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Curt G. Joa

A manufacturer of innovative hygiene converting machinery for 93 years, Curt G. Joa, Inc. offers a full machine portfolio across all major hygiene categories, including adult incontinence, baby care, feminine care as well as other specialty continuous web converting solution machines, kits and aftermarket solutions. By integrating technologies such as ARLS, zero-tension flying splice, ESC-8 and others, Joa produces innovative high-speed, high-quality and highly reliable equipment to support the product and production demands that today’s hygiene producers face.

Joa’s newest technologies are shaped by customer demands. When manufacturers face new and challenging product or feature requirements, they rely on Joa to develop a solution. “Our equipment innovations and technologies are focused on speed, reliability, efficiency and automation,” says David Schuette, R&D manager. “We assist our customers in delivering innovative, high-quality, cost-efficient products in a demanding industry to their customers.”

The disposable hygiene market continues to evolve, and the company closely monitors market and demographic trends to respond quickly. “This activity has positioned Joa to react to the industry changes and equip us to respond to the requests and needs of our customers and, in turn, the market demands,” says Keith Fischer, senior marketing manager.

According to Fischer, growth in the market is occurring globally, and hygiene manufacturers remain active with capital inquiries and investments, especially with innovative solutions that address market needs, production efficiencies and new product features.

Despite this growth, several market challenges remain. The industry faces pressures ranging from raw material changes and sustainability challenges, including increased demand for eco-friendly products, to the shortage of technical labor to fill production roles, Fischer adds. Joa is addressing these challenges by making its machines less complex for the operator, ensuring high-speed performance with more challenging materials and improving environmental impact by lowering energy costs. The company is also incorporating more innovation, advanced
processes and intelligent operations to lessen the load and
burden on customers.

Looking ahead, the challenging labor market and the increasing use of natural materials in disposable hygiene products are expected to significantly influence machinery design. According to Schuette, these factors are driving Joa to rethink the human-machine interface, creating smart machines for entry-level and less technical operators, and developing new methods and processes to meet new product design requirements.

“Just as manufacturers are investing in the changing demands of the market, Curt G. Joa is also investing in optimizing our machine offerings, integrating innovations to advance process and feature construction, investing in efficiencies for higher production rates and lowerinh scrap, and optimizing machine operations to best serve our customers and all hygiene product manufacturers,” Fischer says.

www.joa.com 

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GDM

A key focus for GDM, a provider of hygiene machinery for baby, adult and female care products, is on further enhancing the efficiency and versatility of existing platforms, so customers can extract more value from their installed base. One recent result of this approach is UP+, GDM’s new underpad solution, conceived to make underpad production more cost-effective while supporting higher product performance. UP+ offers a compact and flexible way to manage this category, helping producers remain competitive without adding unnecessary complexity to their operations.

In parallel, GDM is collaborating with Yangi, a pioneer in dry forming fiber technology. Yangi has developed a dry fiber forming process designed to produce next‑generation fiber-based solutions with waterless processing and reduced energy use. As Yangi’s industrial partner, GDM brings its expertise in converting machinery design and industrialization to support the scale-up of this technology. While the first applications are in the packaging field, the know-how being developed around dry forming, fiber handling and more sustainable processes is also highly relevant for future innovation in disposable hygiene.

In the hygiene industry, product innovation remains a critical priority for manufacturers striving to meet evolving consumer demands, according to Marco Priori, GDM’s head of Marketing and Business. GDM’s strategic focus on premiumization enables its customers to achieve a distinct and competitive market position by offering products with advanced features that address both performance and user satisfaction.

At the same time, economic sustainability is increasingly central to investment decisions. “Producers are looking for technologies that balance cutting-edge innovation with cost efficiency, delivering better products at a lower total product cost,” Priori explains.

GDM’s latest solutions are designed around this dual objective: higher line efficiency, reduced waste, more effective material utilization and faster, more flexible changeovers all contribute to optimizing unit cost, while enabling the introduction of new features and designs.

