The memristors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.83% during the forecasted period, with a market valuation of US$1,586.993 million in 2024, and is expected to reach US$2,536.345 million by 2029.

The memristor is a type of memory that never forgets its data for any form of an increase in the electric current resistance, it is owned by some changing current. Such memory is also called ReRAM. Their information is retained from one cell to another even when devices are off. It has become primarily used in contemporary computing and memory technologies like nanoelectronic memories or neuromorphic computing systems, as it is consistent, quick and trustworthy at the same time.

The growth in the electronics industry has largely facilitated the market development for memristors. In addition, it is anticipated that increasing demand for advanced computing and electronic devices will lead to higher levels of uptake of memristor innovations thus enhancing innovation as well as inventions within this industry. Moreover, the increasing use of data centers in the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), healthcare, as well as IT and telecommunications sectors are taking global market growth to new heights. In addition, investments are made by governments of some countries to improve their IT infrastructures, leading to favourable market conditions. In addition, it is anticipated that rising research expenditures towards the development of novel transparent electronics that use memristors as storage will support market expansion in the upcoming years. Transparent electronics are widely used in consumer electronics, energy sources, transportation, and auto windshields that can communicate visual information to the driver.

Further, product categories like mobile phones, laptops and tablets, wearables and wearables, consumer electronics, and other electronic hardware manufacturing are expected to reach production esteem worth US$300 billion by 2025–2026, according to the Vision Document released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India. Furthermore, according to the same source, the country also successfully implements production-linked incentive (PLI) programs to increase the manufacturing and export yield of the electronics industry.

Additionally, increased research & development is also leading to the market growth, for instance, a team of Chinese students from Chongqing Normal University studied memristors in March 2024, concentrating on dielectric-layer material systems. Their research aims to explore and evaluate the characteristics and behavior of memristors made of unique dielectric-layer materials, potentially advancing the field of memristor innovation. The design and development of memristor-based devices for various uses in computing systems and electronics may advance as a result of this research.

The memristors market, by type, is divided into two types- Molecular and Ionic Thin film and spin and magnetic. These spin torque memristors’ material and structure are derived from already-developed (and/or commercially available) magnetic devices, and they are simple to integrate on top of a CMOS. Better controllability and flexibility are now possible, enabling nanoscale memristors to fulfil their potential.

The memristors market, by application, is divided into four types- Digital memory, logic circuits, biological and neuromorphic systems, and others. It is anticipated that the high rate of memristor adoption in the digital memory market will significantly increase memristor demand. Memristor-based digital memories are anticipated to displace CMOS in the storage class memory space due to their exceptional performance, which includes quick write speeds, low power consumption, high scalability, cost-friendliness, and compatibility with CMOS fabrication processes. It is anticipated that these elements will accelerate the memristors’ rate of adoption. Of all the memristor-based digital memory technologies, RRAM has undergone the most development.

During the projected timeframe, it is anticipated that the market for memristors will experience remarkable growth within North America. Due to the high rate of R&D investment by local players and the more knowledgeable integrator base of memristor components than other regions, North America is one of the most important markets for memristors. The United States is home to many of the major market players and is also one of the major contributors to most of the applications of memristors, such as edge computing, neuromorphic computing, automotive, flexible electronics, Internet of Things, and industrial robotics in the recent past.

The region has a highly knowledgeable integrator base of memristor components because it is home to major players in the market. The demand for memristors in the nation is increasing due to the growing prevalence of automation, IoT, edge computing, flexible electronics, artificial intelligence, and neuromorphic computing. Furthermore, the memristors market is expanding faster thanks to the expanding electronic industry. The nation has a sizable consumer base for the memristors market thanks to its high level of disposable income.

The research includes several key players from the memristors market, such as Toshiba, Samsung, TECHiFAB, IBM, Fujitsu Limited, Intel, Micron Technology, Inc., Rambus, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Development LP, Knowm Inc.

View a sample of the report or purchase the complete study at https://www.knowledge-sourcing.com/report/memristors-market

The analytics report categorizes the memristors market using the following criteria:

Segmentation:

  • By Type
    • Molecular and Ionic Thin Film
    • Spin and Magnetic
  • By Application
    • Digital Memory
    • Logic Circuits
    • Biological and Neuromorphic Systems
    • Others
  • By Geography
      • North America
        • United States
        • Canada
        • Mexico
      • South America
        • Brazil
        • Argentina
        • Others
      • Europe
        • Germany
        • France
        • United Kingdom
        • Italy
        • Others
      • Middle East and Africa
        • Saudi Arabia
        • UAE
        • Israel
        • Others
      • Asia Pacific
        • China
        • India
        • South Korea
        • Taiwan
        • Thailand
        • Indonesia
        • Japan
        • Others

The IV bags market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.13% during the forecasted period, with a market valuation of US$4.061 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach US$5.467 billion by 2029.

Intravenous or IV bags are used in healthcare settings, to monitor the fluids, nutrients, or medication, that are directed toward the bloodstream of the patients. IV bags are used for the treatment of multiple diseases, from common illnesses, and weakness to chronic diseases and cancers. The IV therapy helps with hydrating the patient’s body, along with enhancing immunity, boosting energy levels, and detoxification of the body.

