EDANA published a report on adult urinary incontinence on June 15, 2026, marking the start of World Continence Week. The report examines the benefits, costs and environmental impact of absorbent hygiene products. Its announcement distinguishes urge, stress and mixed incontinence, alongside functional incontinence associated with cognitive or mobility impairments, and cites an estimated 465 million affected adults worldwide.
The association describes costs arising from healthcare, reduced employment, absence from work and institutional care. It says up to 80% of people manage symptoms without consulting a clinician and argues that absorbent products support daily management, participation in work and quality of life. It points to public payment schemes in the UK, the Netherlands and Australia. On environmental impact, EDANA highlights lighter products using superabsorbent polymers and life-cycle assessments to guide resource efficiency. It also identifies exploratory work on mechanical separation, chemical recycling and anaerobic fermentation for used products. The announcement links to the full report.