands to decrease and prevent the transmission of communicable diseases as hospitals are difficult to access which is combined with a growing demand for healthcare products globally. This is a key factor that is anticipated to drive the market growth. Also, COVID-19 has created chances for various private businesses to grow in the marketplace to meet the increased demand.

Type Insights

Based on type, the market can be categorized into pad type, pant/pull-up type, and tape-on diapers. The pant/pull-up type segment accounted for more than 30.0% of the total revenue in 2018. It will represent the largest share in the adult diapers market by 2025. These type of diapers have multilayer fibers that enhance their absorbency, provide long hour protection, and prevents any skin irritation. Moreover, they being pant/pull-up style diaper are comfortable, even in regular use as they resemble standard underwear in the way they function.

Additionally, pad-type diapers are also expected to register a considerable CAGR of 13.6% during the forecast period, on account of numerous benefits they offer, such as odor elimination, liquid retention capacity, and control of bacterial growth. These diapers are biodegradable and readily available in the market, in addition to being easy-to-use and relatively inexpensive.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific commanded over 30.0% of the overall revenue in 2018. It is likely to register the highest CAGR over the forecast period. Developing countries are poised to exhibit the highest growth due to shifting lifestyles and habits as well as rising incidence/occurrence of incontinence among geriatric population. India and China are projected to be at the forefront of the region owing to increasing disposable incomes coupled with rising literacy rate of women.

Europe is also anticipated to witness a considerable CAGR over the forecast period. Economic affluence, improvements in the healthcare sector, and increasing awareness towards improving hygiene are estimated to supplement the growth of the segment. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are expected to offer significant potential for the growth of this market owing to sizeable base of incontinent patients along with restricted access to such products and related healthcare facilities.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The keys players operating in the adult diapers industry include Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Procter & Gamble; Attends Healthcare Products, Inc.; and Unicharm Corporation. Numerous market players are partnering with pharmacy shop owners as a distribution channel for their products as these shops are considered to be the most convenient and trusted channel among consumers for the purchase of healthcare products. Furthermore, market players are also investing in research & development activities with a focus on product innovation in order to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the market.

Several adult diapers manufacturers are undertaking initiatives focused on spreading awareness on proper usage of such incontinence care products with the help of advertisements and promotion campaigns. Such initiatives are likely to boost the adoption of the product among geriatric populations. For instance, in 2017, Friends Adult Diapers launched its first advertising campaign in India to spread awareness about importance of adult diapers that can bring positive changes in lives of elderly. The keys players operating in the adult diapers industry include:

• Kimberly-Clark Corporation

• Procter & Gamble

• Attends Healthcare Products, Inc.

• Unicharm Corporation

Recent Developments

• In February 2022, Kimberly-Clark Corporation acquired a majority stake in Thinx, Inc., a Feminine hygiene company. This acquisition helped the company to expand its portfolio of period and light bladder leakage solution

Adult Diapers Market Report Scope

Global Adult Diapers Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global adult diapers market report based on product and region.

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Pad Type

  • Pant/Pull-up Type

  • Tape on Diapers

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa