Green hydrogen generated from renewable energy is regarded as one of the most promising pathways to help industries decarbonize, promote the growth of renewable energy, enhance system flexibility, and ensure national energy security. On the environment’s side, green hydrogen has more potential compared to fossil fuel-based hydrogen which is the major conventional way of producing it. Moreover, as of January 2023, India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission was allocated a budget worth ₹ 19,744 crore. This program was aimed at making India the world leader in the manufacture, consumption, and exportation of green hydrogen together with its components. This has also led to an increase in the renewable energy capacity, for instance, the global renewable energy increased to 33,71,793MW in 2022.

Figure 1: Global Renewable Energy Capacity, Million Watt, 2021 to 2022

Source: International Energy Agency

Nevertheless, several obstacles must be tackled to progress towards creating this envisaged global hydrogen market. Among these challenges are the comparatively high cost of producing green hydrogen, fluctuation in prices for green hydrogen, changes in land use, and availability of water resources through such projects. In addition, there is also a need for acceptance by society on these initiatives as well as the absence of international standardization and regulation. To address these problems, multi-stakeholders such as businesses, policymakers, and research and development communities are collaborating to overcome these hurdles that deter investors. Additionally, nations have developed national hydrogen policies that would facilitate it.

Economic benefits:

• Job Creation and Industrial Growth
• Energy Security and Diversification
• Economic Competitiveness
• Decarbonizing High-Emission Sectors
• Rural Development and Infrastructure

Let’s discuss each one in detail.

1. Job Creation and Industrial Growth

The green hydrogen sector across different sectors could generate many employment positions. The job roles available within this field are vast, including those in setting up and maintaining structures for producing renewable forms of energy and those in the factories where fuel cells and electrolyzers are made. In addition, a positive spill-over effect into other industries may occur with the development of green hydrogen, such as in advanced components and material production.

2. Energy Security and Diversification

Another advantage is that green hydrogen enhances energy security due to a reduction in dependence on foreign fossil fuels while at the same time presenting opportunities for diversified energy sources. Thus, by developing green hydrogen infrastructure, governments can generate their clean power and, therefore, enhance their stability and self-determination over it. In this manner, even price fluctuations depending on traditional oil or gas markets can be mitigated by lowering them.

3. Economic Competitiveness

Conventional energy generation is expected to become less cost-effective than green hydrogen manufacturing and using its technologies. Green hydrogen technology can be developed by early adopters into an industry leader in the transition towards sustainable supply chains of power, thus giving them a competitive edge over their counterparts globally. Investment opportunities, as well as overall economic development, could also be attracted through this initiative in areas that are at the forefront of the energy shift.

4. Decarbonizing High-Emission Sectors

Green hydrogen has incredible potential to aid the decarbonization of hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy industry, shipping, and aviation, among others. These industries can benefit significantly from it as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, thereby reducing their overall greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate objectives. It is, therefore, possible for this measure to foster growth that is more resilient and sustainable in terms of the economy.

5. Rural Development and Infrastructure

Renewable energy projects such as solar power plants and wind farms, which are usually located in rural areas, are usually part of the process of producing green hydrogen. This can enhance the development of such regions via job creation, infrastructure investments, and increased local taxes. In addition to this, hydrogen production facilities can trigger growth in supplementary sectors like logistics and transport.

Challenges and Considerations

Although the green hydrogen industry has potential, several challenges need to be addressed to realize its financial gains completely. These challenges include:

• High Production Costs
• Infrastructure Development
• Regulatory Framework

Let’s discuss each one in detail.

1. High Production Cost

Currently, green hydrogen is more costly to manufacture than traditional hydrogen or fossil fuels. For instance, green hydrogen currently costs between $4 and $5 per kilogram to produce, which is about twice as much as grey hydrogen. 30 to 50% of the money spent goes toward electrolyzer costs, with the remaining 50% going toward round-the-clock (RTC) renewable electricity. However, if more research and development are focused on reducing the production costs of green hydrogen, then it would be price-competitive for everyone.

2. Infrastructure Development

Establishing infrastructure for green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution will involve huge financial resources. Supportive government policies and public-private partnerships could greatly facilitate this infrastructure development.

3. Regulatory Framework

Clear and supportive regulations are necessary for the prospering of the green hydrogen industry. For hydrogen production and consumption, benchmarks that provide an enduring trading environment and strategies that encourage investment and invention must be established. However, according to NITI Aayog (the government’s think tank), India presently spends more than 160 billion US dollars annually on energy imports alone. This figure could double in the next 15 years. Adopting green hydrogen can help India reduce CO2 emissions by 3.6 gigatonnes cumulatively between now and 2050, in addition to significantly lowering these costs.

In conclusion, green hydrogen has astonishing potential to decarbonize difficult-to-electrify sectors like heavy industry, shipping, and aviation, among others. These sectors would heavily profit from this clean alternative to fossil fuels, thereby decreasing their total greenhouse gas emissions and assisting in achieving climate goals. This means that such a measure can promote more resilient and sustainable economic growth.

Lubricants are known to be responsible in terms of providing efficient lubrication for automotive parts which play a role in reducing any friction that is caused in the vehicles. Not only this, but automotive lubrication also serves many secondary functions such as cleaning and cooling down the engine parts, by the prevention of rust and corrosion buildings. These automotive lubricants are known to be solid, oil-based, plastic, or a combination of all three. Oil and grease are the most common lubricants.

The major factor driving the market of automotive lubricants is the advancements in technology which are leading towards the development of new lubricants that are efficient and capable of withstanding high temperatures along with higher pressures that are propelling the market growth. In this regard, one of the imperative advancements in lubricant technology is their advanced ability to withstand higher temperatures and pressure enabling the effective use of lubricants in high-performance applications where the conventional lubricants are failing or require frequent replacement.

The Top 5 Innovations Transforming Lubricants Market are:

1. The Efficient Usage of Lubricants in the Automotive Segment

Lubricants are considered extremely important when it comes to their use and effectiveness in the smooth functioning of vehicles. They also serve multiple purposes, such as corrosion reduction, along with the maintenance of running temperature, which can turn out to be vital in increasing the life of various engine components.

Different types of lubricants are used in the automotive segment, such as motor oil or engine oil. Engine oils are efficiently used for the lubrication of internal combustion engines in different types of automobiles. They are also used in various other applications such as corrosion protection, wear reduction, and even play a role in ensuring the smooth operation of the engine internals.

In the European region, Germany is expected to hold a prominent share in the automobile manufacturing industry as it hosts major car-making brands such as Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, etc. With such major hosts in car making, the country and region have been investing exceedingly in research and development activities, which is further resulting in the increasing automotive production in the country. According to the German Trade and Invest (GTAI), German automobile manufacturers initiated the production of over 15.6 million vehicles in 2021, making Germany the European car production leader with the production of 3.1 million passenger cars, and 351,000 commercial vehicles, which were further manufactured in the German plant. Furthermore, there has been a decrease in general car sales in the country and an increase in electric vehicle registrations, which is further supported by the government’s push towards all-electric cars by 2024.

Furthermore, since the year 2020, the global light vehicle production trend has also been witnessing an increase which is further acting as a growth driver for the lubricant market. For instance, in the year 2020, the light vehicle production trend was at 70 million units, and by 2025 it is expected to reach 98.9 million units.

Figure 1:  Global Light Vehicle Production Trend, in Million Units, 2020 to 2025

Source: Germany Trade and Invest

Additionally, various other factors are driving the growth of the automotive lubricant market in the APAC region, such as the rising population, which is resulting in the rising production and sales of vehicles, particularly passenger vehicles. China, in this regard, is known to be the largest automotive lubricant consumer in APAC by playing a pivotal role in its increasing production and sale of vehicles. According to the data provided by the OICA, in the year 2023, China resulted in the production of a total of 26,123,767 cars, out of which 4,037,209 were commercial vehicles. India accounted for the production of a total of 4,783,628 cars, out of which 1,067,878 are commercial vehicles.

2. Key Developments in the Lubricant Market

Strategic key developments in the market are playing an efficient role in the growth of the market. Innovation and technology are regarded to be the most significant factors that drive companies to come up with strategies for the expansion of the business, ultimately resulting in market growth. A few such key developments are:

1. In July 2022, an announcement was made by Shell USA Inc. and Shell Midstream Partners L.P. towards an agreement and a plan of merger under which Shell USA will acquire all the common units with the representation of limited partner interests in SHLX with a total value of approximately USD 1.96 billion.
2. In August 2022, an announcement was made by Valvoline about the agreement for the sale of the global products business for $2.65 billion in cash. This agreement and transaction will be efficient in completing the separation of global products and retail services businesses in transforming Valvoline into a pure-play automotive service that has a target of 20% + earnings per share growth.
3. In May 2023, ExxonMobil which is known to be a major company in the automotive lubricant market, announced its plan to make the final investment in India’s future in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to build a lubricant-manufacturing plant in Maharashtra, India. This plan will incorporate the investment of INR 900 crore (US$ 110 million) and will have the capability to potentially manufacture 159,000 kiloliters of finished lubricants a year which will further begin its operations at the end of 2025.
4. In July 2024, TotalEnergies acquired Tecoil which is regarded to be a Finnish company with a specialization in the production of Re-Refined Base Oils (RRBOs). Tecoil currently operates a production facility of 50,000 tons of RRBOs per year in Haminia and the integration of Tecoil in TotalEnergies will allow for the acceleration of the use of RRBOs in the production of high-end lubricants to meet the growing demand for increasingly high-performance, environmentally friendly products.