The IV bag industry is sure to witness a significant boost with the rising cases of diseases, and increasing public perception towards better healthcare services. Various companies and organizations have introduced multiple products to attract a greater market share, for instance, in July 2024, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the company achieved the New Drug Application (NDA) approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the USA, for its sodium chloride injection intravenous (IV) ready-to-use (RTU) bags. Similarly, in June 2022, the global pharmaceutical product manufacturer, Gufic Biosciences launched its New Drug Delivery System: Dual Chamber Bags, which aims to attain maximum share in the nation’s antibiotic antifungal market.

The material type segment of the IV bags market is categorized into PVC, PP, and PE. Under the material type segment of the IV bags market, the PVC material category is forecasted to attain a greater market share. The PVC IV bags are made using polymerization of vinyl chloride material, and it offer cheaper and more durable products. The PVC IV bags are commonly used across major healthcare organizations, across the globe, as it is impermeable to germs, and can easily be cleaned. It also provides a single-use application which helps in reducing the risk of infections in the hospitals.

The IV bags market, by capacity, is segmented into less than 100 ml, 100-250 ml, 250-500 ml, 500-1000 ml, and above 1000 ml. In the capacity category of the IV bags market, the 250-500 ml category is estimated to attain the maximum market share in the global market. The 250-500 ml capacity of the IV bags in the IV bags market is also used across multiple diseases, like as chemotherapy for cancer cases.

The chamber type segment of the IV bags market is categorized into single-chamber and multi-chamber. The multi-chamber IV bags under the chamber type segment of the IV bags market are estimated to attain a greater market share during the forecasted year. The multi-chamber type IV bags can be used to contain multiple fluids or medications. The multi-chamber bags generally use a high oxygen barrier, protecting against oxidation. The multi-chamber IV bags reduce the handling of the medication, and reduce the risk of contamination of the mixer fluids.

The IV bags market, by end-user, is segmented into blood banks, hospitals, and ambulatory services. Under the end-user segment of the IV bags market, the hospital category is estimated to attain a greater market share during the forecasted timeline. In hospitals, IV bags have multiple applications, for instance, during kidney dialysis procedures, chemotherapy, or during general treatment of any patients. The hospital category also witnesses a greater footfall of patients as compared to the blood banks, and ambulatory services. Furthermore, various developing nations, like India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia have announced multiple projects, incentives, and policies to boost their hospital infrastructure, which is estimated to boost the demand for IV bags in the hospital category of the end-user segment.

Based on geography, the Asia Pacific region of the IV bags market is expected to grow significantly, as the region offers a growing healthcare infrastructure and industry. Countries like India, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia are among the biggest producers of medical products in the globe. The government in the region like India, Japan, China, and Malaysia also introduces multiple incentives and subsidies to boost the growth of the medical infrastructure in the region.

The research includes several key players from the IV bags market, such as Sippex, Kraton Corporation, Renolit Solmed, Alfa Laboratories, Polycine GmbH, Haemotronic S.P.A., Hospira Inc., Technoflex S.A., The Metrix Company, Medicopack A/S, Wipak Group, and Qosina Corporation.

View a sample of the report or purchase the complete study at https://www.knowledge-sourcing.com/report/iv-bags-market

This analytics report segments the hair growth supplements market as follows:

Data has often been called the new oil in new times. Data is all promotional techniques, which include tailored and targeted marketing, rely upon it to function. The principal players in this data-oriented network are the data intermediaries, who gather, scrutinize, and monetize individuals’ details. Although they have an innovative and debatable position in marketing and advertising, it raises ethical issues and privacy matters, regardless of the perks. Moreover, the increased integration of artificial intelligence by various industries also increases the need for data brokers. For instance, 56% of businesses use AI to enhance and optimize their operations, and 51% look to AI for fraud and cybersecurity assistance.

Figure 1:  Percentage of Artificial Intelligence Used by Various Businesses

percentage of ai used by various businesses

Source: CompTIA – The IT Industry Association

This article will examine the participation of data brokers in advertisements and marketing and discuss their pros and cons.

Outlined below are the benefits and risks that are associated with data brokers:

Benefits

  • Enhanced Targeting and Personalization
  • Improved Marketing ROI
  • Enhanced Customer Insights
  • Competitive Advantage
  • Facilitation of Omnichannel Marketing

Risks

  • Privacy Concerns
  • Data Accuracy and Reliability
  • Ethical Considerations
  • Regulatory and Legal Issues

Let’s discuss the benefits in detail.

1. Enhanced Targeting and Personalization

One of the major benefits of having data brokers in marketing and advertising is improving targeting to attract customers through personalized advertisements. Their detailed knowledge about a consumer enables them to sell highly relevant ads, making advertisements more unique for these consumers. The efficiency of marketing campaigns is increased, and this targeting improves the possibility of engaging potential customers. For instance, advertisers can customize their ads to highlight upscale travel experiences and high-end goods if a data broker discovers that a particular person travels frequently and favours luxury brands. Businesses can connect with their target audience more deeply and achieve higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction with this level of personalization.

