Superabsorbent polymers: A Brief Introduction
Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), often referred as slush powder, are polymers that absorb large amounts of liquid, generally an aqueous solution, relative to their own mass. Water-absorbing polymers in chemical terms are called hydro gels that absorb aqueous solutions through hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Because of this absorbing property, SAPs are widely used in various industries and give way to hundreds of products. Candles, composites and laminates, waste water treatments, controlled release of insecticides and herbicides, are a few of its uses among many others. But one industry that has really grown over the years and has created a huge market is baby diapers industry.
Baby Diapers Market
Reasons for rapid growth- The augmenting awareness about hygiene is the major growth factor for this market. Additionally, growing birth rate, urbanization, increasing purchasing power and increased convenience over cloth diapers have catapulted the growth of this industry in the emerging economies. The major challenge to this industry is the environmental effect of the disposable diapers which take 500 years to decompose.
The current market- Baby diapers industry has the largest share in global super absorbent polymer market. During 2013, baby diapers’ sector accounted for the largest market share of the global market capturing more than half of the market.
Browse the full report on “Global Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Research Report - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2021”
http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/47-superabsorbent-polymers-market-report
Major Market Players
Libero- Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget’s Libero brand manufactures open diapers (Baby Soft, Comfort fit), and pant diapers in different sizes. The company uses skin friendly natural materials to add to its sustainable approach.
Drypers - Drypers baby diapers come in different versions: Drypers Classic, Drypers Wee Wee Dry, Drypers Drynight, Drypers DryPantz, Drypers ClassicPantz . These diapers use Flexi-Tape™ which is easy –to-fasten and allows multiple refastening
Pequeñin - Pequeñin offers baby diapers, wet wipes, baby lotions and other baby care products within four different product lines: Recién nacido for newborn babies, premium line Natural, value line -extra Confort Plus and educational hygiene line Fres-Kids.
Seventh Generation - This American Company sells plant based care and cleaning products. It keeps environment in mind and mostly makes good use of recycled products. Its baby diapers have created a niche market across the globe. The diapers are not processed with chlorine and are free of fragrances, inks, & petroleum-based lotions. Its diapers are available in various sizes – Free & Clear Training pants, Baby Diapers and Overnight Diapers
Hengan International- Hengan International Group Company Limited is the largest producer of sanitary napkins and baby diapers in China. It produces sanitary napkin products, disposable baby diapers, adult diapers and other personal hygiene products. It sells diapers under the brand Anerle - Anerle zero sense thin silk (diapers), Anerle super suction baby diapers, Anerle twisting, stretch pants. Its Q-MO brand provides high end night diapers.
The Market Forecast
The demand for super absorbent polymer is profound from the industries manufacturing baby diapers across the globe. The revenue for global superabsorbent polymers (SAP) is foreseen to reach US$ 8.6 billion by 2021.Baby diapers industry in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly at a higher CAGR as compared to the other regions, namely North America and Europe. With its perfect population mix China is foreseen to lead the global SAP market in near future. The industry is also heading towards bio-based superabsorbent polymers – which are non- toxic, hypoallergenic and above all are made from renewable resources.
