Industry Status
Fuburg and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in the manufacturing and sales of paper-based sanitary products such as adult and baby diapers, wet wipes, and other hygiene products. These products are essential daily necessities and offer advantages such as disposable use, no need for washing, and convenience. With the increase in national income, improvement of living standards, and the formation of good hygiene habits, there is a steady trend of increasing demand for these products.
A.Series for Adult Nursing and Care
In 1985, Fuburg pioneered the introduction of adult diapers to the domestic market, marking a significant milestone as the first in the country. As the population continues to age, elderly welfare has gained prominence. Industries catering to the elderly, such as senior homes and assisted living facilities, have rapidly expanded. Consequently, products targeting the senior demographic have become a focus for manufacturers.
Due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly, the number of individuals experiencing incontinence is also rising. According to the Health Promotion Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 77.1% of middle-aged and elderly people over the age of 54 suffer from at least one chronic disease. Among them, approximately 31.2% have been limited in their activities for more than six months due to health problems.
According to statistics from the Taiwan Paper Industry Association, the total sales of adult diapers in 2023 amounted to approximately 553 million pieces, a decrease of 4.3% compared to the previous year. Domestic sales grew by 3.2%, while exports decreased by 43.1%.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the elderly population aged 65 and above in Taiwan totaled 4.297 million by the end of 2023, an increase of 5.2% compared to 2022. The domestic market demand for adult diaper products remains on the rise.
Both underpads and diapers are designed to complement the use of adult diapers (cloth) for comprehensive incontinence protection. As the demand for adult diapers grows, the market for these products has also expanded significantly. Underpads, in addition to catering to adults, can also serve as hygiene solutions for pregnant women and infants’ mattress protection.
Responding to consumers’ positive perspective on urinary incontinence issues, there has been a gradual increase in demand for light urinary incontinence products. The demand for rehabilitation pants, active underwear, and incontinence pads has been steadily rising, reaching a market share equivalent to that of adult diapers in terms of sales volume.
B.The market for baby diapers and wet wipes by Fuburg Corporation.
Diapers are essential products for every newborn baby. However, the domestic birth rate has been declining year by year. According to statistics from the Ministry of the Interior, the number of newborns in Taiwan in 2023 was approximately 135,600, a decrease of 2.4% compared to 2022. Although baby diapers are considered a mature product, with many brands competing fiercely in the market, the trend of declining birth rates has led to an increased willingness among parents to spend on their children. As a result, manufacturers are focusing on highlighting the advantages of their products, such as ultra-thin designs, breathability, wetness indicators, superior absorbency, and ease of movement, to appeal to parents.
Wet wipes products are undergoing innovative development in terms of target users, packaging, materials, formulas, and functions. New composite materials are being introduced to enhance surface texture and dirt absorption capabilities. The target users of wet wipes are expanding beyond adult care and baby care to include antibacterial products, as well as venturing into areas such as pet wipes and household cleaning wipes. This broadening of the user base is contributing to increased sales performance for wet wipes products.
C. Eco-Friendly Material Products
In response to the public’s growing concern for environmental issues, product development is also incorporating eco-friendly materials in design. For instance, the use of wood pulp for flushable wet wipes and the introduction of environmentally friendly and reduced-plastic adult diapers. By offering products that contribute to environmental conservation, the company is fulfilling its social responsibility and making efforts to protect the planet.
D. Pet Products
In contrast to the continuous decline in the number of newborns, the number of pets being raised in Taiwan has been increasing year by year. According to data from the Council of Agriculture, the number of registered pets grew from 1.227 million in 2017 to 3 million in 2023, with an estimated increase to 4 million by 2025. According to statistics from the Ministry of Finance, the sales revenue of the pet-related industry has seen significant growth in recent years, increasing from NT$26.58 billion in 2018 to NT$38.73 billion in 2022, an approximate growth of 45.7%.
E. Other
Fuburg also has ongoing new product development projects for other women’s products, medical and healthcare products, etc. With the growing emphasis on healthcare and the increasing demand for over-the-counter medical and beauty products, the market holds significant development potential.
The new product and service under development plan.