Data-based marketing strategies have been shown to provide a bigger return on investment (ROI). By targeting specific demographic segments, companies can focus their marketing budgets and stop wasting money on irrelevant ads. Data brokers provide valuable information that enables businesses to make their messages, timing, and ad placements more efficient for cost-effective campaigns.

2. Improved Marketing ROI

Data brokers assemble vast amounts of data from various sources, including public records, social media activity, purchase history, online behaviour, etc. Capturing this information from different channels helps develop exhaustive profiles for individuals.

3. Enhanced Customer Insights

Data brokers give useful insights into what consumers like or behave like. Businesses can use this data to better understand who they intend to target, recognize new trends, and make decisions regarding products and marketing strategies. Because of this thorough understanding of customer wants and tastes, organizations find it easier to compete fiercely and adapt to evolving market situations.

Companies are working hard to deliver personalized content to their customers. Marketers can develop messages that meet individual preferences, patterns, and demographic groups by engaging the services of data brokerage firms. Moreover, in this world, which largely depends on the internet, consumers are interacting with different businesses through various platforms. Through this means, data brokers enable marketers to devise all-inclusive multichannel marketing strategies as they use information from different sources together.

4. Competitive Advantage

Businesses can gain a competitive advantage by having access to extensive consumer data. They can use data broker services to discover market opportunities, improve their marketing strategies, and obtain insights into the tactics used by their rivals. This competitive advantage enjoyed by businesses sustains an ever-evolving market.

5. Facilitation of Omnichannel Marketing

Data brokers are valuable instruments for multi-purpose advertising techniques as they can provide a lot of data and useful insights to ensure smooth and consistent customer experiences are delivered across various platforms. Data brokers gather and obfuscate information from different platforms, including social media, face-to-face interactions, buying patterns, and online behaviors. Aggregation procedures enable the provision of unified customer profiles in a 360° format. Data brokers use identity resolution processes across channels to obtain correct attribution from diverse touchpoints to a single person. For this reason, marketers need to comprehend the entire customer journey in detail.

Let’s discuss the risks in detail.

1. Privacy Concerns

One of the most significant threats data brokers face is privacy. Massive data collection and analysis raise questions about its use and protection against personal information abuse. Many clients do not know what type or how much data has been collected or shared, leading to a lack of transparency and possible violation of their privacy rights.

Some outcomes include identity theft and loss of money, among others, caused by hackers accessing private information illegally or through breaches, which leads to a black market for personal details (Donner). Both privacy advocates and victims experience high levels of anxiety because there is a possibility that their information might be misused, and they cannot control it.

2. Data Accuracy and Reliability

There are various sources utilized by data brokers to build customer profiles, but their quality and truthfulness may not be the same. Misinformation or outdated data may generate targeted marketing campaigns and wasted marketing efforts. Difficulties might occur for organizations when data brokers provide incorrect or outdated details.

On the other hand, some data brokers can wrongly classify an entire social group or generalize it inaccurately using algorithms. This kind of behaviour could lead to prejudices towards certain ethnicities and, as a result, exclude them from particular marketplaces.

3. Ethical Considerations

One of the key moral issues is whether or not individuals ever have a chance to deny consent before their confidential information is employed to target ads directed specifically at themselves. Many people are displeased by the notion that their details can be manipulated by others to dictate what they should buy without asking for prior permission. Furthermore, it concerns ethical consequences regarding the depth of data brokers’ profiles and how this impacts human beings.

4. Regulatory and Legal Issues

The data brokers function in a complex regulatory environment with various laws and regulations in different areas regarding data privacy and security. As a result, firms hiring the services of these intermediaries should continuously keep abreast with such policies lest they face prosecution. In addition, ever-changing data protection laws present ongoing problems for corporations and other agents who deal with information.

Conclusion

Currently, the data brokers give critical data points for contemporary marketing and advertisement strategies that lead to targeted, individualized campaigns. There are certain benefits associated with this move, such as improved accuracy of targeting and return on investment (ROI). Nevertheless, there are numerous concerns related to privacy issues, data validity, and other ethical problems. The best practices in adopting these data broking services allow companies to exploit the advantages while reducing risks and ensuring responsible use. Therefore, the technology industry should maintain a proper equilibrium between innovation and privacy to explore fully what digital marketing has to offer.

The food spread market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.75% during the forecasted period, with a market valuation of US$36.532 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach US$48.320 billion by 2029.

Numerous factors affecting consumer preferences and industry trends propelled the food spread market. There was a demand for quick and easy breakfasts due to changing lifestyles. More and more people are becoming aware of how their health is increasing the need for spreads that contain nuts, including those made from whole grain foodstuff, seed and other natural sweeteners. There are a series of new products that are likely to emerge due to the increasing demand for veganism and plant-based diets. Furthermore, higher incomes in developing nations enabled them to have a broader range of spreads.

Further, the increased incidences of chronic diseases have made many individuals health-conscious. As such, these individuals are in search of foods that would aid them in having well-balanced meals that cannot be considered tasteless or flavourless at any time. Therefore, individuals trying to manage weight or avoid obesity-related diseases usually prefer spreads that have little or no sugar sodium or trans fats at all. Ideally, consumers want to know what’s in the natural and healthy food spreads they buy. The market for health spreads is being shaped by consumer preference for transparency and clear labeling too. Food spreads made from familiar natural components instead of manufactured ones were deemed healthier choices by most buyers.

