Market Overview:
The global diaper market size reached US$ 78.9 Billion in 2022. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 124.5 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 8% during 2023-2028. The growing awareness about personal health and hygiene, increasing prevalence of urinary incontinence among kids and adults of different ages, and the rising geriatric population around the world represent some of the key factors driving the market.
Rising Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence Stimulating Market Growth
The growing prevalence of urinary incontinence among the masses currently represents one of the primary drivers influencing the market positively. Urinary incontinence is an inability to control the bodily evacuative functions of urination or defecation. Moreover, it leads to the loss of normal control of the bladder or the bowels, which causes embarrassment issues among individuals. Apart from this, there is a rise in the demand for diapers to avoid leakage of urine on clothes among individuals. This, coupled with the increasing adoption of diapers among the geriatric population, is contributing to the growth of the market.

Competitive analysis such as market structure, market share by key players, player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided. The market structure is concentrated with only a few players sharing the majority of the share in the market. The volume of new entrants is moderate in the diaper industry due to low entry barriers and low product differentiation.
What is a Diaper?
Diaper, also known as nappy, is a form of underwear that enables the wearer to defecate or urinate without using a toilet. It is manufactured from various synthetic disposable and cloth materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, hemp, cotton, and bamboo. It is widely available in different sizes and shapes for toddlers, infants, children, and adults. It is cost-effective, lightweight, convenient, easy to use, avoids leakage, and absorbs waste. Besides this, it assists in providing breathability and keeping the skin dry for a long period. As it is widely utilized by people with mobility impairment issues, urinary incontinence problems, and severe diarrhea, the demand for diapers is rising across the globe.
COVID-19 Impact:
The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has caused a severe problem for the diaper industry and imposed unprecedented challenges on numerous countries. Many production plants had to slow down their manufacturing operations on account of the fear of widespread coronavirus during the pandemic. Apart from this, there was a shortage of labor, and raw materials, and supply and demand chain disruptions due to stringent regulations on on-road movements across the globe, which also impacted the logistical and transportation sector. Moreover, the demand for diapers was reduced, as people were more focused on purchasing essential items due to the low-income levels of individuals. In line with this, governing agencies of various countries implemented stringent rules and regulations on imports and exports of goods and services that disrupted the supply and demand chains and resulted in a decreased demand for diapers around the world. However, post-pandemic, the rising awareness about maintaining more hygiene among the masses is strengthening the growth of the market.
Diaper Market Trends:
At present, the increasing prevalence of urinary incontinence among the geriatric population represents one of the primary factors supporting the market growth. Besides this, the growing adoption of diapers due to the increasing awareness about maintaining hygiene individuals is positively influencing the market. In line with this, the rising demand for convenient, comfortable, affordability, and breathable diapers that keep the skin dry and clean of individuals is impelling the growth of the market. Apart from this, the increasing utilization of diapers among individuals suffering from mobility impairment issues is bolstering the growth of the market. In addition, the wide availability of diapers through various distribution channels, such as supermarkets and hypermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, and online stores around the world, is propelling the growth of the market. Furthermore, key players are introducing plant-based and eco-friendly diapers made without chemicals and toxic skincare ingredients, which is contributing to the growth of the market.
Key Market Segmentation:
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global diaper market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2023-2028. Our report has categorized the market based on product type and distribution channel.
Product Type (Baby Diaper) Insights:
- Disposable Diapers
- Training Diapers
- Cloth Diapers
- Swim Pants
- Biodegradable Diapers
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the diaper market based on the product type (baby diaper). This includes disposable diapers, training diapers, cloth diapers, swim pants, and biodegradable diapers. According to the report, disposable diapers represented the largest segment, as they are utilized once and disposed off easily. They provide great absorption, better health, comfortability, and prevent leakage. Moreover, they assist in maintaining the skin clean, dry, and free from rashes. Besides this, the rising demand for disposable diapers due to the increasing awareness about maintaining hygiene is propelling the growth of the market.
