Nagase pushes starch-based absorbent into diapers as naphtha supplies tighten
Nagase unveils a starch-based absorbent to cut naphtha reliance, targeting incontinence pads and infant diapers in stores amid Middle East crude supply strain.
Japanese chemical trader Nagase & Co. said it is accelerating commercial use of a starch-based absorbent designed to reduce dependence on crude oil–derived naphtha, aiming to supply incontinence pads and household-name infant diapers as naphtha supplies tighten amid the Middle East crude oil crisis. The starch-based absorbent is being positioned as an alternative to conventional superabsorbent polymers that rely heavily on petrochemical feedstocks. Nagase hopes the product will offer manufacturers a route to stable sourcing and consumers a viable option if petrochemical-derived materials become scarce.
Nagase moves from incontinence pads to infant diapers
Nagase developed the starch-derived polymer initially for incontinence pads and has been testing its performance and production scalability. The company now plans to approach major diaper brands to win specification approvals and shelf placement. Expansion into infant diapers represents a larger market opportunity but also raises higher performance and safety requirements.
Naphtha shortages driven by Middle East crude tensions
Industry observers say supplies of naphtha, a key feedstock produced from crude oil, have been disrupted by the Middle East crude oil crisis, placing pressure on petrochemical supply chains. That squeeze has prompted manufacturers to seek feedstock alternatives or to secure longer-term contracts to stabilise supplies. For hygiene-product makers that use large volumes of superabsorbents, any sustained reduction in naphtha availability can trigger production bottlenecks and higher input costs.
How the starch-based absorbent differs from petrochemical polymers
The new absorbent is derived from starch and processed into a polymer that can capture and retain large volumes of liquid, a role traditionally filled by superabsorbent polymers made from acrylates and other petrochemicals. Nagase’s formulation reportedly uses far less naphtha-derived material, although it still depends on industrial processing and quality controls to meet hygiene standards. Early tests indicate the starch-based material can match core absorbency metrics, while ongoing work focuses on softness, odor control, and robustness in thin diaper constructions.
Scaling production and supply-chain implications
Bringing a starch-based material to mass-market diaper production requires adjustments across the supply chain, from raw-material sourcing to manufacturing lines and packaging. Nagase is evaluating production scale-up options and supply agreements for agricultural starches while working with converters to adapt processes. If widely adopted, the shift could reduce petrochemical demand for certain hygiene applications and diversify inputs for manufacturers facing volatile naphtha markets.
Market reaction and barriers to adoption
Brand owners and retailers will weigh multiple factors before switching to a starch-based absorbent, including cost competitiveness, product performance, regulatory clearances, and consumer perception. Established superabsorbent polymers remain the benchmark for ultra-thin diapers and long-term fluid retention, so Nagase must demonstrate parity in real-world use. Cost is likely to be central; manufacturers will only change specifications if the starch-based option delivers reliable supply and comparable economics over time.
Environmental and policy considerations
A move toward starch-derived materials may appeal to consumers and regulators seeking reduced reliance on fossil fuels and improved material circularity. However, lifecycle benefits depend on sourcing practices, processing energy, and end-of-life handling, and these variables must be measured objectively. Policymakers promoting reduced petrochemical dependence or encouraging bio-based materials could accelerate interest, but certification and clear environmental claims will be essential for market acceptance.
Demand-side forces, supply-chain risk and regulatory scrutiny will all shape whether Nagase’s starch-based absorbent gains widespread use in infant diapers beyond its initial incontinence-pad deployments. The company’s next steps will include pilot contracts with brand manufacturers, larger-scale production trials, and transparent performance data that addresses cost, safety and environmental impact. If those elements align, the product could provide diaper-makers with an alternative route through a period of naphtha constraint, offering consumers more resilient supply options.