Moreover, the sector of food spreads presents an excellent opportunity for the producers to realize high profits while at the same time giving the customers what they want in terms of healthy alternatives. To answer to this increased need, food spread manufacturers have been launching new products and reworking existing ones so as to suit consumer tastes. There has been a concerted effort on their part to show off how healthy their items are by using high-grade materials which have no artificial substances or much less than could be found elsewhere or some manufacturers may choose not to hide these features at all.

The producers are also putting more focus on the natural and organic contents of their food spreads through product labelling and marketing strategies aimed at attracting health-conscious consumers. There has been an upswing in sales from food-spread brands. Creamy Cinnamon Toast Crunch is among the many things B&G Foods produces. A sprinkle of cinnamon which has some sugar, vanilla, caramel, and graham flavours can help enhance the taste of ice cream, pastries, coffee, baked goods and other kinds of foods.

The food spread market, by product type, is divided into six types- Jams, jellies, butter, honey, and chocolate spread. The market demand is growing due to an increase in honey consumption. Honey is becoming a natural sugar substitute among consumers who value health and well-being. Due to its antimicrobial and immunity-enhancing properties, product adoption has increased. Organic honey’s rising demand is largely due to its advantages and consumers opting for natural products. Examples of organic honey-selling Indian brands include Honey Basket, True Elements, 24 Mantra, Dabur Honey and Organica.

The food spread market, by distribution channel, is divided into two types- online and offline where offline is further segmented into supermarkets, hypermarkets, and others. The offline market is well-liked because it offers customers the ability to scan products before purchase, which impacts the purchasing decision. The presence of store associates influences consumers to try out new flavours during the launch of new products, making the hypermarket and supermarket an ideal venue for product launches. Additionally, shoppers like to buy when there is a wider selection, which is offered in supermarkets and hypermarkets.

During the projected timeframe, it is anticipated that the market for food spread will experience remarkable growth within North America. The US food spread industry is greatly impacted by consumer demand for healthier food options and nutrient-dense fashions. There has been a trend towards consuming foods that contain relatively lesser sugar, and fat spreads which are fewer and fewer artificial ingredients due to the increasing awareness of health and wellness. Also, one of the turning points in this industry that has accelerated the growth of non-dairy alternatives is people shifting to vegetarian diets as well as the popularity of veganism.

Further, the food-spread market is impacted by several products introduced by major players in the US market because they spur innovation, pique consumer interest, and expand product offerings. New flavours, formulas, and package designs are offered by these product launches, fostering industry competition. For instance, in June 2023, Philadelphia introduced a new creamy spread in the plant-based category that consumers could enjoy, catering to the desire of over 50% of consumers to include more plant-based products in their diets.

The research includes several key players from the food spread market, such as The J.M. Smucker Company, The Kraft Heinz Company, Conagra Brands, Sioux Honey Association Co-op, B&G Foods, Inc., Ferrero International, The Hershey Company, Freedom Nutritional Products Group, Nestlé, Nature Food Company (LT Foods Ltd).

View a sample of the report or purchase the complete study at https://www.knowledge-sourcing.com/report/food-spread-market

The analytics report categorizes the food spread market using the following criteria:

Segmentation:

  • By Product Type
    • Jams
    • Jellies
    • Butter
    • Honey
    • Chocolate spread
  • By Distribution Channel
    • Online
    • Offline
      • Supermarkets
      • Hypermarkets
      • Others
  • By Geography
      • North America
      • USA
      • Canada
      • Mexico
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Argentina
      • Others
    • Europe
      • UK
      • Germany
      • France
      • Italy
      • Others
    • Middle East and Africa
      • Saudi Arabia
      • UAE
      • Others
    • Asia Pacific
      • China
      • Japan
      • India
      • South Korea
      • Thailand
      • Indonesia
      • Others
  • Fruit Spreads Market Size
  • Jam Market Size
  • Global Mayonnaise Market Size

Material handling tasks require a significant amount of effort in the manufacturing industries. The desire for material handling products to lessen labour, save time, and lower expenses in this activity has noticeably increased as a result. In the past, conventional manipulation technologies have been used to develop material-handling products to reduce the physical strain that workers experience when lifting and moving materials.

Further, with the assistance of wise decision-making, predictive maintenance and flexibility of machinery, material-handling robots have their capacity improved greatly. That way, the systems are more efficient and adapt to real-time varying environments. Some examples of AI applications in materials handling include self-driving trucks or picking bots. Material handling robots have an ML algorithm embedded in their software which enables them to make decisions regarding path planning among others like collision avoidance. The anthropomorphic level of these systems progressively increases with time as technology evolves. Nevertheless, while AGVs that follow fixed paths are common in global material handling operations, more efficiency is achieved through AMRs.

The role of AI and robotics in material handling systems are as follows:

  • Autonomous vehicles & robots
  • Computer vision
  • Natural language processing
  • Conversational interfaces
  • Machine learning
  • Supply chain management & improved customer experience

Let’s discuss each one in detail.

