About the Report
According to data from the World Bank, 2020 reflected a birth rate of approximately 2.4 children per woman, continuing a declining trend since the late 1960s. This has been a challenge for the baby diaper industry as a whole. Cloth diapers are widely thought to cut down environmental impact and provide cost benefits for new parents. However, these products are still considered to be an unconventional choice, owing to the convenience afforded by disposable alternatives.
Despite relatively higher market penetration and stagnated growth for baby diapers in developed countries, emerging economies, specifically across Africa and Asia, are predicted to generate strong growth opportunities for baby diaper manufacturers through the assessment period ending 2031, as per Fact.MR’s research. The report tracks detailed trends in over 20 high-growth markets around the world, allowing readers to take better-informed decisions for their businesses.
Historical and Future Market Outlook
From 2016 to 2020, the baby cloth diaper market has reflected stagnated growth of 2.1% CAGR. The industry has displayed a moderately fragmented landscape. The industry grew from a valuation of around US$ 9.7 Bn in 2016 to approximately US$ 10.6 Bn in 2020. The Asia Pacific excluding Japan region continues to reflect a high potential for growth.
A recently released Fact.MR study has forecasted the global baby cloth diaper market to continue rising at close to 2% CAGR from 2021 to 2031. The essential nature of diaper products has allowed cloth diaper production and sales to remain unaffected by the COVID-19 crisis, which affected the globe through 2020. The trend is unlikely to change through the projection period as well.
Why are Environmental Concerns Driving Sales Opportunities for Baby Cloth Diapers?
According to Stanford Magazine, an average baby requires diapers for up to 3 years, while using more than 10 diapers daily. This accounts for more than 3,000 diapers annually per baby, on an average. Consequently, in terms of disposable diapers, waste is the primary environmental impact. Lack of recycling options for these products are a key concern. This, in turn, has been a factor driving the sales of cloth alternatives.
Also, the common use of wood pulp and synthetic materials in disposable diapers also generates environmental concerns. On the other hand, modern cloth diapers are being produced with a reusable, waterproof plastic material, with absorbent materials made from natural fibers of bamboo, cotton, or hemp. Also, the introduction of cloth diaper banks for the resale of used cloth diapers for poor families has bolstered the popularity and adoption of baby cloth diapers.
How are Birth Trends Influencing the Baby Cloth Diaper Industry?
According to a report by the Institute of Family Studies, countries with birth rates above 1.6 or 1.7 children per woman experienced fertility declines. Countries with birth rates below that saw more stability or even increases. Birth rates in Mexico are around 2 kids per woman. Brazil’s birth rate is lower, at 1.75, with Colombia and Costa Rica at 1.77 and 1.66, respectively.
Major Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India, account for up to 2.2 children per woman. Countries in the Middle East are also displaying similar birth rates. ASEAN countries of Thailand and Malaysia account for 1.5 and 1.8 children per woman, respectively.
On the other hand, former soviet countries, Mongolia and Israel, are displaying higher birth rates, accounting for around 3 children per women. On the whole, global birth rates are expected to stabilize between 1.4 and 1.9 children per woman. These trends are expected to have a significant impact on the sales of baby cloth diapers throughout the forecast period.
What are the Major Challenges Facing Baby Cloth Diaper Manufacturers?
The long-term growth prospects of the baby cloth diaper market is stable, driven by a largely steady global birth rate and lower overall costs of use. However, the industry is expected be hit by challenges that can potentially limit the growth of the industry.
Advantages of disposable diapers related to convenience in terms of use and disposal remains the primary challenge to the adoption of cloth alternatives. Also, cloth diapers are not as absorbent as disposable diapers, and require more frequent changes. Further, disposable diapers are available in a larger variety of options, which also include greener disposable diaper innovations, threatening the sales of cloth diapers.
Country-wise Analysis
Why is China a Major Power in the Baby Cloth Diaper Space?
According to the Fact.MR report, Asia Pacific excluding Japan is the largest market for baby cloth diapers, led primarily by China, which accounts for more than 40% of the region’s market share. China accounted for more than US$ 1.1 Bn in 2020.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China's birth rate has fallen to its lowest in the past 7 decades following the formation of the People's Republic of China. As per the report, the birth rate was 10.48 per 1,000 in 2019. The number of babies born in 2019 dropped by approximately 580,000 to 14.65 million. Despite this slump in the birth rate, a lower death rate has resulted in China's population reaching 1.4 Bn in 2019.
The reform to get rid of the country’s one-child policy has largely appeared to have failed to reverse the country's falling birth rate. As per a World Bank analyst, this can be attributed to the lack of associated changes supporting families, including paternity leave and monetary support for child care. Despite these challenges, the vast population base will ensure that the country is a key market for baby cloth diapers through the projection period.
What is the Contribution of the United Kingdom to the Baby Cloth Diaper Market?
As per data from the Office of National Statistics, 2019 witnessed more than 640,000 live births in England and Wales in 2019, a slump of 2.5% as compared to 2018, and more than a 12% decrease since the last peak in 2012. The total fertility rate (TFR) for the U.K. decreased from 1.7 children per woman in 2018 to 1.65 children in 2019.
