Why Has COVID-19 Pandemic Boosted Demand for Non-Woven Adhesives?

Beginning in December of 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, though at a much lower rate than initially. Still, the rising patient count and warmings about the impending third wave led by the Delta variant are putting immense pressure on the healthcare fraternity. As a result, the demand for everyday medical supplies, including surgical masks and gowns, is increasing around the world. This, in turn, is leading to the surging requirement for non-woven fabrics, as they form the basis of such garments.

According to P&S Intelligence, the COVID-19 pandemic will, therefore, be key in propelling the non-woven adhesives market value from ~$2 billion in 2020 at a considerable pace between 2021 and 2030. These materials are used on non-woven fabrics, which are themselves utilized in high amounts in various industries, including the medical sector. The advantages of such fabrics include higher strength per unit mass, high uniformity, stability in high temperatures, and ability to be converted into composites.

In this regard, apart from the current pandemic, the rising prevalence of all other acute and chronic diseases and other medical issues, such as physical injuries, is driving the demand for non-woven adhesives. With the healthcare industry set to value more than $10 trillion by 2022, the demand for all kinds of medical supplies will surge due to the increasing hospitalization rate and surgery and diagnosis volume. Masks and gowns are indispensable during surgery, which creates a high demand for non-woven fabrics and the adhesives used on them.

Asia-Pacific (APAC) has been the largest non-woven adhesives market for some time now because of its high-volume manufacturing of end products, such as surgical masks and gowns, sanitary pads, and diapers. With the improving living standards in developing countries, such as China, Indonesia, India, Taiwan, and Malaysia, the requirement for such products is increasing. Moreover, awareness of such hygiene products is being raised, and efforts are being made to better the access to them in the region. For instance, in a campaign in 2021, started in observance of the World Menstrual Health Day, 50,000 sanitary napkins were distributed in India.

Hence, with the growth in the healthcare sector and basic hygiene awareness, the consumption of non-woven adhesives will rise.

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How Are Fuel Additives Helping in Mitigating Air Pollution?

Fuel additives are used to lower the level of emissions, control engine deposits, improve the octane and cetane numbers, and enhance the flow of the fuel. Some of the additives are also used as corrosion inhibitors, decrease the friction between the walls of the engine and fuel molecules, and prevent the freezing of the fuel in cold countries. Owing to the advantageous features of such chemicals, they are being increasingly added to gasoline, diesel, marine fuels, and aviation fuels.

Essentially, the burgeoning need for cleaner fuels, owing to the rising enforcement of stringent environmental laws to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs), will help the fuel additives market progress at a CAGR of 4.9% during 2021–2030. The market revenue stood at $5,032.7 million in 2020, and it is projected to reach $7,990.6 million by 2030. For instance, the United Nations Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates the registration of all diesel- and gasoline-powered motor vehicle fuel additives, under the 40CFR 79 regulations.

In recent years, fuel additive manufacturers have focused on acquisitions and partnerships to expand their clientele. For instance, in May 2020, The Lubrizol Corporation joined the 'Getting to Zero Coalition', a group endorsed by 14 governments, to offer low- or zero-carbon fuels. Furthermore, in July 2020, Clariant International Ltd. entered into a partnership with Ineratec GmbH, an energy solution and equipment manufacturer, to offer renewable chemicals and fuels. With this partnership, the former also aims to enhance its operations.

According to P&S Intelligence, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region led the fuel additives market in the preceding years, and it is expected to retain its dominance in the upcoming years. This can be primarily ascribed to the expanding petrochemical industry in the region. Among APAC nations, China consumes the highest volume of fuel additives due to the flourishing automotive industry and rising research and development (R&D) in such products in the country.

Thus, the booming demand for cleaner fuels on account of the implementation of emission norms will amplify the usage of fuel additives globally.

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Why will Oxygen-Free Copper Market Surge in Asia-Pacific in Upcoming Years?

Due to the surging utilization of oxygen-free copper wires in the electronics and electrical industry and electric vehicles (EVs), on account of their high thermal and electrical conductivity, ease of welding, good creep resistance, high impact strength, and high ductility, the global oxygen-free copper market is predicted to exhibit rapid expansion during 2021–2030. Furthermore, as per the estimates of the market research company, P&S Intelligence, the market revenue surged to $20.0 billion in 2020.

The soaring sales of electric vehicles are propelling the expansion of the market across the world. As oxygen-free copper has low thermal and electrical resistance, it is being increasingly used in the manufacturing of EVs including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Additionally, in order to reduce the carbonization level in the automotive industry and mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases, automobile manufacturers such as BMW AG, Tesla Inc., and Hyundai Motor Company are actively focusing on manufacturing EVs, thereby fueling the growth of the oxygen-free copper market.