3. Nanotechnology as Lubricant Additives

The interposition of three solid, liquid, and gaseous substances between the surfaces of two materials is known to be the process of lubrication, which is imperative in minimizing friction and wear. All commercial lubricants are known to be equipped with additives present in the formulation, which enhance certain oil properties like friction reduction, corrosion, wear reduction, or just inhibition, viscosity improvement, and pressure resistance. In this regard, nanoparticles are widely used as additives.  Thus, with the introduction of nanotechnology, the use of nanoparticles as additives in lubricants is resulting in the achievement of better tribological properties, which are gaining much attention in recent times.

A nanoparticle is regarded as a tiny particle ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in size, undetectable by the human eye. Furthermore, they interpret significantly different chemical and physical properties in comparison to their larger material counterparts. They are made through different manufacturing methods, which can be seen from the figure below.

Various types of lubrication mechanisms also come into play, such as:

1. Ball Bearing Effect: Nanoparticles come in different sizes, such as spherical nanoparticles, which act as nanometric ball-bearings that are efficient in changing the nature of the friction phenomena, rolling between the shearing surfaces while also providing modification from the sliding process to a mix of sliding and rolling friction.
2. Protective Film Formation: A thin protective film on the surface is formed by the nanoparticles, wherein several studies and research have shown friction as well as wear reduction through the mechanism of protective film formation.
3. Mending Effect of Self-Healing Effect: This mending effect is referred to as the process where the nanoparticles deposit on the interacting surfaces, further compensating for the loss of mass. In terms of the lubricating oil, nanoparticles can fill the scars and grooves of the friction surface. A lot of research studies have also been conducted, indicating a mending effect that used EDX analysis for the confirmation of the deposition of nanoparticles on the rubbing surface.
4. Polishing Effect: In terms of roughness on the lubricating surface, there is a need for the polishing effect, which plays an imperative role in reducing the roughness by nanoparticle-assisted abrasion. In a lot of different studies, this polishing effect is commonly termed a smoothing effect, where the reduction of surface roughness highly contributes to less friction, resulting in less wear.

4. Strategic Revolutionizing Megatrends

To maintain the longevity of industrial equipment and for smooth operation, lubricants are considered to be important as they are regarded to be the driving force behind industrial growth. For instance, when it comes to the automotive industry, advanced lubrication is placed in importance when it comes to the transition to electric vehicles, mainly to ensure that each of the mechanical components operates efficiently, seamlessly, and with minimal friction. For the manufacturing segment, the metal and mining industry, as well as even for highway construction equipment, lubricants play an efficient role.

There are a few strategic revolutionizing megatrends that are involved in the lubricants industry, such as the growth or the rise of lubrication-as-a-service (LaaS). The LaaS model is considered to be imperative as it supports the transformation of how companies are approaching machinery lubrication through the process of offering service-based solutions in opposition to a traditional product-driven approach. Lubrication-as-a-Service is imperative in making sure that lubrication is provided precisely when and where it is needed, with continuous monitoring, aiming towards the optimization of equipment performance, which further results in the reduction of downtime.

In terms of disruptive technologies, three main factors are imperative in the lubricant market.

1. Innovations in Lubricant-Free Polymer Bearings: Polymer bearings are emerging as game changers in the lubricant market with the presence of companies such as igus GmbH, which is offering maintenance-free bearings that are equipped with the feature of self-lubrication and can also function in dry conditions. These innovations in lubricant-free polymer bearings allow for the prevention of dirt buildup by reducing maintenance costs while providing an efficient and clean alternative.
2. Driving the EV Transformation with eFluids: In recent times, the sale and demand for EVs have been growing, and in the forecast period, it is further expected to grow. According to the International Energy Agency, the electric car market witnessed a growth in sales, which reached nearly 14 million in 2023. Throughout 2024, EV sales are expected to increase, wherein approximately over 3 million electric cars sold in the same period last year. By the end of 2024, around 17 million sales are expected, which will further represent more than a 20% year-on-year increase, with new purchases accelerating. This increase in EVs is expected to drive the development of “EV-compatible” fluids or fluids. With the innovation of different types of lubricants such as brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and even greases, the market of electric vehicles will be efficiently served as these lubricants and their type will play a key role.

