Sanitary Product Manufacturing in the UK - Market Research Report

Spilling over: Price competition is driving both industry revenue and profit down

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.

The Sanitary Product Manufacturing industry is challenged by companies restructuring their operations and moving production overseas to take advantage of lower production costs. Stronger brands face competition from low-cost alternatives and higher input costs, putting pressure on prices and squeezing profitability. Despite a temporary surge in sales toilet paper, tissues and other personal-care items when COVID-19 hit (UK consumers stockpiled goods as they feared shortages), revenue dipped in 2020-21, with lockdown measures cutting into demand from businesses. Industry revenue will fall at a compound annual rate of 1.6% over the five years through 2022-23 to £2.7 billion, including a 3.5% drop in 2022-23. Industry operators convert sanitary paper stock, wadding, pulp or paper into sanitary products such as toilet paper, facial tissues, handkerchiefs, table napkins, kitchen towels, disposable nappies, sanitary towels and tampons. The final products are sold to wholesalers for distribution, straight to retailers or directly to large commercial customers.