The global market for polymer sorbent technology was worth $3.8bn in 2007, according to markets analysis firm BCC Research.
This is expected to increase to $4.2bn in 2008, and by 2013 the market should be worth over $7.0bn – a compound annual growth rate of 11.0%.
The US research group said consumption and revenue growth for polymer sorbents are being driven primarily by the utilisation of these materials within the consumer/personal hygiene segment.
This segment manufactures baby and toddler diapers, feminine napkins, and adult incontinence pads.
In 2008 almost 72.0% of global revenues, corresponding to approximately $3.0bn, will be generated by the consumer applications segment, BCC expects.
Applications for life sciences will represent the second largest segment in 2008, with total revenues of $555.0m or 13.3% of the total market.
By weight, a total of 1.45 million tonnes of polymer sorbents was produced in 2006, increasing to 1.53 million tonnes in 2007, and reaching an estimated 1.62 million tones 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. Consumption is rising at a slower rate compared to revenues, as a result of continuous unit price increases for these materials. This is due to higher prices for raw materials, which are petroleum based.
BCC said that while unit prices for these products are estimated to continue rising during the next five years, primarily as a consequence of rising oil prices, consumption is projected to grow at a slower pace, due to various factors.
These include: an overall reduction in the growth of sales of personal hygiene products (in particular children’s diapers); the introduction of materials characterised by higher absorbency, which can be used in smaller quantities; and increasing market penetration of non-synthetic, biodegradable superabsorbent polymers.¹