The TFR for Wales was the lowest since 1982, at 1.54 children per woman. Fertility rates decreased across all age groups, excluding women aged over 40 years, among whom, the TFR increased to 16.5 births per 1,000 women.
On the other hand, stillbirths for England fell to a record low for three consecutive years to 3.8 stillbirths per 1,000, while the stillbirth rate for Wales increased from 4.4 to 4.6 stillbirths per 1,000 in 2019, potentially impacting the demand for cloth diapers.
According to the Fact.MR report, the United Kingdom was the leading and fastest-growing European market for baby cloth diapers, accounting for over US$ 866 Mn in 2020, reflecting sluggish but steady growth for the coming years.
How are Baby Cloth Diaper Sales Set to Fare in the United States?
As per Fact.MR, the United States is the leading market for baby cloth diapers in North America, accounting for more than US$ 2.5 Bn in 2020. High levels of health awareness, and a relatively stable rate of births in the country, are projected to aid market growth through 2031.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 3 US families have reported diaper requirements. 5 million children in the U.S. aged three or below come from low-income families. Infants, on an average, require up more than 10 diapers per day, with toddlers accounting for about 8. Disposable diapers can cost up to US$ 80 per month for every baby, creating opportunities for cloth diaper manufacturers.
Further, no state or federal child safety-net program in the country has allocated funds so far for the purchase of diapers. Also, buying diapers at a convenience store rather than big box stores can substantially increase the monthly cost of diapers. Also, childcare centers, including those that are free and subsidized, require parents to provide for the supply of diapers. These factors are projected to aid the rise of the market in the country in the near future.
Category-wise Insights
Why are Ultra-absorbent Diapers Dominant?
Baby cloth diapers are available in both, super-absorbent and ultra-absorbent variants. According to the Fact.MR study, ultra-absorbent diapers are expected to dominate the industry, and are projected to account for more than 65% of the global market through the assessment period.
Overall demand for ultra-absorbent baby cloth diapers can be largely attributed to the wider incorporation of ultra-absorbent formulations across brands, and relatively higher efficiency in terms of performance.
Which Age Group Accounts for Higher Sales of Baby Cloth Diapers?
Baby cloth diapers are used in 3 key age groups – 0 to 6 months, 6 to 18 months, and 18 to 48 months. With diaper usage decreasing with age, cloth diapers for babies aged 0-6 months will hold the lion’s share of the market, accounting for 43% in 2020.
Infants between 0-6 months require 12 diapers a day, with older toddlers accounting for about 8. Changes in digestive operations and efforts for potty training among older children are expected to influence diaper requirements and sales in the foreseeable future.
What is the Role of HM/SM Channels in the Baby Cloth Diaper Industry?
Online distribution, hypermarkets and supermarkets (HM/SM), drug stores, and convenience stores are the leading channels used by baby cloth diaper manufacturers for sales. Of these, hypermarkets and supermarkets will account for a relatively larger share of sales.
HM/SM accounted for more than 46% of the market, owing to higher penetration of these outlets and resultant improvement to product access for consumers, even to rural regions, and robust retail supply chains from suppliers.
Competitive Landscape
The moderately fragmented baby cloth diaper market is characterized by numerous regional players. Major market players are largely engaged in product development, launch and distribution strategies, in addition to awareness campaigns, in a bid to consolidate their consumer base.
- For instance, India-based Bdiapers unveiled a patented design of hybrid cloth diapers for babies, which comprise chemical-free disposable nappy pads combined with cloth diaper covers, in September 2020, which reduces diaper waste.
- St. Louis-based Cotton Babies Inc., a company specializing in reusable products, in February 2020, announced the start of its cloth diaper bank initiative – Share the Love to ship free cloth diapers to underprivileged families for free, which aims to save families thousands of dollars annually.
- Johnson’s Baby, in September 2020, launched a new range of baby care products, including Cottontouch range of diapers, which are infused with natural cotton and manufactured with the aim of minimizing risk of skin irritation.
Fact.MR has also studied the following baby cloth diaper manufacturers in its detailed study*:
- Procter & Gamble
- MEGA
- Ontex
- Kimberly Clarke
- RAD Medical
- ABENA
- Domtar
- Fippi
- Linette HELLAS
- Dilpap Oy
- Europrosan S.p.A.
- Futura Line
- Hygienika
*This list is indicative- full details about the baby cloth diaper manufacturers are available upon request.
Report Scope
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2021-2031 |
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2016-2020 |
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Market Analysis |
USD Million for Value |
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Key Questions Answered in Report
- How will the baby cloth diaper market expand through 2031?
As per the Fact.MR market study, the global baby cloth diaper market is likely to display sluggish growth supported by environment and health awareness among new parents, at a CAGR of more than 2% through 2031.
- Which is the dominant baby cloth diaper market?
Asia Pacific excluding Japan is currently the leading market for baby cloth diapers. The market is driven by a relatively stronger birth rate, high potential for growth from increasing health awareness, and a growing population of working women in the region.