1. Autonomous vehicles & robots

In material handling, autonomous vehicles and picking robots are arguably the most well-known applications of artificial intelligence. The automation of machinery like pallet jacks, wheeled totes, and forklifts is based on the use of cameras, sensors, and data analytics technologies to handle decision-making tasks like collision avoidance and navigation path planning. Similar to this, robotic picking arms that can perform precise unit sorting operations are becoming more and more common. These robotic arms can pick, sort, and pack items according to criteria like weight, shape, and branding design.

As technology advances, so does the degree of autonomy that these systems possess. For instance, although fixed-path autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) have gained popularity in the material handling industry globally in recent years, the development of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), which can move through warehouses without the need for infrastructure and instantly adjust to changes in their path, is increasing material handling efficiency even further.  Moreover, according to the most recent World Robotics report, there are 553,052 industrial robot installations in factories worldwide, representing a 5% annual growth rate in 2022. Asia accounted for 73% of all recently deployed robots, followed by Europe (15%) and the Americas (10%).

Figure 1:  Annual Installation of Industrial Robots by Major Countries, in 000 Units, 2022

annual installation of industrial robots

Source: World Robotics 2023

2. Computer vision

Computer vision refers to the section of AI that interprets visual data from cameras. An example is that autonomous robots use computer vision to avoid collisions and recognize their environment while robot pickers use it to differentiate between different types of objects through sight.

Additional uses include automating quality control processes with visual inspection of the goods. This technology can be used to remove defective or damaged goods from shipments when paired with autonomous vehicles and robotic picking equipment. It also has the potential to be used in inventory management, where AI-powered visual assessments of shelves can log stock levels and availability.

3. Natural language processing

NLP technology is a component of what IBM refers to as “cognitive automation,” which is the intelligent, autonomous management of back-office administrative tasks achieved through the combination of AI and robotic process automation (RPA) software.

Further, by automating documentation and paperwork-related tasks, natural language processing (NLP) enables computer systems to understand and utilize the “unstructured” data found in text documents. This is crucial for companies that handle shipments to and from various sources and must cross-reference massive amounts of paperwork because it means that documents like invoices and order forms can be processed and examined for anomalies in a matter of seconds.

4. Conversational interfaces

The ability of natural language processing and interpretation (NLP) technology to process spoken language also leads to the development of conversational interfaces. Conversational interfaces are being added to warehouse management systems to act as a point of contact between human workers and machines, much as our homes are becoming more and more equipped with voice-activated devices. Exchanges of information between humans and machines can become much richer and more natural, with commands not limited to a short list of keywords and automated systems capable of speaking comprehensive answers to inquiries instead of just producing data tables.

Moreover, executives are enthusiastic about the potential for increased efficiency with conversational interfaces, but employees are also open to the idea; 60% of workers said they could see themselves receiving assistance from a conversational robot coworker.

5. Machine learning

The technology that powers each of the aforementioned AI use cases is machine learning. Machine Learning is the area of artificial intelligence that optimizes and modifies automation’s performance through the use of algorithms that can change and adapt their outputs over time based on interpreting patterns in data.

As a result, machine learning is what enables material handling in a warehouse to continuously recalculate the best route for navigation and picking orders to generate small but steady efficiency gains. By analyzing end-to-end system data, machine learning also makes it possible for picking robots, visual inspection devices, and document processing RPAs to not only identify anomalies rapidly but also independently ascertain their causes.

6. Supply chain & improved customer experience

Artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionize supply chain management by optimizing several facets of the chain and providing real-time insight. By analyzing data from various sources such as suppliers, transportation links and markets, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can identify potential disruption and propose mitigation strategies. This means that organizations can manage risks better, respond faster to demand changes and achieve smooth inwards-outwards supply chains from the supplier down to the consumer level.

Further, AI additionally increases consumer satisfaction owing to efficient order execution [order processing]. For instance, with AI-powered chat-bots or virtual assistants, one can obtain fast customer responses regarding their inquiries about an item they purchased online including delivery dates etc., while these systems also provide constant updates on their order status as well. Artificial Intelligence improves client satisfaction levels through improved accuracy and enhanced efficacity in warehouse operations.

In conclusion, material handling systems comprise AI and robotics which bring about a revolution thereby increasing productivity, ensuring security and enabling on-time decision making. As these technologies develop, they will further improve the abilities of material handling systems making them more intelligent, adaptable and responsive to modern industrial needs. The future of material handling is based on incessant development of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) with lots of room for creativity and very significant benefits.

The senior care technologies market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.18% during the forecasted period, with a market valuation of US$28.533 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach US$42.283 billion by 2029.

Inactive chemicals used in the composition of medicines for the elderly improve the stability, solubility, and release of active drugs. By performing various tasks such as binding, diluting, taste and odour masking, and preserving; they have a responsibility of ensuring that pharmaceuticals are safe, effective, and of good quality. In this regard, senior care is always specially selected and regulated by strict quality plus safety requirements in the drug processing industry. This is because without them it would have been very hard or rather impossible to formulate drugs that are both effective and safe.

