Middle East Diaper Market Overview & Future Development Analysis

As an important part of the global consumer goods market, the Middle East has a high birth rate and a large population base, which brings continuous demand growth opportunities to the diaper market. Internationally renowned brands such as Pampers and Huggies dominate this market, while local brands are also competitive in certain regions. For Chinese brands, entering the Middle East market not only means huge market potential, but also faces multiple challenges such as cultural adaptation, quality standards and market competition.

The Middle East covers a number of countries with a total population of approximately 350 million people. The birth rate is relatively high, which has promoted the continued growth in demand for baby care products such as diapers.

According to the latest data, the diaper market in the Middle East is expected to maintain steady growth in the coming years. This is mainly due to population growth, high birth rates and rising consumer income levels. In 2023, the diaper market in the Middle East is expected to be worth approximately $2 billion and is expected to reach approximately $2.8 billion by 2028.

Well-known international brands dominate the Middle East market, such as Pampers and Huggies, which meet consumer demand through strong brand influence and a wide range of product lines. The main manufacturers of diapers include large international companies and local manufacturers, which meet the diverse needs of local consumers through localized production and marketing strategies.

Chinese diaper brands have broad market opportunities in the Middle East market, especially in terms of price competitiveness and innovative products. Middle Eastern consumers have a high demand for cost-effective products, which provides a good opportunity for Chinese brands to expand the market. However, the culture and consumption habits of the Middle East are different from those of China, and brands need customized product design and market strategies. In addition, the Middle East market has strict requirements on product quality and safety, which must comply with local regulations and certification standards. However, the Middle East market is highly competitive, and it is also necessary to compete with international brands and local competitors to establish brand influence and market share.

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Super Absorbent Polymer in Diapers A Key Component for Liquid Management

Diapers are an essential part of infant care, providing convenience and hygiene. A crucial component that makes diapers effective in managing liquid is the super absorbent polymer (SAP). This blog post delves into the role of SAP in diapers, its chemistry, and its impact on performance and sustainability.


## What is Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)?

Super absorbent polymers are a class of functional polymers known for their ability to absorb and retain large amounts of water and aqueous solutions. They are used in various applications such as medicine, agriculture, and industry, but their most notable use is in disposable baby diapers (DBD).

## Chemistry of SAP

The primary chemical used in SAP is sodium polyacrylate, with the formula (C3H3NaO2)n. This polymer's unique structure, characterized by repeating units, allows extensive cross-linking, which forms the basis for SAP's exceptional absorbency.


## How Does SAP Work in Diapers?

The process of hydration unfolds the magic of SAPs. Hydrophilic groups, such as carboxylate ions within the sodium polyacrylate chains, attract and bind with water molecules through hydrogen bonding. As water infiltrates the polymer network, rapid swelling occurs, transforming the liquid into a gel-like structure. The cross-linked nature ensures the gel retains its form, showcasing SAPs' remarkable water absorption capacity.


## Key Quality Indicators of SAP in Diapers

1. **Absorption Capacity**: High-quality SAPs can efficiently retain a substantial volume of liquid relative to their weight.
2. **Retention Under Load**: Essential for consistent performance in diapers, where pressure is applied.
3. **Particle Size**: Influences dispersion in products, with smaller particles contributing to better distribution and performance.
4. **Rate of Absorption**: Quality SAPs absorb water rapidly, ensuring swift and efficient absorption.
5. **Gel Strength**: Paramount for maintaining the integrity of the absorbent structure, preventing leakage, and ensuring secure moisture retention.
6. **Chemical Purity**: High-quality SAPs are free from impurities, safeguarding their performance and minimizing skin irritation risks.

## Applications in Diapers

1. **Baby Diapers**: SAPs rapidly absorb and lock away urine, providing extended dryness and reducing diaper change frequency, enhancing infant comfort and caregiver convenience.
2. **Adult Diapers**: They contribute to effective moisture absorption, ensuring comfort and dryness for users.
3. **Sanitary Napkins**: SAPs revolutionize menstrual hygiene by efficiently absorbing menstrual fluid, preventing leaks, and providing a sense of security and comfort.

## Environmental Impact and Recycling

The environmental impact of SAPs, especially from disposable diapers, is a concern. An estimated 6.3 billion metric tons of post-consumer polymer waste has been produced, with the majority in landfills or the environment. Recycling methods that utilize these waste polymers could attenuate their environmental impact.

Researchers are exploring ways to recycle SAPs, such as decrosslinking via hydrolysis, chain-shortening via sonication, and functionalizing via Fischer esterification. These recycled materials can be turned into general-purpose adhesives, offering a more sustainable solution.



