Demand for polymer sorbents increases

The market for polymer sorbents, used in diapers, feminine napkins and incontinence products, is expected to increase from $4.2 to $7 billion by 2013, according to a recent technical market report. BCC Research, Wellesley, Mass., estimates that life sciences applications will be the second largest market segment in 2008 with 13.3 percent of the total market. While unit prices for polymer sorbent products are expected to rise with oil prices, consumption is expected to grow slowly. Factors affecting the market include reduction in growth of children’s diapers and personal hygiene products, introduction of new materials that are more absorbent in smaller quantities, and development of nonsynthetic, biodegradable superabsorbent polymers. For more information, visit www.bccresearch.com.