Geographically, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region contributed the highest revenue to the oxygen-free copper market in 2020, and it is predicted to retain its market dominance during the forecast period as well. This is ascribed to the availability of raw materials and cheap labor in the region, which massively reduces the production costs of various materials, and the soaring deployment of electric vehicles, on account of the increasing concerns being raised over the escalating greenhouse gas emissions in the region. 

Thus, owing to the growing requirement for oxygen-free copper in the electrical and electronics industry and the mushrooming deployment of electric vehicles, the market will register substantial growth all over the world in the upcoming years. 

Market Size Breakdown by Segments

Based on Grade

• Oxygen-Free
• Oxygen-Free Electronic

Based on Product

• Wires
• Strips
• Busbars
• Rods

Based on End user

• Electrical and Electronics
• Automotive

Geographical Analysis

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia-Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa

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Growing Trend of Eating Out Driving Demand for Frozen Bakery Items

The fact that the phrase ‘breaking bread’ is used to describe a meal tells how important this humble baked product is for humans. Whether they are those that puff up when baked or unleavened, flat ones, breads are the primary source of carbohydrates, the main energy-giving foods, around the world. However, all such edible items are perishable and have a rather short best-before date, typically of 2–3 days from the day of manufacturing/cooking. Therefore, to increase their shelf life, they are now being deep-frozen.

This is why P&S Intelligence predicts significant growth for the frozen bakery market in the coming years. Freezing such products at between –18 to –40 degrees Celsius stops the growth of mold, thereby preventing them from spoilage and raising their shelf life to up to 12 months! Moreover, deep-freezing helps maintain the nutrient content of bakery products for longer. Hence, with people becoming aware of a healthy life and focusing increasingly on improving their diet, the demand for frozen bakery items is rising.

Frozen Bakery Market Outlook

Developed regions, such as Europe and North America, are still the larger frozen bakery markets because of the lifestyle here that is becoming increasingly busy, especially in major cities. Additionally, with the easy and convenient availability of food at restaurants and other food service settings, the trend of cooking at home is diminishing. For instance, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost half the food budget of the people of the U.S. is spent on eating out. Similarly, as per another study, only 10% Americans love cooking at home.

Many of the cheap restaurants keep frozen food items, which they simply put in a microwave or pan before being eaten. Anyone who has seen Kitchen Nightmares hosted by Gordon Ramsay knows this. And, since not everyone is well-versed in baking from scratch, frozen bakery items go a long way in feeding hungry mouths without much ado. As a result of the growing demand for such eatables, companies, including Associated British Foods, DuPont, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Palsgaard, Puratos Group, Sensient Technologies Corporation, ConAgra Foods Inc., Kellogg Co., David Michael & Co., Kerry Group, and Lonza Group Ltd., are offering new types of frozen bakery products.

Hence, with a shift in people’s food habits, the demand for frozen bakery items will rise further.

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Growing GHG Emission Concerns Propelling Electric Car Production

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 2.3 million electric cars were sold across the world, in 2020. High volume sales of electric vehicles (EVs) can be attributed to the stringent government emission norms, on account of the rising environmental pollution concerns. Over the last decade, greenhouse gas (GHG) levels have significantly surged due to the vast number of fossil fuel-based automobiles operating on global roads. To mitigate the adverse effects of GHGs, governments across the world are supporting the production and adoption of such cars within their territories.

Moreover, the rising consolidation and surging number of joint ventures among the leading electric car manufacturers will fuel the electric car market at a CAGR of 33.6% during 2017–2023. The market sold 0.8 million units in 2016 and it is projected to sell 5.3 million units by 2023. Manufacturers are collaborating with each other to develop novel technologies to create more advanced electric cars that cater to the surging needs of customers. For example, in September 2017, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. allied with Ford Motor Co. to develop and produce EVs and connected vehicle technology for 3 years. 

Electric Car Market Outlook - P&S Intelligence

According to P&S Intelligence, APAC records the highest sales of electric cars, due to the huge government support in terms of incentives and subsidies on such vehicles and implementation of stringent vehicular emission norms in Japan and China. For instance, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), the sales of battery electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) passenger cars increased from 155,000 in October 2020 to 186,000 in November 2020.

Whereas, the European electric car market is expected to register the highest sales rate in the coming years, due to the increasing adoption of such new energy vehicles in the U.K., Norway, and Germany. According to the European Federation for Transport and Environment, 507,000 new PHEV electric cars were sold in the 27 member nations of the European Union in 2020. In the same year, one out of eight cars purchased in Germany was an EV. As per this organization, Renault Zoe, Volkswagen ID, and Tesla Model 3 were the most commonly procured BEVs in the EU countries.

Thus, the rising government initiatives toward promoting EV sales and manufacturing and increasing collaborations among OEMs will augment the adoption of electric cars in the foreseeable future. 

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How Is Polyethylene Glycol Market Driven by Growing Pharmaceutical Sector?

The polyethylene glycol market is primarily witnessing growth on account of the rising usage of this chemical as a specialty solvent and surface-active agent in toothpaste, lotions, creams, shampoos, lipsticks, soaps, deodorants, bath oils, detergents, and conditioners. Moreover, due to the importance of the compound in the medical device, automobile, paper and ceramics, paint and coating, and construction sectors, its sales already generated ~$4.5 billion revenue in 2020, which is set to increase massively during 2021–2030 (forecast period).

The grade segment of the market is categorized into PEG 6000, PEG 4000, PEG 3350, PEG 400 FCC Grade, PEG 400, PEG 300, and PEG 200. Among these, the PEG 400 category dominated the market for PEG in 2020, and it is set to advance significantly during the forecast period. PEG 400 has a low molecular weight and toxicity, which makes it useful in numerous applications. Moreover, this grade’s hydrophilic nature allows for its usage in drugs to improve the bioavailability and solubility of drug molecules that are weakly soluble in water.

On the basis of application, the polyethylene glycol market is divided into medical, industrial, construction & infrastructure, and personal care. During the historical period (2015–2020), the largest share, in terms of volume and value, was held by the medical category due to the wide usage of PEG in drugs as an excipient (inactive agent). Some of the most-common medicines have this ingredient, such as acetaminophen, cetirizine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and tramadol. Moreover, PEG 3350 is used to treat constipation, by helping in the retention of water in the stool.

The polyethylene glycol market garnered the highest revenue from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in 2020 because of the region’s vast and growing pharmaceutical industry. India is one of the largest exporters of medical drugs, which keeps the demand for PEG and other raw materials high here. Moreover, PEG is an important raw material in the automotive and construction chemical sectors, which are also witnessing rapid growth in APAC. China and India are already two of the largest construction and automotive markets globally, and their booming population is giving a further boost to these industries. 

Therefore, the market will continue to grow with the rising demand for pharmaceutical products across the globe.

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Customer Preference Increasing for Beauty Devices over Surgical Treatments

 The World Psoriasis Day Consortium estimates that nearly 125 million people across the world are currently affected by psoriasis. Furthermore, the National Eczema Association states that approximately 9.6 million children under the age of 18 years and 16.5 million adults in the U.S. are living with atopic dermatitis. Moreover, an article on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states that melasma is found in 15%–50% of the pregnant women worldwide. Thus, the surging incidence of skin ailments, such as psoriasis, melasma, atopic dermatitis, and acne, is creating a huge requirement for beauty devices.

Access Report Summary - Beauty Devices Market Segmentation Analysis

In addition, the increasing public awareness regarding the safety profile and benefits of energy-based aesthetic devices, primarily laser ones, will accelerate the beauty devices market at a healthy CAGR of 20.6% during 2021–2030. According to P&S Intelligence, the market was valued at $50,814.4 million in 2020, and it is projected to generate $311,039.3 million revenue by 2030. As compared to surgical treatments, energy-based aesthetic devices are minimally invasive, have fewer side-effects, and offer quicker recovery and less discomfort.

Currently, beauty device manufacturers are engaging in partnerships and facility expansions to offer their products to a greater number of customers. For instance, in August 2020, Shiseido Cosmetics partnered with YA-MAN Ltd. to develop and produce anti-aging devices in Japan. Other companies following these steps are Panasonic Corporation, Conair Corporation, Candela Corporation, L'Oréal SA, Lumenis Ltd., Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc., Carol Cole Company Inc., Nu Skin Enterprises Inc., LightStim, Home Skinovations Ltd., and MTG Co. Ltd.

Geographically, North America led the beauty devices market in the preceding years due to the high disposable income of people in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the rising incidence of skin diseases and surging appearance consciousness among customers will augment the usage of these devices in the region. For instance, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that approximately 50 million, 7.5 million, and 16 million Americans are affected by acne, psoriasis, and rosacea, respectively, every year.

Whereas, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to utilize these devices at the highest rate in the forthcoming years. This can be ascribed to the mounting public awareness on them and rising geriatric population in the region. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) forecasts that the population of people aged 60 years and more in APAC will reach around 1.3 billion by 2050. Moreover, the increasing availability of affordable beauty products and devices by leading brands is encouraging their adoption.

Therefore, the rising incidence of skin ailments and growing customer awareness on beauty devices are accelerating their usage, especially those that use different forms of energy.

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