Training diapers are utilized among children that can dress and undress on their own. In addition, they assist in providing high absorption while reducing the chances of moisture. Shifting from diapers to underwear is not advisable for the children as cloth cannot absorb much waste as compared to a diaper, which in turn leads to the need for training diapers.
Cloth diapers reduce the pile of waste disposables in the house and are a cost-effective solution. There is a rise in the preference for cloth diapers, as they are reusable and do not contain any chemicals that could harm the skin of the baby. This, coupled with the increasing demand for environment-friendly products among individuals across the globe, is bolstering the growth of the market.
Product Type (Adult Diaper) Insights:
- Pad Type
- Flat Type
- Pant Type
A detailed breakup and analysis of the diaper market based on the product type (adult diaper) has also been provided in the report. This includes pad type, flat type, and pant type. According to the report, pad type accounted for the largest market share as they can be easily worn inside regular underwear to catch leaks and retain moisture without irritating the skin. Moreover, some incontinence pads can be added in adult diapers and briefs for double-barreled protection at night or for long days in public. In line with this, pad type adult diapers provide a comfortable solution for adults with minor incontinence issues.
Flat type diapers for adults are large squares of single-layer material that are manufactured from Birdseye weave cotton. They can be easily folded several ways to fit the individual and require fastening. In addition, they are cost-effective diapers for adults, as they can be easily washed and reused.
Pant type diapers have an elastic band on top and can be pulled up or down just like an underwear. Besides this, the rising adoption of pant type diapers among the geriatric population, as they can easily wear and take off is contributing to the growth of the market. Moreover, they are easier to wear under clothing and are suitable for light to moderate incontinence among individuals.
Distribution Channel Insights:
- Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Convenience Stores
- Online Stores
- Others
A detailed breakup and analysis of the diaper market based on the distribution channel has also been provided in the report. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, online stores, and others. According to the report, pharmacies accounted for the largest market share, as they provide convenience to customers. Pharmacies are retail shops that provide prescription drugs and other personal hygiene products. They are generally located in and around residential areas around the world.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets offer a large amount of shelf space to display a wide variety of products of different brands. Apart from this, they also provide the convenience of choosing the product catering to the different needs of individuals. The rising preference for supermarkets and hypermarkets, as they offer a one-stop solution for all consumer needs, is supporting the growth of the market.
Convenience stores are often located near places where people live and work, such as gas stations, busy roads, railway stations, and airports. They offer a wide variety of products to attract a larger consumer base all the time. The growing adoption of diapers from convenience stores, as they offer convenience to people across the globe, is strengthening the growth of the market.
Regional Insights:
- North America
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Australia
- Indonesia
- Others
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia
- Others
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others) was the largest market for diaper. Some of the factors driving the Asia Pacific diaper market included the growing adoption due to inflating income levels of individuals, rising awareness about maintaining hygiene, and improving living standards of people. In line with this, the wide availability of diapers through various online and offline distribution channels is propelling the growth of the market in the region.
Competitive Landscape:
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the global diaper market. Some of the companies covered in the report include:
- Kao Corporation
- Kimberly-Clark Corporation
- Procter & Gamble Company
- Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA)
- Unicharm Corporation
Please note that this only represents a partial list of companies, and the complete list has been provided in the report.
Report Coverage:
Report Features |
Details |
Base Year of the Analysis |
2022 |
Historical Period |
2017-2022 |
Forecast Period |
2023-2028 |
Units |
US$ Billion |
Segment Coverage |
Product Type, Distribution Channel, Region |
Region Covered |
Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East and Africa |
Countries Covered |
United States, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico |
Companies Covered |
Kao Corporation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Procter & Gamble Company, Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA) and Unicharm Corporation |
Customization Scope |
10% Free Customization |
Report Price and Purchase Option |
Single User License: US$ 2499
Five User License: US$ 3499
Corporate License: US$ 4499 |
Post-Sale Analyst Support |
10-12 Weeks |
Delivery Format |
PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
Key Benefits for Stakeholders:
- IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the diaper market from 2017-2028.
- The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global diaper market.
- The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
- Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the diaper industry and its attractiveness.
- Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.