Advanced digital solutions further empower customers to unlock the full potential of these technologies. “By supporting production with data-driven insights and simplifying day-to-day line management, GDM’s digital ecosystem helps streamline processes and reduce the learning curve for operators, fostering operational excellence in real manufacturing environments,” he says.

Meanwhile, a broad portfolio of upgrades and kits—also applicable to non GDM machinery—allows manufacturers to introduce premium features and extend the lifespan of existing assets. In this way, technological evolution becomes a gradual and sustainable journey rather than a one-time step change.

According to Priori, the hygiene machinery market remains highly competitive, with a limited number of global players working to differentiate through innovation and breadth of offering. At the same time, the industry faces several structural challenges: instability and globalization of production flows, growing pressure on final product prices due to inflation and trade measures such as new tariffs, and rising complexity in product design as expectations on fit, comfort and discretion increase.

GDM addresses these dynamics on multiple fronts. First, by working on capex optimization and flexible technological solutions. In new or fast-developing markets, the company provides robust lines that support industrialization and capacity ramp-up. In mature markets, advanced, upgradable platforms enable the production of innovative, high performance and premium products. At the same time, GDM emphasizes efficiency and premiumization together, helping customers deliver more sophisticated products without losing control over product cost. Finally, complementing machinery with digital tools and services makes it easier for manufacturers to maintain high performance over time and react quickly when operating conditions change.

In emerging regions, where population growth and increasing attention to childcare, particularly in the baby diaper segment, drive demand, geopolitical and economic fluctuations can make it difficult to commit to new lines. In mature markets, by contrast, there is a clear preference for high speed solutions and premium products with advanced features, Priori says.

The disposable hygiene market remains dynamic, but investment patterns are becoming more selective and guided by clear strategic priorities, he adds. “Many manufacturers are focusing on upgrades to renew their products, improve efficiency and maximize output from existing lines, often achieving significant gains without immediately adding new assets. Economic sustainability plays a central role here: companies want to upgrade and modernize their portfolios while maintaining a strong cost structure.”

New lines, however, are still being installed where demographics, category penetration or product expectations justify fresh capacity or new capabilities. In Latin America, for example, Priori says there is a visible push toward improved product quality and performance, which frequently requires both upgrades and new technological modules. In North America and Europe, particularly in the adult incontinence segment, investments are more oriented toward premium, higher‑value products and line upgrades that support advanced features, better discretion and higher comfort.

In parts of Africa, new customers and newcomers are entering the category, generating demand for reliable, straightforward machinery that can support early industrialization and then scale as markets grow. “In all these regions, the ability to match technology level and investment profile to market maturity—rather than applying a ‘one size fits all’ model—is becoming a key differentiator for machinery suppliers,” he says.

www.gdm-spa.com 

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Angelini Technologies – Fameccanica

The disposable hygiene market is showing a dual trend: mature demand in developed economies alongside rapid growth in emerging regions, according to hygiene machinery supplier Angelini Technologies – Fameccanica. Overall, the company says investment in new production capacity and technology continues to be robust.

The Middle East & Africa (MEA), Latin America and India regions are experiencing strong growth across all product categories, driven by rising awareness, improving living standards and increasing penetration of hygiene products.

Western countries, such as Europe and the U.S., are facing demographic changes—particularly an aging population—fueling steady growth in the adult incontinence and light incontinence segments, where demand for discreet, high-performance products continues to rise. On the other side, in these markets, baby and feminine categories remain stable but healthy in terms of volumes.

To address the full spectrum of customer and product needs across major hygiene segments, Angelini Technologies – Fameccanica offers a comprehensive machinery portfolio.

In the baby care sector, the company offers diaper and pants production lines that span the mid to high range, with a strong focus on enhancing productivity and efficiency. “Thanks to the innovative BAPER11 platform—one of the highest-output solutions on the market—we ensure consistently high product quality,” says Rossella D’Onofrio, marketing manager at Angelini Technologies – Fameccanica.

