Here are some of the
more frequent questions which we have been asked about the manufacture
of diapers and napkins. We have been as accurate as possible with our
responses, but some of the questions depend on so many variables that
we have only been able to give rough guidelines.
- How much do Diaper and Napkin machines
cost?
- What production efficiency should I expect
from a Baby Diaper machine?
- What size of factory is required for
Diaper and Sanitary Napkin manufacturing?
- Where do I source the raw materials?
- How do we decide the most cost effective
product for our market?
- Where would I find more general information
about Disposable Baby Diapers and their history.
How much do Diaper and Sanitary Napkin machines cost?
There is a huge range of
pricing for both of these types of machines, depending on the product
structure, product features and machine speed.
The common range of prices
for diaper machines would be from $500,000 to $3,000,000. You
can pay more. Second hand machines are often available, and would
range from $300,000 to $1,000,000.
Sanitary napkin machines
range from $100,000 to $1,200,000. The lower priced being slow and inflexible
machines for a simple product. The lowest priced European machine cost
circa $400,000.
What production efficiency should I expect from a baby diaper machine?
The industry average would be an efficiency of 70% to 85%, with a waste
figure of between 2% and 6%. There is also a percentage of seconds,
which will vary greatly depending on the machine set-up, the pack size
and the skill of the operators. Figures between 4% and 10% are common.
What size of factory is required for a napkin or diaper machine?
The length of napkin machines
varies greatly, some of the more compact models are less than 8 metres
long. An average length of machine of 15metres would be a good guideline.
The common diaper machine would vary from 25 to 40 metres long.
More critical to the
decision on space is the storage area required for the finished product
and raw materials. These are both bulky, and normally occupy at least
2/3rds of the final factory area.
Where do I source the raw materials?
This is a truly international industry, with Raw Materials gathered
from all over the world. A good place to meet the suppliers is at the
Nonwoven Exhibitions which are held annually in three different parts
of the world.
The last European exhibition, Index, was held in 2005. The Asian exhibition,
ANEX, was held in Tokyo in 2006 and the IDEA exhibition was held in
the Miami Beach Convention Centre in Florida in 2007. So this year,
in 2008 the Index exhibition again returns to Geneva for the period
April 15-18.
How do we decide the most cost effective diapers or napkins for our
market?
This is an iterative decision making process. Starting with a very
clear idea of the product that will sell best in your market, we will
then find the machine that can manufacture that product. Based
on the cost of financing the machine and the cost of raw materials,
we will provide you with a clear view of the feasibility of the project.
It may take several attempts before a satisfactory conclusion is reached.
Disposables Consultancy Service specialises in this feasibility study.
Where would I find more general information about Disposable
Baby Diapers and their history
There are many branded sites available, such as those
for Pampers and Huggies. One of the best sites available
for general information is that run by Carlos Richer.
Websites and magazines that often report on issues related
to disposable products and their raw materials are :
Nonwovens Industry : www.nonwovens-industry.com
Nonwovens World: www.marketingtechnologyservice.com
Nonwovens.com: www.nonwovens.com
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Revised:
January, 2008