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The difference between SAP paper and absorbent paper

SAP paper and absorbent paper are two materials that are widely used for their absorbent properties. SAP paper is mainly composed of a combination of materials including tissue paper, super absorbent polymer (SAP) and fluff pulp. Whereas absorbent paper is composed of airlaid paper, SAP and fluff pulp. This article will explore the differences between these two types of paper.



Composition:

SAP paper: SAP paper consists of three parts, including thin tissue paper, SAP and loose cellulose pulp. The thin tissue layer plays a supporting role in the whole structure, and SAP (super absorbent polymer) is the key to achieve high water absorbency. Loose cellulose pulp is used to provide softness and other physical properties.

Absorbent paper: Absorbent paper is made up of three parts, including airlaid paper, SAP and fluff pulp. The airlaid paper layer has a high porosity and air permeability, which helps to improve water absorption, while SAP is responsible for absorbing large amounts of liquid. Fluff pulp is used to enhance structure and provide comfort.



Water absorption performance:

SAP paper has excellent water absorption performance by using super absorbent polymer (SAP). SAP absorbs large amounts of liquid quickly and locks it into the paper structure, keeping it dry. In contrast, absorbent paper has lower water absorption performance, but its loose structure provides a larger water absorption surface area, which is suitable for occasions that need to absorb water for a longer time.



Thickness:

SAP paper is known for its thin and lightweight characteristics. Due to its relatively thinness, SAP paper is often used in thin products such as ultra-thin diapers and thin sanitary napkins. Absorbent paper is relatively thick and is more suitable for products that require larger absorption capacity and extra protection, such as night diapers and extra-large sanitary napkins.



Application areas:

SAP paper is widely used in the production of diapers and sanitary napkins. Its water absorption properties make it an ideal choice for high absorbency and thin appearance requirements. Absorbent paper is also used in some special occasions, usually for products that need to absorb water for a longer time.



Conclusion:

Although SAP paper and absorbent paper are similar in composition, there are significant differences in thickness and use. SAP paper is thinner and suitable for products that require high absorbency and thin appearance, such as ultra-thin diapers and thin sanitary napkins. Absorbent paper, on the other hand, is thicker and is suitable for products that require greater absorption capacity and added protection, such as nighttime diapers and oversized sanitary napkins. For manufacturers, choosing the right material is determined by the specific needs and market positioning of the product.









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Understanding Hot Melt Adhesives in Hygienic Product

Hygiene materials play an important role in daily life and medical environments, and hot melt adhesive is an adhesive commonly used in the manufacture and repair of hygiene raw materials. This article will introduce several common hot melt adhesives in hygiene wear products: construction adhesive, positioning adhesive, rubber adhesive, frontal tape adhesive, core adhesive, side tape adhesive, and urine adhesive.



Construction Adhesive:

Construction adhesive is a strong adhesive commonly used in the manufacture of hygiene materials. It has fast curing, high bond strength and good water resistance. Construction adhesive is suitable for connecting and repairing various materials such as rubber, plastic, cloth, etc.



Positioning Adhesive:

Positioning adhesive is a hot melt adhesive that bonds backing materials. In hygiene supplies, positioning adhesive is often used to fix medical tapes, wing pads, and other closure materials. It can provide reliable bonding and can be easily torn or peeled when needed.



Elastic Adhesive:

Elastic adhesive is a hot melt adhesive used to fix elastic bands and rubber bands. In hygiene supplies, elastic adhesive is often used to make masks, bandages, and other products that require a certain degree of elasticity. It has good adhesion and flexibility, which can ensure the firm fixation of the elastic band.



Frontal Tape Adhesive:

The frontal tape adhesive is a special-purpose hot melt adhesive, which is often used to fix the front waist unit and surgical gowns. It has good tensile strength and water resistance, which can ensure that the front waist adhesive is not easy to loosen or break during use.



Core Adhesive:

The core adhesive is a hot melt adhesive used to fix the core part of sanitary products. The core adhesive can provide reliable bonding effect and has good breathability and flexibility. It is often used to fix the core part of sanitary napkins, diapers and other products.



Side Tape Adhesive:

The side tape adhesive is a hot melt adhesive used to fix the left and right adhesive parts of sanitary products. It has good adhesion and flexibility, which can ensure that the side tape adhesives are firmly bonded during use and are not easy to fall off.