With people from all over the world becoming more aware of home care services, adult care services and other services, the market will witness an increase in demand. A rapidly expanding elderly populace is forcing senior care needs higher which is going to result in growing requirements for items and services intended for old people thereby fostering development.

Further, chronic illnesses like diabetes mellitus, heart disease or oedema, when they begin to change, are the best time to eat rightly to avoid such fatal complications and all other diseases including cancer. Home healthcare services have made it possible for patients to receive treatment outside the hospital.

The senior care technologies market, by product type, is divided into seven types- Safety and security systems, fall detection and prevention systems, remote health monitoring systems, medication management systems, socialization and mental stimulation systems, telehealthcare systems, and others. Telehealth is using digital data and communication technologies to provide and manage healthcare at a distance. For instance, this technology can be accessed by the patient right from home. A nurse or another healthcare worker can give telehealth via a mobile van or medical office in a remote area. Another type of telehealth is technology utilized by healthcare professionals to enhance or support patient care.

In various nations, long-distance care has incorporated information and communication technology by combining medical advancements with technological growth. These include features such as remote video, physiological recording and monitoring, medication reminders and abnormality notifications aimed at reducing medical and labour costs.

The senior care technologies market, by service type, is divided into six types- Home care services, assisted living services, skilled nursing services, memory care services, rehabilitation services, and others. The overall market share of home care services is expected to grow significantly due to the advantages of home care services, including their comfort, independence in providing care, and lower costs. Home care services are a great resource for helping families create personalized care plans that cover a variety of medical treatments, nursing services, and personal care for their elderly family members.

Professionals with licenses and experience in this field provide these services. The affordable structure of home care services, which enables effective resource allocation, is one of their main advantages. Home care service providers employ caregivers to visit patients several times a week, meeting their individual needs and identifying any elderly population members who require unattended care.

The senior care technologies market, by end-user, is divided into five types- Home care settings, senior living facilities, hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation centres, and others. Senior care is no different from almost every other area of life in which technology is indispensable. Rehab and residential nursing are two aspects of senior care that are being revolutionized by innovative technologies, greatly enhancing the quality of life for seniors which is also increasing the demand for rehabilitation centers globally.

During the projected timeframe, it is anticipated that the market for senior care technologies will experience remarkable growth within North America. The senior care technologies market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by healthcare expenses and the need for more affordable treatment options. The rising demand for new technologies among seniors will be driven by an increase in their population, especially as older people start making use of advanced technologies and the Internet.

Additionally, there is a shortage of medical professionals in the United States which makes it difficult to provide top-quality care to senior citizens. For example, it is projected that the number of registered nurses (RNs) will increase by 177,440, from 3.1 million in 2022 to 3.3 million in 2032. In future years, it will be anticipated that such growing shortages will have serious implications for the future of senior care technologies within this country- this is especially true with regard to America.

The research includes several key players from the senior care technologies market, such as Philips Healthcare, Medtronic plc, Omron Healthcare, Inc., Tunstall Healthcare Group Ltd., CarePredict, Inc., VitalConnect, GreatCall, BioTelemetry, Inc., CarePredict Inc., and GrandCare Systems.

View a sample of the report or purchase the complete study at https://www.knowledge-sourcing.com/report/senior-care-technologies-market

The analytics report categorizes the senior care technologies market using the following criteria:

Segmentation:

  • By Product Type
    • Safety and Security Systems
    • Fall Detection and Prevention Systems
    • Remote Health Monitoring Systems
    • Medication Management Systems
    • Socialization and Mental Stimulation Systems
    • Telehealthcare Systems
    • Others
  • By Service Type
    • Home Care Services
    • Assisted Living Services
    • Skilled Nursing Services
    • Memory Care Services
    • Rehabilitation Services
    • Others
  • By End-User
    • Home Care Settings
    • Senior Living Facilities
    • Hospitals and Clinics
    • Rehabilitation Centers
    • Others
  • By Geography
    • North America
      • United States
      • Canada
      • Mexico
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Argentina
      • Others
    • Europe
      • United Kingdom
      • Germany
      • France
      • Spain
      • Others
    • Middle East and Africa
      • Saudi Arabia
      • UAE
      • Others
    • Asia Pacific
      • Japan
      • China
      • India
      • South Korea
      • Indonesia
      • Taiwan
      • Others
  • Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Market Size
  • Medical Device Security Market Size
  • Urinalysis Market Size

While dietary supplements for immune health enhance body immunity and protect it from harmful germs, this condition has been shown to increase the likelihood of contracting infectious diseases. Hence, this has encouraged diabetic patients to take immune-boosting supplements which may prove very helpful in combating infectious diseases.

Moreover, personalized nutrition is becoming an important trend, particularly for those with mild metabolic disorders or other gut-related diseases for which generalized medications are often inadequate. Concern for health, busy lives and lifestyle shifts are all pushing consumers towards interest in immune care. Adequate nourishment is being given up for a quick fix, which explains the use of supplements even by people who eat properly.

An increasing number of people are demanding supplements that enhance immunity such as probiotic bacteria, vitamins and minerals as well as traditional medicine. In this period everyone worldwide is aware of their health status and defense mechanism. With advancing age and adulthood being more aware of the need to enhance immunity for market growth, supplements for immune health are increasing in popularity.