Figure 2:  Electric Vehicle Sales, in Million, 2021 to 2024

Source: IEA

5. Automated Lubrication Systems

Lubrication is considered to be vital for machine components like gears, bearings, pins, chains, or bushings. To perform well, all of these require efficient lubrication for their optimal performance. The automated lubrication system plays an important role in lubrication, where it is difficult for manual lubrication to play its part. Automated lubrication systems have brought about new opportunities that are aimed towards increasing profitability as a result of the reduction in costs to operate machinery, improving safety as well as reliability, along with the extension of service intervals by full optimization of manpower resources.

There are several advantages of automated lubrication systems such as:

1. Cost Effectiveness: Automated lubrication systems are associated with cost-saving aspects. They eliminate the labor costs that come with manual lubrication, as some machinery can be serviced while running operations and or from a distance without the need for a technician. The precise delivery of lubricants also minimizes waste, as smaller, more frequent applications help maintain lubricant freshness and effectiveness. In addition, it cuts down on the expenses of materials as well as the power, since machines do not struggle with resistance when properly lubricated.
2. Safety and Security: Another important factor that makes people embrace automated lubrication systems is safety. One disadvantage of manual lubrication is that it is timed and a worker has to go to the areas that are difficult to reach or are dangerous. When implemented, it eliminates risks involved in instances where personnel may be required to enter the hazard regions, thus enhancing the safety of the workplace environment. Also, in these systems, advanced monitoring systems have been incorporated to enable the monitoring of lubrication processes in real time to boost safety and operational reliability. The latter considers that the demand for automated lubrication systems will continue to rise in the future due to the increasing degrees of industrial automation and the increasing necessity for the efficiency of maintenance work. Appreciable advancements in technology of late include programmable controllers in addition to compact designs that enhance the usability of these systems. Players such as Graco have pioneered in advancing systems that not only enhance the efficiency of the lubrication process but also make it possible to gather diagnostic information concerning lubrication tasks through the use of mobile applications.

Top 10 Pulses

• Chick Peas (Bengal Gram)
• Pigeon Peas (Arhar)
• Green Beans (Moong Beans)
• Black Matpe (Urad)
• Red Kidney Beans (Rajma)
• Black Eyed Peas (Lobiya)
• Lentils (Masoor)
• Dry Beans
• Faba Beans
• Bambara Beans

Let’s discuss each one in detail.

1. Chick Peas (Bengal Gram)

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are nutrient-rich legumes gaining popularity worldwide for their health benefits and culinary versatility. Packed with plant protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, chickpeas support digestion, promote heart health, regulate blood sugar levels, and aid in weight management. They are an excellent choice for vegetarian and vegan diets, offering a valuable source of protein and nutrients.

Chickpeas are used in a wide range of dishes, including hummus, curries, stews, and salads, making them a staple in global cuisines. They are rich in vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin K, all of which contribute to overall wellness and immune support.

India is the world’s leading producer of chickpeas, accounting for nearly 50% of the country’s total pulse output. According to the ICAR–Indian Institute of Pulses Research, India’s chickpea production reached 13.75 million tonnes in 2021–2022, and by 2023, chickpea cultivation area expanded by 25%, highlighting the crop’s rising importance in agriculture and food security.

Global Production of Chickpea, in Tons, for 2019, 2020, and 2021

Source: World Population Review

2. Red Kidney Beans

Red kidney beans are an important bean in the food industry due to their versatility and nutritional value. These medium-sized, dark red beans have a distinct kidney shape, and their rich flavor and creamy texture make them a popular ingredient in many dishes around the world. Red kidney beans are widely used in both traditional and modern cuisines, adding depth, flavor, and nutritional value to a wide range of dishes. They are an excellent plant-based protein source, making them an essential part of vegetarian and vegan diets. They also contain important nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins (including folate and vitamin K), and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. This nutrient profile improves the health benefits of their consumption.

Kidney beans are useful in numerous health issues such as diabetes, heart health, iron deficiency anemia, and colon health. India, China, and the United States are major producers of red kidney beans. For instance, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s “China: Pulses, Kidney Beans & Dried Pulses” report, in the year 2021–2022, China’s red kidney bean production was 250,000 metric tons (MT). Additionally, in the United States, 93 million hundredweight red kidney beans were produced in 2023.