Urine Adhesive:

Urine adhesive is a special-purpose hot melt adhesive, which is often used to make urine testing products. It can react with urine to produce a visible color change, which is used to quickly detect specific substances in urine samples. Urine adhesive plays an important diagnostic role in sanitary products.



Summary: Hot melt adhesive plays an important role in sanitary products. Different types of hot melt adhesive are suitable for different application scenarios. Understanding the characteristics and uses of these hot melt adhesives will help you better understand and select sanitary products and ensure that they have good performance and bonding effects. Hot melt adhesive is an indispensable bonding agent both in daily life and in medical environments.

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What are the raw materials of diapers?

Diapers are a daily necessity for millions of families, but have you ever wondered about the science behind their absorbency and comfort? Let’s break down the key raw materials of diapers.



1. Fluff Pulp

The core of most diapers is made from fluff pulp derived from trees like pine or eucalyptus. This natural material provides bulk and initial absorbency, quickly soaking up liquids.



2. Super absorbent Polymer (SAP)

A game-changer in diaper technology, SAP is a synthetic compound (sodium polyacrylate) that can absorb 30 times its weight in water. It locks moisture away from the skin, keeping babies dry for longer.



3. Topsheet Nonwoven

Soft, breathable, hydrophilic layers like hot air though nonwoven or spunbond nonwoven are used for the outer cover and inner liner. These materials are designed to feel gentle on the skin while allowing airflow.



4. Adhesives and Elastic

Hot-melt adhesives secure the diaper’s tabs, while elastic bands around the legs and waist ensure a snug fit. These components are often made from synthetic rubber or polymers.



5. Backsheet Film (Waterproof Layer)

A polyethylene film prevents leaks, while microporous coatings in eco-friendly diapers allow vapor to escape, reducing irritation.

materials of diapers

About NISO

With 10 years of expertise in diaper raw materials, we deliver:

1. Full-range Supply: Covering nonwoven fabric, SAP, PE film, etc., enabling one-stop procurement;
2. Certified Quality: SAP complies with GB/T 22905-2008 standards; wood pulp microbial count ≤100 CFU/g;
3. Customization: Adjust nonwoven fabric weight, SAP particle size, and other parameters to meet product specifications.

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What is hot melt glue used for?

Hot melt adhesive is a kind of glue commonly used for bonding and fixing materials. The manufacturing process of hot melt adhesive involves multiple links, including raw material selection, formula design, mixing and melting, filtration and packaging. Common hot melt adhesive raw materials include thermoplastic resin, filler, thickener and stabilizer. In the production process, through reasonable formula design and production process control, hot melt adhesive products that meet different application requirements can be obtained.


Main features of hot melt glue:
1. Fast bonding: Hot melt adhesive has the characteristics of fast curing. Once applied to the surface of an object, it quickly cools and solidifies to form a strong bond.
2. Weather resistance: Hot melt adhesive has good weather resistance at room temperature and can maintain good bonding performance in a wide temperature range.
3. High bonding strength: Hot melt adhesive can form high-strength bonds on the surfaces of a variety of materials, including plastics, paper, cloth, wood, etc., and is suitable for bonding various sanitary materials.
4. Adjustability: The fluidity and curing time of hot melt adhesive can be controlled by adjusting the temperature to meet different application requirements.
5. Environmental protection: Hot melt adhesive usually adopts a solvent-free water-based system, does not contain harmful substances, is harmless to the environment, and meets the green environmental protection requirements of the sanitary material industry.


Application of hot melt adhesive in the hygiene materials industry

1.Construction adhesive

2.Positioning adhesive

3.Elastic adhesive

4.Laminated film adhesive

5.Frontal tape adhesive

6.Core adhesive

7.Side tape adhesive


As an important adhesive material for sanitary materials, hot melt adhesive has the characteristics of fast bonding, high strength, controllability and environmental protection, and is widely used in the sanitary materials industry. NISO is a professional supplier of hot melt glue for hygiene industry, such as baby diaper, adult diaper, sanitary napkin, underpad, ect. If you want to known more about hot melt glue, please do not hesitate to contact us by info@qzniso.com





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What is PE Backsheet? How to Choose Between Breathable and Non-Breathable Films

In the manufacturing process of products such as diapers, sanitary napkins and under pads, the PE backsheet film plays an important role. Among them, PE backsheet film is a commonly used material. This blog will introduce the definition and characteristics of PE backsheet film and the key points of selecting breathable and non-breathable backsheet films.



PE backsheet film is a waterproof plastic film widely used in hygiene products like diapers, sanitary pads, and under pads. Known for its flexibility, durability, and moisture resistance, PE films serve as the outer layer to prevent leaks while offering structural support.