In the adult incontinence segment, for both open and pant products, the company offers platforms capable of manufacturing a wide variety of formats, ranging from discreet, everyday protection to larger solutions designed for heavy incontinence.

In the feminine hygiene and light incontinence segment, the company offers versatile LANA and LALI platforms covering everything from panty liners to light-inco products. Their design enables quick changeovers and smooth integration of new features, ensuring continuous alignment with market trends and consistent product quality.

A major recent advancement now available on the market is the introduction of Hyper Core Technology—an innovative core-forming system that removes the need for traditional fluff while preserving excellent comfort, discretion and absorbency. This solution offers substantial advantages in both logistics and sustainability, according to D’Onofrio. “By removing fluff from the equation, risks linked to its supply and processing are reduced,” she says. 

Another important milestone achieved was the successful development of in-line Transformation Processes, such as 3D nonwoven integration and in-line perforation. “These solutions enable product differentiation and cross-category innovation; they also enhance flexibility, helping manufacturers reduce costs, optimize material use and speed up time-to-market,” she explains.

Moreover, recent advancements in process technology have introduced solutions designed to operate with minimal human intervention, focusing on reducing errors and optimizing production workflows. These innovations effectively tackle challenges such as labor shortages, increasing operational costs, and the inefficiencies of repetitive manual tasks.

“Fameccanica has always placed innovation at the heart of its strategy, investing continuously in the development of solutions that directly respond to evolving customer demands,” says D’Onofrio.

The disposable hygiene industry faces a complex mix of technical, economic and regulatory challenges. One main challenge is the growing demand for thinner and lighter materials, combined with the need for process stability. Manufacturers must ensure these materials are able to be processed efficiently without compromising performance. To meet this need, Angelini Technologies – Fameccanica has invested in multiple R&D testing platforms to evaluate innovative and eco-friendly raw materials, guaranteeing full compatibility with next-generation solutions.

Another challenge lies in highly competitive mature markets, where labor shortages are accelerating the need for advanced automation. The company is therefore focusing on sophisticated automation technologies to minimize manual intervention and maximize equipment efficiency.

Among the key trends shaping the future of the market, product customization and flexibility emerge as top priorities. As SKUs continue to grow and consumer preferences diversify, manufacturers are seeking machinery that allows rapid changeovers, personalized production, and short runs — all without sacrificing efficiency.

Another major trend is the focus on sustainability. Reducing plastic content in both products and packaging remains essential. As regional regulations differ, manufacturers need flexible production solutions capable of handling multiple product designs and material alternatives.

Finally, automation and digitalization continue their unstoppable evolution. Smart factories, real-time data management and fully automated production lines are becoming increasingly important, especially in mature markets where efficiency, consistency and process optimization are critical.

“These megatrends are directly shaping Angelini Technologies – Fameccanica’s roadmap, which is centered around sustainable manufacturing, intelligent automation and highly adaptable machinery platforms,” D’Onofrio concludes.

www.fameccanica.com 

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Andritz Diatec

According to hygiene machinery supplier Andritz Diatec, the disposable hygiene products market is experiencing steady growth globally. This growth is driven by rising hygiene awareness, urbanization and demographic trends such as aging populations and demand for baby care products in developing regions. 

Sustainability is a major priority, with manufacturers and consumers focusing on biodegradable and bio-based materials, as well as innovations such as hypoallergenic and plant-based diapers and even smart IoT-enabled products for premium segments. 

Leonardo Poggiogalle, sales director at Andritz Diatec, as part of Andritz Nonwoven & Textile, says companies are still investing in new converting lines and upgrades, particularly for high-speed, flexible and sustainable production. “These investments include technologies that reduce waste, enable quick size changes and support bio-based or recyclable products, with automation and digitalization as key priorities.”

According to the company, Asia-Pacific leads the market with an above-average share driven by population growth and rising incomes in China, India and Southeast Asia. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa show strong potential due to improving affordability and policy support, while North America remains focused on premium and sustainable products and Europe emphasizes compliance with strict sustainability regulations and circular economy initiatives.

