Market Trends of North America Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the North America Superabsorbent Polymers Market according to our research experts:
Baby Diaper - A Huge Market Potential
- Disposable baby diapers increased in popularity with the introduction of superabsorbent polymers. Super absorbent polymers are used in baby diapers due to their ability to absorb liquids and keep them trapped, even under pressure.
- Superabsorbent polymers used in baby diapers can absorb about 30 times their weight in urine. The swollen gel holds the liquid in a solid, rubbery state and prevents the liquid from leaking onto the baby's skin and clothing.
- Super absorbent disposable baby diapers are sophisticated, well-engineered products that provide many benefits, including convenience, comfort, exceptional leakage protection, improved hygiene, and skin care, as compared to cloth diapers.
- Additionally, many new intense innovations, to design better diapers to meet baby's needs, are being brought to the market. A baby's diaper requires about 13 grams of SAP, hence driving the SAP market.
- The baby diaper industry holds around 70% share of the superabsorbent polymer industry in the region. An increase in the demand for baby diapers due to increased birth rates and higher disposable incomes and increasing awareness among the population about hygiene in the region, especially in United States, is likely to increase the demand for superabsorbent polymers.
United States to Dominate the Market
- United States represents one of the largest and the most technologically advanced economies in the world. The market for super absorbent polymer in applications, like baby diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products, is expected to grow in the United States, owing to high hygiene awareness among the population, rising living standards, and middle-class income.
- P&G's Pampers dominated the US market, with baby product sales of approximately more than USD 15 billion. In support to this, the Asian companies, such as Unicharm, are steadily making inroads, providing tough competition by setting their sights in the US market.
- In regard to this, the government in the country is taking initiatives to encourage women toward feminine hygiene and related circumstances.
- For instance, growing number of population in support with government, are moving to end a tax on feminine hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins. Taxes may be exempted on various other 'medically necessary' products, such as medicines, tampons, among few others. The District of Columbia, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced in October 2018 that the city would no longer charge sales tax on tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual cups, or comparable products.
- Owing to all these factors, the market for super absorbent polymers in the country is expected to increase during the forecast period.