Smart Diapers Market

The global smart diapers market is projected to witness steady growth registering a CAGR of 18.25% during the forecast period. The protuberant factors driving the market growth include growing geriatric population and awareness regarding urinary incontinence, along with shifting consumer preference toward sophisticated gadgets, growth prospects of next-generation displays in wearable devices, and growing popularity of Internet of Things (IoT). Furthermore, the increasing adoption of smart diapers in nursing homes is also expected to further propel the growth of global smart diapers market during the forecast period. However, the high product cost is expected to hamper the global market growth.

The geriatric population is defined as number of inhabitants aged 65 years and above. The growth of this population is one of the most significant social transformations experienced across the globe. With the increasing age, the chances of healthcare crisis and epidemiologic spurts, owing to physiological changes and weakening of the immune systems that often lead to high risk of infections, also increase. Furthermore, the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder increases with age, as people aged 65 years and above are more susceptible to infectious diseases. They are alarming and costly health problems that not only affect the patients but also the caregivers. Thus, to reduce the risk of infection, the adoption of smart diapers is growing. They not only detect whether the patient needs to be changed by sending a signal to the receiver emitter but also enhance the continence management of the caregivers. Thus, the growing geriatric population is expected to fuel the demand for smart diapers and boost the growth of the global market during the review period.

According to the World Population Prospects 2019, one in 11 people in the world is aged 65 and above (9%), whereas one in six (16%) will be aged 65 and above by 2050. The global geriatric population increased from 7.6% in 2010 to 8.9% in 2018 and is expected to reach 16.5% by 2025. In 2018, Japan, Italy, Germany, Finland, and Portugal had the largest share of the population aged 65 and above. This population in developing countries such as India, Brazil, Japan, and China is growing at a faster rate as compared to developed countries, which is expected to fuel the demand for adult incontinence care products such as smart diapers during the forecast period.

According to MRFR analysis, the global diaper market was valued at USD 61.5 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 92.0 billion by 2025, exhibiting a CAGR of 6%. The adult diapers segment held around 14.9% share of the global diapers market in 2018. Factors such as shifting consumer preference toward sophisticated gadgets, growth prospects of next-generation displays in wearable devices, and growing popularity of Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices are expected to fuel the demand for wearable technologies such as smart diapers. Through integrated technology, the smart diaper is able to sense and detect the moisture level of the diaper. The introduction of intelligent continence aid for the individuals who face daily problems, such as dementia, urinary/fecal incontinence, diarrhea or experience mobility impairment, is expected to facilitate the care givers to monitor the patient and improve the quality of life for people. The use of smart diapers in the nursing homes and incontinence treatment clinics helps to reduce the number of resources required. With the steadily growing geriatric population and awareness regarding urinary incontinence and health consciousness, the demand for adult diapers is expected to grow significantly. For the USD 9.1 billion adult diapers market, the development of innovative and low-cost technologies in smart diapers market universe is expected to lay a robust growth platform for the market participants during the forecast period.

Although the baby diaper segment in the global diaper market holds a large share, the scenario in the smart diapers market is completely different. The adoption of smart diapers for baby is much lower as compared to the adult population. However, the increasing market demand for advanced diapers, easy accessibility, and high adoption of advanced technologies in a niche and budding markets, are some key factors encouraging market players to invest in the smart diapers market.

Thus, the rapidly growing global diaper market represents a clear unmet market need for advanced diapers, which is projected to create lucrative opportunities for market players during the forecast period.

Smart diapers are equipped with sensors and connected with mobile applications. Smart diapers are expensive as compared to normal diapers, as they are equipped with sensors. Affordability is a major factor considered by the end users, which is expected to hamper the adoption of smart diapers in the market. The adoption of smart diapers in the baby care segment is expected to take more time and at a much slower rate. Manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble Company, Kimberly-Clark, and Abena A/S are forced to cut down the price despite product enhancements. With the price cuts, the companies are struggling to generate profits, as the prices of raw materials required, e.g., sensors, are high. Furthermore, the socio-economic trends such as low consumer spending on auxiliary healthcare products particularly in the developing countries is expected to be the major factor restraining the market growth during the forecast period.

Besides, a large number of companies are entering the smart diapers market, which is expected to increase the competition. The increasing competition is projected to negatively impact the sales margin of the companies and create a challenging environment. Thus, the high competition and high cost of the product are likely to restrain the growth of the global smart diapers market.