3. Lentils (Masoor)

Lentils are edible legumes from the pulse family, recognized for their small, lens-shaped seeds and wide variety of colors, including yellow, red, green, and brown. Cultivated for centuries across the globe, lentils are highly valued for their nutritional content, culinary versatility, and rich flavor. Commonly featured in soups, stews, curries, and salads, lentils are celebrated not only for their taste but also for their ability to absorb and enhance the flavors of other ingredients.

Lentils can also be ground into flour to create gluten-free baked goods and snacks, making them ideal for those with dietary restrictions. These pulses are a powerhouse of plant-based protein, making them a staple in vegetarian and vegan diets. Lentils are also rich in fiber, iron, folate, and essential vitamins and minerals. Their high fiber content promotes digestive health, helps regulate cholesterol levels, and supports overall heart health.

Canada is the world’s leading producer of lentils, thanks to its fertile soil and favorable growing conditions. Canadian lentils are renowned for their quality and are exported globally. Other major producers include India, Turkey, Australia, and the United States, where lentils are adapted to various climates and soil types.

According to the Canadian Grain Commission, Canada produced 2.3 million tonnes of lentils in 2022, marking a 43.3% increase from 2021. In India, the ICAR–Indian Institute of Pulses Research reported 1.28 million tonnes of lentil production in 2022, cultivated across 1.42 million hectares, with an average yield of 904 kg/ha.

Production of Lentils in Canada, in Tons, in 2022

Source: Canadian Grain Commission

4. Green Beans (Moong Beans)

Green beans are a popular pulse from the bean family. This versatile vegetable is distinguished by its long, slender shape and bright green color. Green beans are widely cultivated and used in a variety of cuisines around the world and can be used raw or cooked, making them a versatile ingredient in salads, stir-fries, casseroles, soups, and other dishes. Green beans, with their tender, crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, make an excellent addition to many dishes. Apart from their food uses, these beans are extremely nutritious and provide numerous health benefits. They are low in calories and fat, but high in essential nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like manganese and potassium. They contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes bowel regularity, and helps people maintain a healthy weight. These beans are also high in antioxidants, which protect cells from oxidative stress and thus promote overall health.

China is the world’s largest producer of green beans due to its vast agricultural system and favorable growing conditions, which allow for significant green bean production. Other major green bean producers include India, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Turkey. These countries use their agricultural resources and expertise to grow and supply green beans to domestic and international markets, ensuring a consistent supply of this nutritious pulse. For instance, according to the World Vegetable Center, Jilin is China’s largest mungbean producer as the varieties grown in the region are well-known for their full grain and size, shiny green color, and superior nutritional and sprouting properties, Baicheng exports 70,000 tonnes of mungbean annually, with more than 50,000 tonnes of high-value, sprouting-quality beans. Additionally, according to the ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Mungbean production in India reached 5.5 million hectares in 2022, resulting in 3.17 million tonnes at a productivity of 570 kg per hectare.

5. Faba Beans

Faba beans, also known as broad beans, are nutrient-dense pulses from the legume family and among the oldest cultivated crops in human history. Known for their distinct earthy flavor, faba beans have been grown for thousands of years and remain a staple in many global cuisines. Their culinary versatility makes them ideal for dishes such as salads, soups, stews, and plant-based meals, offering a rich source of protein and nutrients.

Faba beans offer a variety of health benefits thanks to their impressive nutritional profile. They are rich in dietary fiber, iron, manganese, and folate, while being naturally low in fat and cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy food choice. In addition, faba beans are packed with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

China is currently the world’s largest producer of faba beans, thanks to its favorable climate and advanced agricultural practices. Chinese faba beans are highly valued in international markets for their superior quality and taste. According to the National Library of Medicine, China accounts for approximately 30% of global faba bean production, with a harvested area of 811,000 hectares and an annual yield of 1.69 million tonnes.

6. Pigeon Peas (Arhar)

Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) are protein-rich legumes cultivated for centuries and valued for their nutritional benefits, culinary versatility, and adaptability to diverse climates. These small, oval-shaped beans are a staple ingredient in many global cuisines, particularly in Indian, African, and Latin American dishes. They are commonly used in soups, stews, dals, and rice preparations, enhancing meals with their rich flavor and health benefits.

Pigeon peas are packed with dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals that support digestive health, cardiovascular function, and blood sugar regulation. Their high nutritional value makes them an excellent component of balanced, plant-based diets.