Here are the top 10 dietary supplements for boosting immune health:

Top 10 Changes

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Zinc
  • Probiotics
  • Elderberry
  • Echinacea
  • Garlic
  • Turmeric
  • Selenium
  • Astragalus

Let’s discuss each one in detail.

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most popular and studied supplements for immune support. It is an effective antioxidant that fights free radical-induced cell damage. In addition, it also makes collagen which keeps our skin intact thus making it a barrier against infections in the first place. Several functions of the immune system are supported by vitamin C at the cellular level. For instance, aids in the generation and function of white blood cells like phagocytes and lymphocytes which play a critical role in fighting diseases in our bodies. However, during flu season consumption of citrus fruits alone may not be sufficient to provide all antioxidant requirements needed; supplements can still serve as alternatives. Although doses ranging from 500 mg to 1000mg are recommended per day, if one wants higher amounts should consult with his/her physician.

2. Vitamin D

Due to its crucial role in maintaining a good functioning of the immune system, it is commonly called “the sunshine vitamin”. Nevertheless, a majority of people do not have enough amount of this nutrient, particularly those residing in places without sufficient sunlight. Vitamin D reduces inflammation while enhancing the action of macrophages and monocytes – types of white blood cells that are crucial for immune defence against pathogens. The vitamin can be ingested from supplements as well as fortified foods or through the consumption of oily fish aside from being synthesized on exposure to sunlight. Usually, the advice for daily consumption spans from 600 to 800 IU but certain people may demand higher quantities based on their serum levels.

3. Zinc

The mineral, zinc, is essential for the development and communication of the immune system cells as well as inflammation regulation. A zinc deficiency may severely compromise the immune system. Natural killer cells and neutrophils which are two types of cells that mediate innate immunity require zinc to grow properly and fulfill their physiological functions. Moreover, it acts as an antioxidant by helping stabilize membranes and prevent damage from free radicals. Although meat, fish, legumes and seeds are rich sources of this mineral, during periods when there is an increased risk of infection supplementation becomes necessary. The ordinary daily dosage is between 15 and 30 mg.

4. Probiotics

When administered in proper dosages, probiotics (live microorganisms) have varied health advantages. They are well-known for their role in gut health that affects directly the immunological function. In these capacities, probiotics may enhance the production of natural killer cells and T lymphocytes involved in antibody generation processes. Probiotics are therefore critical to Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT) maintaining proper balance of gut flora thus an important feature of this part of the immune system. They come as either supplements or fermented foods such as yoghurts. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are among the common strains. Since there is a wide difference between the efficiency potentials of different probiotics it is important to select products with strains that have undergone clinical trials.

Moreover, as studies have indicated that specific lactobacillus strains aid in decreasing body fat and enhancing general digestive health, the market for lactobacillus probiotics may be significantly impacted by the high obesity rate. For example, 14.1% of Chinese adults were obese and 34.8% were overweight based on their BMI. With more people becoming aware of the health risks associated with obesity and looking for natural ways to support their weight management efforts, the demand for lactobacillus probiotics rises along with the prevalence of obesity.

Figure 1:  Cases of Obesity in China, in Percentage, 2023

cases of obesity in china

Source: Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism- Journal

5. Elderberries

Elderberry is widely perceived as a flu and cold remedy due to its immunity-boosting capabilities among other benefits. The fruit has high levels of both anthocyanins as well as antioxidants which are known to help with inflammation reduction and increase one’s immunity. Studies have shown that elderberry extracts can help ease respiratory difficulties associated with flu, particularly in the case of children. For adults who prefer them as dietary supplements, there are three forms; syrup, lozenge or gummy bears. Standardized extracts should always be used to ensure safety and efficacy. The recommended daily dosage is between 600mg -1200mg.

6. Echinacea

Various diseases have been treated over the centuries using some types of flowering plants from the Echinacea family in conventional medicine. It is particularly known for the treatment and prevention of colds. It is believed that Echinacea boosts one’s immunity by increasing the number of white blood cells that fight infections (Haas). Some research suggests that it might even reduce one’s susceptibility to a cold or shorten its duration. Echinacea supplements can be made in the form of tinctures, teas or capsules. When one gets a cold, normally 300-500 mg is what they are advised to take three times daily from the onset of symptoms.

7. Garlic

Moreover, alongside flavouring food, garlic also has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal characteristics that enhance one’s immunity. Allicin, which is the active ingredient in garlic, induces some white blood cells to fight against certain strains of viruses that are responsible for flu or cold. Raw, cooked or as a supplement garlic can be consumed. Daily doses of 600–1200mg are usually applied for instance in aged garlic extract, which is a common supplement.

8. Turmeric

The strong anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and antioxidant properties are mainly due to its active ingredient curcumin is reputed to boost the body’s immunity. The activation of macrophages, T cells and B cells by curcumin helps in improving the body’s defence against infections. In addition, it works on reducing inflammation which improves immune activity. Supplements can be taken or added to food as turmeric is available in such form. To have better absorption look for curcumin supplements with piperine or black pepper extract or take them with meals containing large amounts of fats. The daily dosage ranges from 500 to 2000 mg.

