The global market for polymer sorbent technology, worth US$3.8 bln in 2007, is expected to increase to US$4.2 bln in 2008. By 2013, the market is expected to be worth over US$7 bln recording a compounded annual growth rate of 11 %, as per a report by BCC Research. Growth of polymer sorbents, used in manufacture of baby and toddler diapers, feminine napkins, and adult incontinence pads, is on the rise. Consumption and revenue are being propelled by growth of the consumer/personal hygiene segment.
In 2008 almost 72.0% of global revenues, corresponding to approximately US$3 bln, will be generated by the consumer applications segment. Applications for life sciences will represent the second largest segment in 2008, with total revenues of US$555 mln or 13.3% of the total market. By weight, a total of 1.45 mln tons of polymer sorbents was produced in 2006, increasing to 1.53 mln tons in 2007, and reaching an estimated 1.62 mln tons by the end of 2008. This is expected to reach 1.97 million tonnes by the end of 2013, a growth rate of 4.1% annually.
Rising feedstock prices have caused consumption to rise at a slower rate compared to revenues. Though unit prices for these products are estimated to continue rising during the next five years, consumption is projected to grow at a slower pace, due to various factors : an overall reduction in the growth of sales of personal hygiene products, introduction of newer materials characterised by higher absorbency- that will require to be used in smaller quantities and increasing market penetration of non-synthetic, biodegradable superabsorbent polymers.
08-Aug-08 
{{comment.DateTimeStampDisplay}}
{{comment.Comments}}