Super absorbent polymer (SAP), also known as super absorbent polymer crystals, and water absorbing crystals, are widely used in making diapers and female hygiene products. Development of super absorbent polymer began in the 1970s in Japan and they were primarily used for making feminine hygiene products. European manufacturers further developed the super absorbent polymers and used them in the manufacture of baby diapers. Today, super absorbent polymer are widely used for making disposable infant diapers, adult incontinence products, and sanitary napkins for women.
Baby Diapers Industry has the Largest Share in Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market
The demand for super absorbent polymer is robust from the baby diapers industry. According to Future Market Insights’ report on the global super absorbent market, baby diapers sector accounted for over 70% of the market share in 2014. The use of super absorbent polymers in the baby diapers industry has been one of the driving factors for the market, and it is anticipated that this trend will continue through 2020.
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Trends
The leading players in the global super absorbent polymer market are Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd., San-Dia Polymers, and LG Chemicals. Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., with a production capacity of 540,000 tons per year in 2013, has a strong presence in Japan, US, Europe, China, and Indonesia. Other market leader, BASF SE, with a strong presence in the US, Europe, and Thailand, had a production capacity of 470,000 tons in 2013.
The key trend in the global super absorbent polymer market is that most prominent players patent their SAP properties so that the competitors cannot develop the same SAP type. The demand for SAP is robust and companies, such as Proctor & Gamble (P&G) and Kimberly-Clark rely on it for making baby diapers and other products. There have been instances in the past when the demand for SAP has exceeded the supply.
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Forecast
According to the research conducted by Future Market Insights, the global super absorbent polymer market was worth US$ 7.1 Bn in 2014 and it is anticipated to witness a CAGR of approximately 4% through 2020. It is projected that the growth of the super absorbent market will be fuelled by growing awareness among consumers about the importance of maintaining hygiene. Growing disposable incomes in developing countries is also anticipated to augur well for the prospects of the super absorbent polymer market.
The adult continence products segment had a 12% market share in 2014 and although the baby boomers population is set to increase in the next five years, the demand for incontinence products will be moderate. This is due to the reason that the adult population in developing countries lacks awareness about the availability and benefits of using incontinence products.
Super absorbent polymer are also widely used for making female hygiene products, paper packaging, and waste water treatment. Among these segments, the female hygiene product segment had a 9% market share in 2014, and it is anticipated that it will witness moderate growth through 2020.
Europe is the most lucrative market for super absorbent polymers market. It was valued at US$ 2009.6 Mn in 2014, and according to FMI’s projection, the market will witness a steady growth through 2020. North America and Asia Pacific are the other key regions where super absorbent polymer market will witness steady growth.
Browse Full "Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015 - 2020" Report at http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/details/super-absorbent-polymer-market
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