The personal care market: Innovation meets opportunity

The personal care market continues to be a dynamic and expanding sector. As of 2024, the global market size is estimated at €91.4 billion, with a projected CAGR of +7% through 2029, according to Euromonitor. This growth spans across categories such as baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene, driven by demographic shifts, rising disposable incomes, and increasing demand for personalized, sustainable solutions.

Regional trends in the disposable hygiene market show growth driven by population-heavy countries. Southeast Asia leads in baby pants and sanitary napkins, Africa remains key for baby open diapers due to its young population, and North America and China see strong gains in adult incontinence products amid aging demographics and changing attitudes. These trends highlight how demographics and preferences are shaping global market opportunities.

Today's consumers expect products tailored to their unique needs—age, weight, gender, and lifestyle. This has led brands to launch sub-brands featuring innovative absorbent substrates and customized designs. The rise of short- to medium-run customization, seasonal promotions, and versioning has created a demand for greater manufacturing flexibility and creative freedom.

Converters are seeking reliable, high-speed digital print systems that can integrate seamlessly with existing production lines. Traditional drop-on-demand systems have struggled with uptime and startup performance, leaving a gap in the market for more agile solutions.

Kodak's PROSPER Imprinting Systems offer a breakthrough in digital printing for disposable hygiene applications. These systems deliver:

• Inline integration with flexographic and OEM equipment
• High-resolution, durable print on non-woven substrates
• Lower total cost of ownership compared to traditional flexo
• Eco-friendly water-based EKTACOLOR Inks safe for direct skin contact

Kodak's nanoparticulate pigment inks provide a larger color gamut, enabling better brand color matching with four-color inks. EKTACOLOR Inks are not only market-tested for safety, but also support sustainability goals by reducing waste and energy use.

Kodak collaborates with OEMs and press manufacturers to support printing on breathable films and non-woven substrates. These partnerships enable in-line integration and scalable solutions for converters and brands alike.

Whether integrating PROSPER Imprinting Systems into existing lines or installing a complete digital solution, Kodak empowers personal hygiene brands to:

• Launch customized products faster
• Conduct market testing and prototyping with ease
• Execute seasonal promotions and versioned content without compromising quality
• Achieve fast ROI—many customers report payback within 12 months

By leveraging Kodak's advanced ink technologies and collaborative approach, personal hygiene brands can achieve flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability in their printing operations. The ongoing innovation and commitment to quality, ensures that businesses remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market, delivering products that meet both consumer expectations and environmental standards.