Dr. Moturu, CEO and co-founder of fresh produce packaging manufacturer PeelON Inc., said: “The grape export market is moving towards sustainability. Sulfur pads have long been used to control fungal growth during transport, but people are looking for alternatives due to concerns about residue management, handling exposure, and packaging complexity. At the same time, exporters face pressure to maintain stability and product quality during long sea shipments. Now, the market is seeking solutions that can preserve fruit without relying on chemical additives.”
According to Moturu, PeelON has addressed two major challenges in grape exports. Although traditional sulfur systems are effective, they are complicated to operate, involve residue management issues, and require additional packaging investment. A plant-based compostable liner that requires no sulfur pads at all helps reduce spoilage while simplifying the packaging system into a single liner solution is being introduced.
Moturu said: “This solution reduces spoilage during transport, simplifies carton setup, lowers the risk of rejection due to residue issues, and improves consistency in arrival quality. This can increase sales rates and strengthen retailer confidence, especially in markets emphasizing clean labels and sustainability. Our company’s vision is to redefine global grape shipping, making exports cleaner, safer, and more sustainable without sacrificing shelf life. With retailers and consumers demanding non-toxic products and eco-friendly packaging, we position ourselves as the future alternative: non-toxic grapes. Long-term storage. Sustainable export. One Smart Liner,” Moturu concluded.
The growth driven by super-absorbent fibers is expected to break the original material pattern
With the growing personal hygiene awareness among global consumers, and the increase in demand for baby care and the use of adult incontinence products exceeding 20%, the global market for absorbent hygiene fibers is continually developing.
The global market for super-absorbent fibers in hygiene products is expected to reach $710.91 million in 2025, grow nearly 4% to $739.4 million in 2026, increase approximately 4% to $769 million in 2027, and is projected to reach $1.0524 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate of 4% from 2026 to 2035.
In the United States, given high consumer expectations and an aging population, high-absorbency fibers used in hygiene products are experiencing strong growth momentum. About 59% of premium adult care products and 68% of baby diapers in the U.S. use high-absorbency fibers. Additionally, approximately 42% of new product innovations in the U.S. hygiene market are driven by high-absorbency fiber technology.
The hygiene market is undergoing a transformation toward high absorbency, optimizing liquid absorption and skin sensitivity. Around 38% of ongoing R&D focuses on blended and bio-fiber formulations, driving the shift toward ultra-thin, highly absorbent hygiene products. Consumers’ preference for environmentally friendly and highly comfortable products is reshaping the competitive landscape. Currently, nearly 29% of global product launches emphasize comfort, sustainability, and antibacterial properties, contributing to broader diversification in both mature and emerging economies.
The Middle East conflict has impacts in various sectors, especially in the Asian region.
The escalation of conflicts in the Middle East has led to increased instability in the security situation in various regions, prompting governments and authorities to take precautionary measures, affecting some air and sea shipping routes. Logistics providers and maritime carriers across all industries are closely monitoring developments, prioritizing safety, cargo integrity, and operational continuity, while also assessing the impact on global supply chains.
In terms of air logistics, the temporary closure of airspace by several countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran, has resulted in a wide-ranging impact. Some airlines have suspended accepting cargo destined for affected airports, with suspension periods potentially lasting until early March or until further notice. In some cases, if flight routes avoid restricted airspace, cargo services will continue to operate. Reduced flight capacity, temporary schedule changes, and route adjustments are expected to cause delays and extended transport times. Ground services at airports and cargo terminals, including cargo reception and handling, may also face disruptions due to local restrictions or insufficient staffing.
Maritime shipping is facing structural disruptions related to key sea chokepoints. The Strait of Hormuz has been completely closed, prohibiting commercial container traffic, blocking direct access to the Arabian Gulf. Major shipping companies have also ceased transiting the Strait of Mandeb, forcing vessels to take longer alternative routes, typically around the Cape of Good Hope. This results in longer voyages, congestion at transshipment hubs, irregular schedules, and potential equipment shortages due to imbalanced container flows. All major shipping companies have suspended bookings for Gulf routes, including refrigerated cargo transport. Ports in some areas have been disrupted to varying degrees by drone and missile attacks. If the conflict continues for several days, bottlenecks may first appear in Asia and the Indian subcontinent due to interconnected trade routes.
Currently, other cost impacts, particularly in Asia, are becoming apparent. Carriers may implement or adjust war risk surcharges based on the increased security risk. At least a few major carriers have announced emergency conflict surcharges, and other carriers are expected to follow based on operational impacts. Rerouting ships around closed straits may increase fuel consumption, and as fuel prices respond to regional instability, fuel surcharges are also likely to rise. Due to tight capacity and wartime insurance adjustments, spot rates may increase. Exposure to energy market risks is also rising. About 20% of the world’s oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, with Asia being the most affected region.
Post time: Mar-20-2026