Medical superabsorbent polymers market to cross US$ 190 mln by end of decade

The global medical superabsorbent polymers market was valued at US$96 mln in 2013 and is anticipated to reach US$192.2 mln by 2020, expanding at a CAGR of7.5% between 2014 and 2020, as per Transparency Market Research. Increasing number of accidents, chronic wounds and surgeries has led to growing awareness regarding health and hygiene among the people. People are availing expensive surgeries and medical treatments, due to rising disposable income. These factors are likely to drive demand for medical products such as wound dressings, surgical pads, and bandages. This, in turn, would boost the medical superabsorbent polymers market. High absorbency and water retention properties of superabsorbent polymers play an important role in various applications in the medical industry. Medical superabsorbent polymers in wound care dressings absorbexudates, prevent infection and boost the healing process. Superabsorbent polymers are one of the key raw materials in the manufacture of woven as well as nonwoven wound care products. Woven and nonwoven fabrics are used in the manufacture of products such as medical gauzes, sponges, healing patches, wound dressings, and surgical tapes. These products are further used in traditional and advanced wound care technologies. However, nonwoven products are employed in advanced treatments or advanced surgeries, as these offer benefits such as high absorption of exudates and faster healing of wounds. Nonwoven products accounted for more than 70% share of the global medical superabsorbent polymers market in 2013. The segment is estimated to gain market share during the forecast period. Wound care has been contributing significantly to the growth of the medical superabsorbent polymers market. The wound care market is segmented into traditional and advanced wound care dressings or products. Traditional wound dressings are used for minor wounds, while advanced wound care products are used for major surgeries, wounds, and pressure ulcers. Advanced wound care products are preferred over traditional wound care products, as these products boost the healing process, are odor free, and easy to handle. Advanced wound care segment accounted for over 35% share of the global market in 2013. The segment is estimated to expand in the near future. The others segment (including surgical pads) is also projected to boost demand for medical superabsorbent polymers in the near future. Technologies used in the manufacture of nonwoven products for wound dressings include airlaid and others (comprising spunbond and meltblown technologies). Airlaid technology accounted for more than 20% of the global medical superabsorbent polymers market share in 2013. Demand for airlaid technology in the manufacture of nonwoven products is increasing, as it offers benefits such as availability of biodegradable raw materials, sustainability, and lower price. Wet-laid technology, carded technology and laminated technology contribute to the growth of the rest of the market.