The newest technologies from Andritz Diatec are designed to meet evolving customer demands for flexibility, sustainability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. “With a strong focus on research and development, Andritz continuously invests in new technologies while fostering joint developments with customers and industry partners,” says Poggiogalle. “This collaborative approach extends to supporting start-ups and companies targeting medium-capacity production, ensuring tailored solutions that accelerate market entry and growth.”

Andritz meets these requirements with converting lines that feature minimal waste, modular machine design, advanced robotics and automation and flexible retrofitting options to adapt to changing needs. 

Recent developments from the company include a comprehensive recycling process for absorbent hygiene products to tackle post-industrial waste from diaper production and the creation of a bio-based baby diaper concept in collaboration with industry partners. 

Looking ahead, several trends are expected to have the biggest impact on the hygiene industry. Sustainability will remain the dominant driver, with companies accelerating the shift toward biodegradable materials, bio-based components and circular economy practices such as post-industrial recycling. This is reinforced by regulatory pressure and consumer demand for eco-friendly products, Poggiogalle explains.

Meanwhile, digitalization and automation will continue to transform production processes, enabling higher efficiency, reduced waste and faster size changes while lowering operational costs. “Smart technologies, including IoT-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance, will improve quality control and optimize line performance,” he adds.

Customization is another key trend, as brands seek to differentiate through tailored product designs for specific consumer needs, such as ultra-thin diapers, breathable materials and gender-specific solutions. 

Additionally, demographic changes will influence product portfolios, with aging populations driving growth in adult incontinence products and emerging markets fueling demand for baby care items. 

Finally, consumer expectations for comfort, skin health and transparency will push innovation in materials and product safety, while sustainability credentials increasingly become a brand differentiator.

“From Andritz’s perspective, the hygiene market is evolving rapidly, and our position as a technology and service supplier focuses on sustainability, efficiency and customer-centric innovation,” Poggiogalle says. “Andritz, as a group, emphasizes its role in driving the green transition by offering solutions that combine ecological and economic benefits. This includes advanced converting lines for baby, adult and femcare products, as well as integrated recycling systems for post-industrial waste to support circularity.”

www.andritz.com/diatec 

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BW Converting

According to hygiene machinery manufacturer BW Converting, hygiene companies continue to invest, particularly in light and heavy incontinence lines. As these products become increasingly specialized to meet different gender, body-size and incontinence needs of the user, that specialization also drives customization of the production lines, says Andrea Allar, product manager, Personal Care Solutions, BW Converting.

“Investments are not only focusing on capacity growth, but also on remaining competitive in this specialized market,” Allar explains. “Old lines from the early times of incontinence production are replaced by new ones, to keep pace with evolving market needs.”

Additionally, the underpad market has become a dynamic field of investment, driven not only by growth in incontinence but also by increased premiumization and customization of the final product.

BW Converting’s new generation of drumformer, launched with W+D’s AURA-UP underpad machine, consumes around 70% less energy, while offering a core quality so equal and homogeneous that customers can even reduce the core weight. “This combination of energy saving, product-cost saving and perfect product quality is a step-change in this market,” Allar says.

In addition to developing a range of machines for incontinence products, the company also specializes in machinery for baby care and menstrual care products within the hygiene industry.

As demand grows for eco-friendly products, new sustainable raw materials pose challenges for high-speed production lines. To address this, BW Converting works closely with leading raw material suppliers to adapt its machines to these new materials and to develop upgrades to keep customers’ existing lines competitive.

Another challenge in the industry is the shortage of skilled operators as the market expands and baby boomers begin to retire. The company is helping customers address this with highly automated machines, easy size changes, intensive training, AI-supported predictive maintenance, remote assistance and inline quality control.

Allar notes that broader market dynamics are also shaping the investment landscape. “While several consolidations in the past years resulted in a surplus supply of used machines in the market, recent acquisitions of major players—such as in the menstrual care segment—will hopefully drive both product innovation and investments in new machine generations,” Allar concludes. 

www.bwconverting.com