India leads global pigeon pea production, thanks to the crop’s drought-resistant properties and suitability for tropical and subtropical climates. According to the ICAR–Indian Institute of Pulses Research, India produced 4.34 million tonnes of pigeon peas in 2022. The market value of pigeon peas in India was estimated at USD 14,334.5 million in 2022, with projections reaching USD 23,798 million by 2032, reflecting strong domestic and international demand.

7. Black Matpe (Urad)

Black Matpe, also known as Urad, is a type of pulse that is widely cultivated in many parts of the world due to its versatility and nutritional value. Black Matpe has small black seeds with a creamy white interior which is essential in various meals. It is commonly used to make delicious dishes, including dals, curries, soups, and snacks. Urad dal, made from black matpe, is commonly used in the preparation of traditional Indian dishes such as dosa, idli, and vada. Its earthy flavor and ability to absorb spices make it a popular choice for creating spicy meals.

Black Matpe includes numerous health benefits and contains essential nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, folate, and vitamins B and C. Urad’s high protein content makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans seeking to meet their protein needs. India is the largest producer of black matpe, also known as urad. The country’s high agricultural heritage and favorable climatic conditions make it an ideal place to grow this pulse on a large scale. Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka are also major producers of black matpe.

8. Black Eyed Peas (Lobiya)

Black Eyed Peas, also known as Lobiya, is a popular bean with cultural and culinary importance. These small creamy-white beans with a black spot are versatile and can be used in soups, stews, and salads. It offers numerous health benefits, which are high in dietary fiber and helps to promote digestive health by relieving constipation and regulating bowel movements. These beans are also a good source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent addition to vegetarian and vegan meals. In addition, black-eyed peas are high in essential vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium, which help to boost energy and overall well-being. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of black-eyed peas due to the country’s favorable climate and agricultural practices making it an ideal location for large-scale bean farming. Nigeria’s production and export of Black-Eyed Peas contribute significantly to meeting the global demand for this nutritious and versatile bean. For instance, according to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Nigeria is the largest producer of black-eyed peas, contributing to 48% of production in Africa and 46% worldwide.

9. Dry Beans

Dry beans are beans that have been harvested, dried, and then separated from their pods. They are versatile beans that are consumed worldwide and have high culinary and nutritional value. Dry beans are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and are commonly used in many meals, demonstrating their importance in global gastronomy. Dry beans are high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which provide numerous health benefits, aiding digestion, lowering cholesterol levels, and helping with weight management. Furthermore, these beans are also known for their ability to prevent certain types of cancer and boost overall immunity due to their high antioxidant content. India and Brazil are some of the world’s largest producers of dry beans due to their vast agricultural lands and favorable climate.

10. Bambara Beans

Bambara beans (Vigna subterranea) are also known as Bambara groundnuts or earth peas due to their growth underground. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including boiling, roasting, and grinding into flour. They are used in stews, soups, and porridges, as well as a tasty addition to many traditional dishes. The beans offer a nutty flavor and a slightly sweet taste, making them popular among food enthusiasts. Bambara beans provide numerous health benefits as they are high in protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, and B vitamins. This makes them an excellent source of essential nutrients for vegetarian and vegan diets. Nigeria is the largest producer of Bambara beans due to the favorable climate and agricultural practices, which have enabled the country to become a major global producer of this nutritious bean.

Find some of our related studies:

• Polymer-Coated Urea Market
• Hybrid Seeds Market
• Miticide Market
• Fertilizer Market
• Pulse Flour Market

Biomedical textiles are adapted for many medical and surgical applications. The major use of biomedical textiles is medical apparel. The textiles in fiber and fabric form are used as implants, filters, and surgical dressings. Recent advances in medical textile production have made it possible for implants to aid or replace damaged tissues or organs. These products are used to repair the body, whether it is wound closure (sutures) or replacement surgeries (vascular grafts or artificial ligaments).

The growing use of bio-medical textiles is due to the challenges associated with the complete transplant, such as rejection, immunosuppressants, psychological difficulties, physiological difficulties, donor organ shortage, etc. Hence, medical communities are using artificial substitutes such as biotextiles. This substitute material used to replace the body part is called a prosthesis. The most common use of the prosthesis is in the knees or hips. The main focus of using bio-medical textiles is to serve the purpose they are applied for, such as sutures requiring a biodegradable textile.

