KIT: Technical textiles and the baby diaper market

Strategic tools for the practising manager

Technical textiles (used for applications other than clothing and furnishing) are a high growth category in India and globally. They are used extensively in agriculture, buildings, healthcare, roads, sports, aviation and so on.

The market for technical textiles in India is estimated at Rs 58,000 crore, and is expected to grow at 10 per cent annually to reach Rs 1, 46,000 crore by 2020.

Technical textiles segment for healthcare and hygiene is growing at 11 per cent annually thanks to increasing health consciousness and rising disposable incomes. Products for the segment includes are baby diapers, sanitary napkins, surgical disposables, medical wipes and so on.

 

The baby diaper market in the country is estimated to be close to Rs 5,000 crore. With increasing health awareness, more women going to work, and rising living standards, the demand is expected to go up significantly in the next few years.

At the retail end, the baby diapers market in the country has three key players -- Huggies, Pampers and Snuggy. Given the expected increase in demand for diapers and limited players both at the retail and manufacturing end, the category has high growth potential for entrants.