Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials: Introduction
- Global population has been rising at a considerable pace. This is driving the need for personal hygiene products. High population growth has increased the pressure on the environment, thus threatening food security and environmental sustainability.
- Super absorbers are water-insoluble, cross-linked polymers that absorb large amounts of aqueous liquids, especially body fluids such as urine or blood. Super absorbers are produced through radical polymerization of acid-group-bearing partially neutralized monomers in the presence of crosslinking agents. Superabsorbent polymers are extensively used in sanitary articles, such as baby diapers, incontinence products, and sanitary napkins, due to their beneficial properties. Increase in environmental awareness has encouraged manufacturers to develop sustainable and bio-based superabsorbent materials.
Key Drivers and Restraints of Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market
- Production of green products is a major trend in the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market. Manufacturers of biodegradable superabsorbent materials are increasing their focus on developing products that have less detrimental impact on the environment.
- New environmentally friendly technologies are emerging in order to save production cost of biodegradable superabsorbent materials. Companies are focusing on developing new and innovative biodegradable superabsorbent materials to help retain water for agricultural applications.
- High cost of equipment, difficultly in maintenance, and high power pose a threat to the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market. Upgrade and construction of a biodegradable superabsorbent material manufacturing plant is capital intensive. This is likely to restrain the market.
Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials: Product Segment
- In terms of product, the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market can be segmented into polyvinyl alcohol, polysaccharides, polyitaconic acid, and polypeptide
- The polyvinyl alcohol segment is expected to account for significant share of the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market during the forecast period. It is anticipated to witness growth owing to its excellent water retention abilities. This is expected to boost its liquid absorption applications such as baby diapers and adult incontinence products.
- Penetration of the polysaccharides segment is likely to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period, due to their ability to form hydrogels by physical or chemical crosslinking
Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials: Application Segment
- In terms of application, the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market can be segmented into baby diapers, disposable diapers, feminine hygiene, agriculture, medical, and others
- The disposable diapers segment is estimated to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period owing to the increase in population in developing countries. It is projected to be followed by the feminine hygiene segment.
- The agriculture segment is likely to expand at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period
Covid-19 Impact on Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market
- On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Originating in China, the virus has spread to at least 214 countries and territories around the world.
- Several governments and private sector businesses are operating at a limited capacity or have ceased operations completely due to recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic
- Manufacture of various consumer goods and other products across the globe has come to a halt due to the unavailability of raw materials, shortage of labor, etc. This is expected to hamper the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market.
Asia Pacific to Dominate Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market
- In terms of region, the global biodegradable superabsorbent materials market can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa
- Asia Pacific dominated the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market in 2020. This trend is anticipated to continue during the forecast period. This can be ascribed to the high investment in the development of biodegradable superabsorbent materials.
- Countries in Europe such as Germany, France, Sweden, and the U.K. are increasing investments in research & development of better biodegradable superabsorbent materials. This is driving the market in the region.
- The biodegradable superabsorbent materials market in Middle East & Africa is anticipated to expand in the near future. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar have invested significantly in biodegradable superabsorbent materials for the development of infrastructure.
- Biodegradable superabsorbent materials are utilized significantly in Middle East & Africa owing to their superior absorption rate, biodegradability, and biocompatibility with the human skin
Key Manufacturers Operating in Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market
The biodegradable superabsorbent materials market was consolidated in 2020. Major players have prominent presence in developed and developing countries. Key manufacturers operating in the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market include:
- Zeel Product
- Lubrizol
- CP Kelco
- SNF Group
- Chinafloc
- TryEco LLC
- Nuoer Chemical Australia Pty Ltd
- JRM Chemical Inc
- Exotech Bio Solutions Ltd.
- Itaconix Corporation
- Archer Daniels Midland Company
Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market: Research Scope
Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market, by Product
- Polyvinyl Alcohol
- Polysaccharides
- Polyitaconic Acid
- Polypeptide Cetane Improvers
Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market, by Application
- Baby Diapers
- Disposable Diapers
- Feminine Hygiene
- Agriculture
- Medical
- Others
Global Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market, by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia & CIS
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