Another example of such an example is artificial ligaments. The artificial ligaments, LIGASTIC, offered by Orthomed, are used to replace or reinforce an existing ligament. These are utilized for at least 6 months in ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reinforcement cases or permanently for replacement cases. It is made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). These are knitted in nondeforming and non-wrappable chains. The fibers are orientated longitudinally in the axis of the ligament and are straight and parallel at maximum extension. The porosity of 400μm facilitates colonization, which allows the reinforcement or the replacement. The product is available in several sizes and shapes, following the procedures.

There are several major applications of bio-medical textiles in the field, such as wound treatment and cardiovascular, where it is utilized for the aortic and mitral transcatheter valve skirts, atrial appendage occlusion device coverts, or endovascular stent-grafts. In orthopedic applications, the sutures and assemblies, joint and ligament fixation, and spinal fixation tethers. For tissue engineering with cell scaffolds and resorbable wound healing materials.

Cardiovascular Applications

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and ailments are increasing at a very alarming pace globally. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. CVDs include disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and others. Both behavioral and environmental factors use these. The major behavioral factors for the increased risk of CVDs are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and use of alcohol. Environmental risk factors include air pollution as an important factor. These factors lead to complications such as raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, raised blood lipids, and overweight and obesity, which would lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and others. In 2022, coronary heart disease (CAD) killed 371,506 people in the United States. About 1 in 20 adults aged 20 and older have CAD, i.e., 5% of the total population.

Figure 1:  People With Coronary Artery Disease (Cad), (20 Y and Above), United States, in %, 2022

Source:  CDC (Centre for Disease Control)

With increased numbers of patients and considerable diagnostic and technological advancements, vascular diseases are becoming important in general and clinical practices. The design and manufacturing of synthetic vascular prostheses have been challenging in research and development. The materials used need to meet all the requirements. The important aspects are porosity, compliance, and biodegradability.

The general application for the lower-profile devices and less invasive cardiovascular and endovascular procedures/applications included heart valve replacement, aortic arch reinforcement, stent graft covering, carotid artery repair fabric, tissue grafts, and others. The key benefits included the less invasive, lower profile, controlled density and porosity, flexibility, shape transformation, high tensile strength, and biocompatibility, among others.

DSM offers a biomaterial portfolio for cardiovascular applications, as shown in the following table.

Table 1.1:  DSM Biomaterial Portfolio for Cardiovascular

Companies	Product
Structural Heart	Polyurethanes are a biocompatible material that improves the durability and overall effectiveness of structural heart solutions. These are included with catheter-based therapies like heart valve repair and replacement. Heart valve replacement (aortic, mitral, and tricuspid), LAAO (Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion), and mitral/tricuspid valve repair (through clips or annuloplasty) are also part of the solutions.
Vascular Closure	For the puncture sites, fast healing, vascular interventions, and fully resorbable collagen materials are ideal choices. Collagen are naturally derived biomaterials. It is used for access vessel sealing post-catheterization. This is to provide rapid hemostasis, thus lowering intraprocedural bleeding. DSM Biomedical is a trailblazer in this field. The company can give the collagen with a source available in multiple shapes and sizes, including a plug or patch.
Interventional Cardiology	They manufacture advanced biomaterials for catheter-based therapies. Both catheters and their various accessory devices use hydrophilic lubricious coatings. Balloon valvuloplasty, coronary and peripheral angioplasty and stenting, and cardiac catheterization are appropriate choices for these materials.
Cardiac Assist Devices	DSM offers a range of hemocompatible and durable biomaterials to create less invasive cardiac assist devices that optimize cardiac function. These medical-grade materials are ideal for multiple-component applications, such as LVADs and other ventricular assist devices. Further innovation would create medical polyurethanes, enabling precision molding and coating.

Neurovascular Applications

According to the AANS (American Association of Neurological Surgeons), an estimated 30,000 people in the United States experience a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Among them, as many as 6 percent may have an unruptured aneurysm. The cerebrovascular disease includes disorders in which the brain is temporarily or permanently affected by ischemia or bleeding.

Several companies are developing advanced materials for biomedical textiles to enable minimally invasive expansion and compaction of critical neurovascular devices for aneurysm repair and stroke prevention and treatment.

Secant Group offers textiles for neurovascular devices used for diverting blood flow, retrieving blood clots, or preventing or reducing plaque debris. The company specializes in developing products to shorten lead times, limit development costs, and deliver a prototype in a limited time. Customization and fabric modification facilities are available in the product development process to meet the requirements.

Secant Group offers neurovascular textile solutions for creating a new device or enhancing a predicate device. Manufacturers can obtain a broad portfolio of advanced textile solutions and services tailored to neurovascular devices.

