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Foreword

In this week’s Biobased Products News Review, we concentrate on the usage of bio-based Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) for manufacturing of hygiene products. The SAP market
has reached a value of $6.5 billion in 2023 with production volume nearing 5 billion tons and annual growth to 2030 projected at 8.1%. Key manufacturers include BASF, Evonik, Nippon Shokubai and Sumitomo.

Liying Qian, head of Tissue and Hygiene of Euromonitor International, mentions that ‘while the natural/plant-based movement is linked to sustainability endeavours’ other features encourage consumers to buy into the alternatives such as ‘wellness, and performance/efficacy attributes associated with those features, such as absorbency, softness, breathability, odour removal, skin care and bacteria prevention’. Qian also claims that high unit price and tough performance expectations means consumers are loyal to a specific brand when it comes to incontinency products. In contrast, for product categories like personal wipes, where product differentiation and barrier for new brand entries is low, consumers are more likely to try new bio-based alternatives. Within the past 5 years, globally, the number of bio-based options has grown more than 70% across retail adult incontinence, baby diapers and menstrual care, and 58% in baby wipes.

The US-based Freestyle is one of the companies contributing to this trend. They manufacture BambooTek® baby diapers from 100% organic bamboo, without the need for harsh chemicals and bleaches. Disappointment with performance of cotton-based pads, the company chose to adopt bamboo as raw material for its new line of period pads and liners. The pads can eliminate odours without the need for added fragrance, deodorants, dyes or herbs, and require fewer chemicals in production. 

Other News this Month Includes: