Increase in Demand for Polyurethane Foam in Packaging Industry

Polymer foams are being increasingly used in civil and industrial applications. For instance, polyurethane (PU) soft foam is extensively used to make furniture, car cushions, sports equipment, etc. On the other hand, there is a growing demand for PU hard foam for the production of refrigerators and freezers in the polyalkylene glycol market. As such, the polyurethane foam application segment of the polyalkylene glycol market is estimated to reach an output of ~4,100 kilo tons by the end of 2023.

Companies in the polyalkylene glycol market are increasing their production capacities to manufacture polypropylene (PP) foam to cater to end user needs in daily necessities, military, and aerospace industry. The rapidly growing packaging industry is resulting in increased production of polymer foams. Manufacturers in the polyalkylene glycol market are tapping into opportunities to increase the application of PP foam to produce insulation and shockproof materials. They are investing in research activities to adopt new foaming methods.

To gauge the scope of customization in our reports Ask for a Sample

High-performance Lubricants Boost Credibility Credentials of Manufacturers in Automotive Landscape

End users in the polyalkylene glycol market are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of polyalkylene glycol-based lubricants. Companies in the polyalkylene glycol market are increasing efficacy of the production of high-performance lubricants used in automobile manufacturing. They are offering tailored services to end users and OEMs to generate revenue opportunities catering to large-scale projects.

Polyalkylene glycol-based lubricants are gaining increased popularity as environmental-friendly and sustainable fluids, as compared to other synthetic lubricants. OEMs are increasingly benefitting from polyalkylene glycol lubricants, since they reduce friction, abrasion, and are water soluble. As such, among applications, the lubricants segment is expected to dominate the polyalkylene glycol market, with an estimated output of ~4,000 kilo tons by 2027. Hence, manufacturers are launching new production plants in high growth regions of Asia Pacific. For instance, in June 2019, Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. - a leading manufacturer of petroleum and petrochemical products, announced the launch of their new lubricant manufacturing plant in China to cater to the growing demand for high-performance lubricants.

Manufacturers Utilize Thiol-ene Reactions to Improve Degradability of Hydrogels Used in Tissue Regeneration

Apart from polyurethane foams and lubricants, manufacturers in the polyalkylene glycol market are tapping into opportunities in the healthcare sector. Likewise, the domain of tissue engineering is subject to high growth potential in the coming years. Hence, manufacturers in the market for polyalkylene glycol are increasing production capabilities to manufacture improved formulations of hydrogels used in tissue engineering scaffolds. However, certain limitations of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate- (PEGDMA)-based hydrogels, act as a restraint for manufacturers.

Get an idea about the offerings of our report from Report Brochure

The polyalkylene glycol market is largely consolidated with six major players accounting for ~50% of the market stake. This poses as a challenge for emerging players to gain industry-standard expertise for the production of efficacious hydrogels used in the domain of tissue regeneration.

Though PEGDMA is popular for its versatility in properties, its lack of degradability over a relevant timeframe is a concern for manufacturers. Hence, companies in the polyalkylene glycol market are adapting their production processes for the utilization of thiol-ene reactions to improve degradability of PEG-based hydrogels.

Innovations in Controlled-release Drugs and PU Foams to Offer Growth Opportunities

Companies in the polyalkylene glycol market are unlocking opportunities in pharmaceuticals, since the domain is projected for exponential growth during the forecast period. They are increasing efficacy in controlled-release products with the help of biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). As such, in terms of type, the polyethylene glycol segment of the polyalkylene glycol market is projected to reach a value of ~US$ 8.5 Bn by the end of 2027. Hence, manufacturers are using the synergetic effect of ultrasound and PEG to improve the dispersion of methylene blue drug in polylactide/PEG blends.

Manufacturers in the polyalkylene glycol market are increasingly adopting sustainable methods to produce PU foams. This can be attributed to the production of PU foams is heavily dependent on petroleum feedstock, which leads to rise in environmental stress. Hence, manufacturers are turning toward bio-renewable plants oils, such as palm oil, sunflower, and rapeseed oils, to produce PU foams useful in the construction sector, and for the production of footwear and insulation materials.

Looking for Regional Analysis or Competitive Landscape in Polyalkylene Glycol Market, ask for a customized report

Analysts’ Viewpoint