Table 1.2:  Secant Group, Neurovascular Textile Solutions

Companies	Product
Neurovascular Aneurysm Repair	Flow diverter components and Intra saccular flow disruption components
Ischemic Stroke Prevention & Treatment	Clot retrieval thrombectomy components and Embolic protection filter components
Materials	Cobalt-chromium, Nitinol, Platinum, and Specialty alloys
Medical Textile-forming Technologies	Braiding, Knitting, and Weaving

Orthopedic Applications-

There are multiple orthopedic applications, such as minimally invasive solutions for bone grafting and fusion, spinal motion preservation, tissue fixation, cartilage, tendon, ligament, and meniscal repair. The major aspect of the development of orthopedic devices is identifying the most appropriate textile material to utilize. The textile material for orthopedic devices can be applied as flexible structures for tissue reinforcement and joint support and to join materials and secure implants in the body. The structures that are made from bio textiles are bone anchors, bone containment bags, high-strength sutures, scaffolds for load-sharing, and scaffolds for soft tissue repair, among others.

Table 1.3:  Orthopedics, Biomedical Textiles, New Developments

Companies	Description
Riverpoint Medical and DSM Biomedical	In March 2023, Riverpoint Medical announced they had the exclusive license of a proprietary Osteoconductive (OC) Coating Technology from DSM Biomedical. Osteoconduction is the technology of bone-forming cells to move across a scaffold and replace it with a new bone.  Osteoconductive coatings are commonly used in orthopedic and dental implants but are not widely available in implantable textiles; by this, the company aspires to create an improved environment for enhanced bone attachment. The DSM Biomedical created the proprietary OC coating technology and further developed it into a full-scale production line by Riverpoint.
Thuasne and Corflex	In May 2024, Thuasne acquired US company Corflex, Inc. to expand its global product portfolio and strengthen its US market presence, which specializes in orthopedic bracing. This is significant in Thuasne’s growth strategy, for its expansion in US and international markets. Both companies would leverage their brand recognition and market presence for further growth.

General Applications

Non-toxicity, nonallergenic, and able to be sterilized are the major characteristics of medical textiles, which makes them appropriate for wound care applications. The major applications of these materials are to provide protection against infection, absorb blood, promote healing, and apply medication to the wound. The wound dressings are composite materials consisting of an absorbent layer between a wound contact layer and a flexible base material. The use of healing property fibers like collagen, alginate, and chitin is relevant in the treatment.

Soft-tissue implants are a major application of these materials. They are used because of their strength and flexibility. For both reconstructive and corrective surgery, soft-tissue implants are employed for the replacement of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

Conclusion

The growing elderly population worldwide is leading to increasing age-related physiological issues. This growing elderly population has orthopedic, spinal, cardiovascular, and other major disorders. According to the World Population Prospects 2022, the population above the age of 65 is growing more rapidly.  The percentage of the global population aged 65 and above is expected to rise from 10% in 2022 to 16% in 2050, this is a significant surge in the geriatric population.

Figure 2:  Proportion of People Aged 65 Years and Above, in %, 2022 and 2050

Source: United Nations

This increase in geriatric population is occurring at a significant pace in developing countries as well as developed countries. This is historically significant as the population requires adaptations to how societies are structured across all sectors. This includes healthcare needs, social care, innovation-related healthcare, etc.

Several major companies are taking steps in the expansion of the biomedical textiles industry. Cortland Biomedical is a major player that customizes designs and manufactures biomedical textile structures. They have years of experience in medical textile engineering methods, including knitting, braiding, and weaving. In January 2024, announced the expansion of its weaving capabilities by incorporating two additional Jacquard Looms. This strategic move would enhance the company’s capacities and advancements in medical textiles. Cortland Biomedical specializes in plain and narrow weave fabrics, including shuttle and rapier weaving. It excels in creating unique three-dimensional structures for applications like vascular grafts. These woven textiles are specifically designed for vascular and abdominal aortic aneurysm grafts and ensure limited blood flow.

In April 2022, Integer Holdings Corporation acquired Connemara Biomedical Holdings Teoranta. The acquisition also included operating subsidiaries Aran Biomedical and Proxy Biomedical. It was acquired for €120 million, with up to an additional €10 million of contingent consideration payable based on Aran’s achievement of 2022 revenue growth. Aran Biomedical specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of solutions for medical devices, it generated sales of $17 million in 2021. These developments in the industry would lead to the overall growth of the application of biomedical textiles in wound care and surgical domain.