From Crude Oil to Cost Transmission in Disposable Sanitary Products

As the flames of war burn in the Persian Gulf, the disposable hygiene products industry—including Shymoon breathable baby diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products—thousands of miles away from Iran, is enduring a silent cost shock.

The core raw materials of disposable hygiene products are almost entirely derived from petroleum. Nonwoven fabric (polypropylene PP) is used for the top sheet and back sheet, superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is key to the absorbent core, and hot melt adhesive is responsible for structural bonding and elastic fixation. According to Professor Dong Xiucheng from the University of International Business and Economics, these petroleum derivatives account for over 60% of the cost of sanitary napkins and cotton materials baby diapers.

Brent crude oil prices have surged from the $60–$70 range to over $110 per barrel, an increase of nearly 50%. What does this mean for the disposable hygiene products industry? According to industry experts, estimated price increases for various raw materials are as follows:

• Nonwoven fabric (PP): up 30%–35%

• Superabsorbent polymer (SAP): up 15%–20%

• Hot melt adhesive: up over 20%

• Overall cost: expected to rise by approximately 20%

On March 17, 2026, Henkel China, a world-renowned adhesive manufacturer, sent a letter to its customers announcing a 20% price increase on all products. Currently, due to force majeure caused by the war, the prices of polypropylene, polyethylene, and other plastic resins have been driven up, leading to increases in nonwoven fabric, PE film, polymer, and other material prices. The ex-factory prices of these factories have already risen by 10% to 15% compared to before, and they "must follow market conditions and quote based on material prices at the time of order placement."

What makes the situation even more challenging is that raw materials for sanitary napkins are considered "light and bulky cargo"—large in volume but light in weight, taking up significant warehouse space. This makes it difficult for factories to stockpile large quantities in response to price increases, leaving them with little buffer.

Another OEM factory in Quanzhou, Fujian, said: "Everyone's talking about price increases. For this batch of goods, the price was agreed upon and won't be adjusted, but it depends on how fast material prices rise. It's hard to say how long the price can be locked in."

Currently, our OEM brand baby diapers quotation is valid for 10 days. Considering that it typically takes 2 to 3 months for raw material price increases to be transmitted to end products, if you have plans to place an order, we recommend paying a deposit as soon as possible to lock in the price. Hongfutai is committed to getting through this difficult time together with you.