Adult Diapers Market

Global Adult Diapers Market Size (2024 to 2032)

The Global adult diapers market was valued at USD 16.40 billion in 2023. The global market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.01% from 2024 to 2032 and be worth USD 45.05 billion by 2032 from USD 18.35 billion in 2024.

Current Scenario of the Global Adult Diapers Market

Adult diapers are disposable diapers that consist of absorbents inserted between two nonwoven structures. This prevents leaks, maintains fluid levels, and improves comfort. Adult diapers are different from baby diapers. Diapers can be used in adults with various conditions, such as severe diarrhea, dementia, incontinence, or mobility disorders. Adult diapers are manufactured in a variety of ways, including traditional baby diapers, panties, and pads like sanitary napkins, also known as incontinence pads.

MARKET DRIVERS

The growing aging population worldwide is fuelling the growth rate of the adult diapers market.

Some manufacturers improve the quality of the internal lining with vitamin E, aloe vera, and other skin-friendly compounds, which will propel the global adult diapers market. The increase in the population of the elderly, the growth in the economy of diapers, the rise in urbanization, and the increased awareness of better hygiene are driving the growth of the global adult diapers market. In addition, these products for the treatment of incontinence are increasingly used in medical centers, especially for patients with acute diseases, and these diapers prevent leaks, maintain fluid levels, and provide comfort. In addition to medicinal use, the adoption of these diapers has increased significantly for other purposes, including divers during deep-sea diving, pilots during long-haul flights, and workers at manufacturing sites. Therefore, the use of diapers for adult medical and non-medical adults mentioned above was born to strengthen worldwide sales. 

Technological advances have significantly increased the adoption of disposable adult diapers by the elderly population. This diaper uses a polymer bead core, such as a gel, to provide an innovative way to manage urinary incontinence problems effectively. Therefore, fluid retention and absorption capacity are expected to increase, with rising demand for disposable diapers, which will promote market growth during the forecast period. Also, governments that work with leading adult diaper manufacturers are taking initiatives to eliminate this social stigma, which is estimated to provide significant growth opportunities for the global adult diaper market, even in underdeveloped areas.

Incontinence is rising with the growing geriatric population and promoting the demand for adult diapers. With advances in the medical field, life expectancy has increased across the globe. The market is also being positively impacted by growing awareness, increasing disposable income, a better healthcare system, rising urbanization, and increasing affordability. Digital media and E-Commerce platforms have fueled the market growth by providing a platform for easy accessibility of the product. The growing awareness of adult diapers can also be attributed to online advertising and product campaigning. Non-medical adoption of the product by various professionals, including astronauts, divers, pilots, and others, is also promoting market growth. Adult diapers are a substitute for unhygienic bathrooms during traveling, this factor contributing to the market’s growth rate. Technological up-gradation is favoring the global market growth. Competition by the key players has led to innovation in the adult diaper market. Better comfort, absorption, incorporation of sensors and other advancements have led to a higher adoption rate of adult diapers.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Despite several favorable trends, factors such as lack of awareness and social stigma associated with incontinence, especially in underdeveloped countries, are expected to hamper this market growth. However, price volatility and social and economic restrictions related to the use of adult diapers are the main restrictions that can limit the global market growth. The growth of the adult diapers market is being restrained in underdeveloped countries due to a lack of awareness, the association of social stigmas with incontinence. Increasing unemployment across the world and the growing cost of living are further hindering global market growth. The synthetic material of the diapers damages the skin of the user. Excessive use of adult diapers comes with some side effects as well. These damages negatively impact market growth. The usage of diapers among adults is considered demeaning. This hinders the growth of the global adult diaper market.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

Global Adult Diapers Market By Type

The pant/pull-type diapers segment accounted for a significant proportion of the global market in 2023 and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR among all the segments in the global market during the forecast period.

Due to their resemblance to underwear and comfort level, they are more liked by the users. The pad-type diapers segment is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 13.6% over the forecast period owing to their additional benefits, such as odor elimination, control of bacterial growth, and capacity of liquid retention.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The Asia-Pacific region accounted for the leading share of the global market in 2023.

It is estimated to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Developing countries have the highest usage of adult diapers due to changes in lifestyle and habits and the rising incidence rate of urinary incontinence in the elderly population. The increase in literacy rates and the increase in women's disposable income are expected to place India and China at the forefront of the region. In the last few years, the growing geriatric population in the Asia Pacific region has led to a higher adoption rate of adult diapers in the region. Vendors are also investing in the Research and development of adult diapers to grab opportunities and expand business in emerging economies of the Asia Pacific region. Japan has a fair share of the aged population, making it a potential target for the adult diapers market.

Europe is also foreseen to witness a prominent CAGR during the forecast period.

The rising awareness of the economic impact, the improvement of the healthcare sectors, and the improvement of hygiene complement the growth of the European adult diapers market. Comparatively developed regions such as North America and Europe are expected to share the major proportions of the adult diapers market revenue due to the rising aged population and economic affluence. In Europe, it is expected that the adult diapers market will overtake the baby diapers market due to the growing aged population.

Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa have limited access to these related medical products and facilities. They are assumed to offer significant potential for the growth of this market due to the large scale of patients with incontinence. The Middle East and Africa are witnessing a slow acceptance. This is expected to help the overall market revenue-wise. Players entering the adult diapers market are looking to expand in the Asia Pacific and South America region in the outlook period.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Daio Paper, First Quality Enterprises Inc., Covidien, Kao Corp, Hengan Group, Kimberly Clark, Medline Industries, Nippon Paper Industries, Unicharm, Ontex International and DSG International are some of the notable companies in the global adult diapers market.

The adult diapers market is fiercely competitive with the presence of global as well as regional players. The market is highly fragmented. The vendors benefit from the vast distribution channels to expand their product range and customer base across the globe. The most crucial part of surviving the competition lies in Research & Development. Players need to constantly innovate to fulfil the needs of their customers. Their focus is to differentiate products through innovation. The major restraint for the players in the adult diapers market is the side effects of the product with constant use. Therefore, maintaining their position in segments with slow growth and focusing on prospects in fast-growing segments will lead to sustainability in the market.

DETAILED SEGMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL ADULT DIAPERS MARKET INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT

This research report on the global adult diapers market has been segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Type

• Tape-On Diapers
• Pant/Pull-Up Type Diapers
• Pad-Type Diapers

By Gender

• Male
• Female

By Region

• North America
• Europe 
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America 
• The Middle East and Africa