Key Features of PE Backsheet Films

**Waterproof: Blocks liquid penetration for dryness.

**Durable: Resists tearing and friction.

**Skin-friendly: Soft texture enhances comfort.

**Customizable: Compatible with heat-sealing, printing, and embossing.


application of pe backsheet film


Breathable vs. Non-Breathable PE Backsheet Film

1. Breathable PE Backsheet Film

· Allow air/moisture vapor to escape through microporous technology.
· Pros: Reduces skin irritation, ideal for extended wear (e.g., premium diapers).
· Cons: Slightly higher cost.

2. Non-Breathable PE Backsheet Film

· Fully waterproof with no airflow.
· Pros: Superior leak protection, cost-effective for budget products.
· Cons: May trap heat/moisture.


Choosing the Right Backsheet Film

· Product Use: Prioritize breathability for overnight or sensitive-skin products; opt for non-breathable films for short-term or high-absorption needs.
· Climate: Humid regions benefit from breathable films.
· Regulations: Some markets require breathability for infant care.


Why Choose NISO ?

1.Range: Economical PE films to premium breathable options.
2.Quality: ISO-certified manufacturing and leak-testing.
3.Support: Expert guidance to balance performance and cost.

PE backsheet films are vital for hygiene product performance. Whether prioritizing breathability or leak-proofing, selecting the right film ensures comfort, safety, and reliability.
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What is SAP in a Diaper?

In modern parenting, diapers are widely used in daily care for babies. In the core technology of diapers, an important ingredient is widely used, which is SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer). This article will introduce in depth the role, properties and application of SAP in diapers. Let us uncover the mystery of SAP in diapers!


What is SAP?
Super absorbent polymer (SAP) is a polymer compound with excellent water absorption performance. It is formed by introducing a cross-linking structure into the polymer chain. The characteristic of SAP is that it can absorb hundreds or even thousands of times its own weight in water and maintain the stability of its structure for a certain period of time.

Super absorbent polymer


The role of SAP
SAP plays a key role in diapers. It has the following important functions:
a. Absorbing urine: The main function of SAP is to absorb and fix urine. When urine contacts SAP, it quickly absorbs water and converts it into a gel-like substance, preventing urine from flowing back and effectively preventing leakage.
b. Reducing odor: SAP also helps reduce odor in diapers. It can capture harmful substances such as ammonia in urine, reduce the release of odor, and thus maintain a fresh environment around the baby.
c. Keep dry: SAP in diapers can quickly absorb moisture and lock it in the gel, effectively preventing the baby's skin from contacting urine for a long time, keeping the baby's skin dry, and reducing discomfort and rashes caused by moisture.


Properties of SAP

a. High water absorption: SAP is a material with extremely high water absorption. Due to its cross-linked structure, SAP can quickly absorb a large amount of water and maintain a gel state to prevent water from overflowing.
b. High stability: SAP can maintain the stability of its structure after absorbing water, and will not swell or decompose due to the large amount of water absorbed, thus ensuring the reliability and service life of diapers.
c. Safety: SAP is usually made of non-toxic and non-irritating materials and undergoes strict safety tests. Ensure that it is non-irritating to the baby's skin and meets relevant safety standards.


SAP application in diapers

SAP is widely used in the core part of diapers, usually in the absorbent layer of diapers. It exists in the inner layer of diapers in the form of particles or fluff. When the baby's urine contacts the surface of the diaper, SAP absorbs water and converts it into gel, quickly locking and fixing the urine. This design effectively maintains the baby's comfort and reduces the risk of leakage.

As an important component of diapers, SAP plays a role in comfort, dryness and reliability in the baby's life. Its high water absorption and stability ensure the absorption capacity and performance of diapers. At the same time, the safety of SAP also allows parents to use diapers with confidence and provide a better care experience for their babies. By understanding the role and properties of SAP, we can better understand and appreciate the progress of diaper technology and provide better protection for the growth of babies.


As a professional supplier of diaper raw materials, NISO can provide you with various brands of high-quality SAP for your choice. If you need any help, please contact us at info@qzniso.

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What is the super absorbent core material?

The dual-core body is made of a combination of core structure and wood pulp structure. It is not made of fluff pulp and polymer materials like wood pulp core and composite core. The dual-core body is made of non-woven fabrics, Dust-free paper and water-absorbent polymers are overlapped layer by layer in equal proportions, which effectively improves the water absorption speed of diapers and solves the problem that the wood pulp structure is prone to lumps and fractures.

