Product development and assessment technology for superabsorbent polymers

Nippon Shokubai’s “Aqualic CA”

Abstract

Aqualic CA, a superabsorbent polymer launched by Nippon Shokubai in 1983, is a raw material that facilitated the widespread use of disposable diapers in Japan. The company has also captured large market shares in Europe and the United States. However, this polymer was not originally developed for use in disposable diapers, and its journey to market prominence was not instantaneous. This case study discusses various instances in which failure led to success in areas such as technology development, supply contracts, and licensing contracts. Furthermore, such a process suggests the effectiveness of the accumulation of assessment technology bearing customer systems in mind.