The disposable hygiene industry is facing a broader set of challenges in 2026. Product performance remains important, but manufacturers and buyers are also paying closer attention to materials, regulation, sustainability and changing consumer needs.
These topics will be discussed at OUTLOOK 2026, EDANA's international conference for the absorbent hygiene and wipes industry, taking place in Cascais, Portugal, from September 22–24.
For private-label buyers, several of these changes are already affecting product sourcing and development.
Adult Incontinence Is Becoming More Important
Demographic change is increasing the importance of adult incontinence products.
Adult diapers, pull-up pants, underpads and incontinence pads have different requirements for absorbency, fit, leakage protection and comfort. Buyers therefore need to consider the intended user and application rather than treating adult care as simply a larger version of baby care.
For example, a pull-up designed for active users may require a different structure from a high-absorbency adult diaper intended for overnight use.
Materials and Regulations Need More Attention
EDANA also points to changes in European rules covering packaging, product safety, single-use products and end-of-life considerations. These developments are influencing how hygiene companies approach product design and material selection.
For OEM and private-label projects, the destination market should therefore be considered early.
A product developed for Europe may have different documentation, packaging or material requirements from one intended for another region.
The same principle applies to baby diapers, feminine hygiene products and wet wipes.
Wet Wipes Are Changing Too
Wet wipes are another area receiving more attention, particularly around fibre selection, labelling, flushability and disposal.
For buyers, specifications such as fabric weight and wipe size tell only part of the story. Fibre composition, wet strength, softness, liquid retention and lotion formulation can also affect the finished product.
A baby wipe and a personal-care wipe do not necessarily need the same material structure.
What This Means for Private-Label Buyers
The main lesson from the current industry discussion is simple: there is no single hygiene product specification suitable for every market.
Before requesting samples, buyers should ideally define:
Target country and sales channel
Required performance and absorbency
Material preferences
Target price
Packaging requirements
Testing or compliance requirements
A clear specification makes it easier to compare samples and quotations from different manufacturers.
Developing Hygiene Products for Different Markets
Lechen Personal Care works with brands, importers and distributors on OEM and private-label baby care, adult care, feminine care and wet wipes.
Product specifications can be discussed according to the target market, including materials, absorbent structure, sizes and packaging.
The issues surrounding OUTLOOK 2026 show how hygiene sourcing is changing. Performance remains fundamental, but materials, compliance, cost and target-market requirements are becoming equally important parts of product development.
Source: Nonwovens News, September 2, 2026.