Under the prefabrication technology, the water-absorbent polymers in the ultra-thin core are evenly distributed, making urine absorption and diffusion faster and more uniform; the reasonable matching ratio of polymers and non-woven fabrics makes the core thinner, more breathable, and more breathable in one fell swoop. It breaks through the defects of the previous two generations of thick cores, poor air permeability, easy faults, and lumps, as well as the relatively weak "absorption" performance of the glue core.

The refined layering technology of the ultra-thin composite core can effectively enhance the absorption capacity of the core. Each layer of polymer plays a role in absorption, conduction speed, absorption speed, diffusivity, and water-locking properties. The ultra-thin composite core has as many as 8 layers, 3 of which are evenly distributed water-absorbing polymers, with the content reaching more than 70%. After the core body absorbs urine, the ultra-high content of water-absorbent polymers can firmly lock in moisture and prevent reverse osmosis, allowing you to stay dry for a long time.


Although the number of layers of the ultra-thin composite core has increased, the core still maintains the characteristics of being light, soft, and breathable. Experimental data shows that the reverse osmosis value of traditional wood pulp cores is generally above 3g, while the reverse osmosis value of the fourth generation multi-layer core is less than 1g. At the same time, the core uses zoning technology, and the surface uses S-shaped breathable grooves, which reduces the contact between the skin and the diaper surface, leaving 2 breathable channels, which further improves the breathability of the core on the basis of being "light and thin" , light and not stuffy.

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What material is used in diapers?

Introduction:

Diapers are one of the essential products for modern parenting, providing babies with a comfortable and dry experience. However, to make a high-quality diaper, a variety of finely selected materials are needed. This article will introduce the key materials required for making diapers, including surface non-woven fabrics, acquisition layer, leg cuff, fluff core, backsheet film, elastic waistband, front tape, side tape, structure hot melt glue.



  Surface Non-woven Fabric

The surface non-woven fabric is the outer layer of the diaper, which is mainly used to contact the baby’s skin and has the characteristics of breathability, softness and comfort. Common surface non-woven fabrics include spunbond non-woven fabrics, perforated non-woven fabrics, hot air-through non-woven fabrics and embossed 3D non-woven fabrics.



  Acquisition Layer

The diversion layer is used to quickly absorb urine and disperse it throughout the diaper to keep the baby’s skin dry. Common diversion layer materials include hot air through non-woven fabrics and spunbond non-woven fabrics.



  Leg Cuff

The leg cuff is a key part of the diaper, used to prevent urine leakage. It is usually composed of water-repellent non-woven fabric and elastic waistban, providing a comfortable fit and reliable protection.



  Fluff Core

The core is the absorbent layer of the diaper, which is used to absorb urine and prevent backflow. It is composed of materials such as wood pulp, SAP (super absorbent polymer) and tissue paper to ensure that the baby stays dry for a long time.



  Backsheet Film

The backsheet film is the bottom layer of the diaper and plays a leak-proof role. Common backsheet film materials are PE film and compounded film, which are waterproof and effectively prevent urine penetration.



  Elastic Waistband

The elastic waistband in diapers is usually used for waist circumference and leg openings, providing good fit and leak-proof effect.



  Front Tape

The front tape is located at the front of the diaper and is used to adjust the waist size and fix the diaper. Common front tape materials include PP frontal tape,  Mechanical loop, Brushed loop, non woven loop



  Side Tape

The side tapes are used to adjust the leg circumference of the diaper. Common materials include PP side tape and velcro side tapes /  hook.



  Elastic Waistband

The elastic waistband of diapers provides a comfortable fit and maintains the stability of diapers. It is often made of elastic non-woven fabrics.



  Structural Hot Melt Glue

Structural adhesive plays a role in fixing and bonding different parts in the production process of diapers. Commonly used structural adhesives include rubber adhesive, urine-disclosing adhesive and composite adhesive.



Conclusion:

Manufacturing diapers requires the use of a variety of different materials, each with its own unique functions and characteristics. The correct selection and application of these materials can ensure the comfort, moisture absorption and leak-proofness of diapers. Through continuous research and development and innovation, diaper manufacturers are committed to providing better products to meet the needs of babies and parents.

  

  NISO is a professional raw materials supplier for baby diaper, adult diaper, feminine sanitary napkin,under pad and so on. Niso adheres to the spirit of "integrity, diligence, innovation and dedication", with the mission of "growing with you for a better life". Our goal is to become international top-tier supplier of raw materials of hygiene products through ongoing innovations and provision of premium products and services.

  If you have any question in diaper making, pls feel free to contact us!


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