- How is COVID-19 impacting the growth projections for baby cloth diapers?
The COVID-19 pandemic has marginally affected growth in the industry. Despite strict lockdown restrictions through 2020, the essential nature of baby cloth diapers has supported production and sales. Demand is likely to remain stable through the assessment period, post-pandemic.
- Which are some of the prominent market players?
Prominent baby cloth diaper manufacturers include Procter & Gamble, MEGA, Ontex, Kimberly Clarke, RAD Medical, ABENA, Domtar, Fippi, Linette HELLAS, Dilpap Oy, Europrosan S.p.A., and Futura Line
Enquiry before Buying
Is the research on baby cloth diapers conducted by Fact.MR?
Yes, the global baby cloth diaper market research report has been compiled by expert analysts of Fact.MR, through a combination of primary research and secondary research. To know more about how the research was conducted, you can speak to a research analyst.
What research methodology is followed by Fact.MR?
Fact.MR follows a methodology that encompasses demand-side assessment of the market, and triangulates the same through supply-side analysis. This methodology is based on the use of standard market structure, methods, and definitions. Request a detailed methodology.
Who are the respondents for primary research?
Fact.MR speaks to stakeholders across the spectrum, including C-level executives, distributors, product manufacturers, and industry experts. For a full list of primary respondents, please reach out to us.
What are the sources of secondary research?
Fact.MR conducts extensive secondary research through proprietary databases, paid databases, and information available in the public domain. We refer to industry associations, company press releases, annual reports, investor presentations, and research papers. More information about desk research is available upon request.
Is a sample of this report available for evaluation?
Yes, you can request a sample, and it will be sent to you through an email.
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Key Market Segments
Product
- Ultra-absorbent
- Super-absorbent
Age Group
- 0-6 Months
- 6-18 Months
- 18-48 Months
Sales Channel
- HM/SM
- Convenience Stores
- Drug Stores
- Online
- Others
Region
- North America (U.S., Canada)
- Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of LATAM)
- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Nordic, Rest of Europe)
- Japan
- Asia Pacific excluding Japan (China India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Rest of APEJ)
- Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, South Africa, Nigeria, Israel)
Baby Cloth Diaper Market: Report Scope
A new market study published by Fact.MR on the global baby cloth diaper market provides readers with an exhaustive analysis on key market dynamics, including the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and trends, along with comprehensive data on the structure of the baby cloth diaper market. The report also provides information on the growth of the market throughout the assessment period of 2021 to 2031.
Major indicators of growth, including value chain and Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth of the market, in addition to compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) and supply chain analysis have been covered in the market study. The data allows readers better comprehension of the prospects of the baby cloth diaper market through the forecast period.
The report can prove to be very relevant for key stakeholders in the baby cloth diaper industry, including suppliers, manufacturers, investors, and distributors, aiding them in the development of informed strategies to take advantage of trends in the market space. Stakeholders in the baby cloth diaper market - investors, industry experts, researchers, and journalists, can make use of the data presented in the Fact.MR study.
The study also covers key statistics on the economic factors that shape the development of the market. It also gives actionable data on the potential of the future trends in the baby cloth diaper market. Also, small-scale players and new entrants in the industry can leverage the information given in the report, to support informed business decisions gaining traction in the baby cloth diaper market.
Report Summary
This market report offers an exhaustive analysis on different features, including product developments, regulatory landscape, demand, sales, and revenue generation in the global baby cloth diaper market.
In-depth estimates about the market have also been given through optimistic and conservative scenarios, in terms of the sales of baby cloth diapers during the projection period. A comparison of price points by region and the global average price is also covered in the study.
Market Segments
Fact.MR’s report on the baby cloth diaper market offers data classified into four segments — product, age group, sales channel, and region. This report offers essential data about the major market dynamics and growth parameters associated with these categories.
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Key Questions Answered in Report
- Which regions will remain the more lucrative regional markets for baby cloth diapers?
- Which factors will induce changes in the demand for baby cloth diapers during the assessment period?
- How will changing trends impact the market landscape?
- How can market players capture the low-hanging opportunities in developed regions?
- Which companies are leading the baby cloth diaper market space?
- What are the winning strategies of stakeholders in the baby cloth diaper market to upscale their position in this landscape?
Research Methodology
In Fact.MR’s study, a unique methodology for research has been implemented to conduct detailed research on the developments in the baby cloth diaper market, to reach conclusions on the basic growth parameters of the market for the future. This research methodology is a combination of primary and secondary research, which helps analysts maintain the accuracy and reliability of the conclusions drawn.
Secondary resources referred to by analysts during the preparation of the research report include statistics from government organizations, trade journals, white papers, and internal and external proprietary databases. Analysts have interviewed product portfolio managers, CEOs, senior managers, market intelligence managers, VPs, and marketing/product managers, all of whom have contributed to the development of the study on the baby cloth diaper market as a primary resource.
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Baby Cloth Diaper Market, Forecast, Trend, Analysis & Competition Tracking - Global Market Insights 2021 to 2031