9. Selenium

Selenium proves to be an important mineral for the immune system functioning and also in regulating inflammation responses. It plays several important roles in effective immune system performance, & lack of it makes someone more prone to infections. The synthesis of cytokines and T-cell multiplication are both promoted by selenium and are critical components of the immune response. In addition, it serves as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage. Brazil nuts, seafood, and meats supply abundant amounts of selenium; however, supplements can be beneficial, especially in regions where the mineral is lacking in soil. 55 micrograms daily is recommended for adults.

10. Astragalus

As a traditional Chinese herb for centuries, astragalus has been used to strengthen immunity against disease and stress. Astragalus is said to stimulate immunity and promote white blood cell count increase. Moreover, it has some antioxidant properties that assist in avoiding cell damage. There are astragalus tinctures, teas, and capsules available. 250-500mg is typically administered three times every day.

In conclusion, they can greatly support the immune system, so supplements must be seen as a part of an all-encompassing strategy for health. Other important aspects include a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, physical activities, restful slumber and diminishment of stress levels. Before embarking on any new supplementation plan it would be wise to consult with a medical professional, particularly for those taking medication or having existing health problems. People might want to consider including some of the best dietary supplements in their everyday regimen because they enhance general wellness and body immunity at large.

Animal feed plays a significant role in supplying nutrients for livestock growth, health and productivity making it an integral part of present-day livestock production. The feeds consist of various nutrient components including proteins, carbohydrates vitamins and minerals formulated to meet different diets of varied animal species. The aquaculture industry using animal feeds like fish meal as well as pet care and poultry farming companies have continued to adopt it for their application. This supplementation leads to increased milk production rates; better egg-laying abilities; and satisfactory qualities of meat. Well-formulated animal feeds result in faster growth rates among animals; and enhanced feed conversion efficiency which reduces susceptibility to diseases leading to overall improved well-being of animals. Various product types belong to complete feeds; roughage feeds and concentrate feeds categories.

This is due to an increased requirement for quality livestock products like eggs, milk and meat which have become the driving force behind global demand for animal feeds. Moreover, these feeds also help ensure that animals get all the necessary nutrients needed for healthy growth, development and overall welfare. Consequently, by adding such items to their feed synthesis, producers would be able can produce foods containing more nutrients than what available animal protein ever does. Moreover, the production of 1.266 billion metric tons of international feed in the 2022 survey was estimated as per the eleventh edition of Alltech’s annual feed production survey data.

Figure 1:  World Feed Production, Billion Metric Tons, 2021 to 2022

world feed production

Source: Altech

Top trends shaping the future of animal feed production are as follows:

  • Sustainable and eco-friendly feed ingredients
  • Precision nutrition and customized feed solutions
  • Digital transformation and smart farming technologies
  • Focus on animal health and welfare
  • Regulatory changes and globalization
  • Consumer-driven changes

Let’s discuss each one in detail.

1. Sustainable and eco-friendly feed ingredients

People are looking for alternative sources of protein in an attempt to avoid the adverse effects on the environment due to conventional feed ingredients. Alternative sources of protein can be classified as insect proteins, algae proteins and single-cell proteins that are produced by bacteria or fungi. This reduces dependence on soy and fishmeal which are often decried for their detrimental ecological consequences. In addition, there is an increasing move towards a circular economy in the animal feed industry. It means minimizing waste and carbon footprint by using discards from the food industry like food waste or agricultural leftovers as feeds.

2. Precision nutrition and customized feed solutions

As a result of biochemistry and computer interpretations, advanced feeding techniques are now achievable. Precision nutrition optimizes growth and reduces waste through the customization of feed formulations to suit the specific needs of different species, breeds and individuals.

In addition, nutrigenomics is now being studied as an emerging discipline looking into the effects of dietary patterns on gene expression in animals. By understanding how various nutrients influence genetic reactions, specialized feed formulations can enhance growth rates along with bettering overall health and efficiency among livestock. This can boost feed conversion efficiency while encouraging sustainable agriculture practices.

3. Digital transformation and smart farming technologies

The industry is undergoing a revolution as a result of the integration of big data analytics and IoT devices in feed production. Real-time monitoring of feed quality, animal health, and environmental factors by smart sensors allows for proactive feeding schedule modifications and a decrease in feed waste. The technological transformation of healthcare occurring concurrently with agriculture implies two trends in the feed industry. The first of these is that, instead of leading to fewer people being employed, technology will transform the nature of work and leadership.

Further, robots at Aalborg University Hospital, for instance, carry up to 3,000 blood samples at a constant temperature thereby guaranteeing accurate analysis and improved care for patients. There are both high-skilled and low-skilled workers who use robots to assist in areas like surgery support as well as logistics. In addition, farming robots from Aigen and EcoRobotix among other firms are tasked with several responsibilities such as planting weeding, vacuuming insects, harvesting and packaging crops. This kind of machinery is increasingly popular owing to its provision of precise economical and efficient solutions to problems related to labor shortage and agricultural practices.

4. Focus on animal health and welfare

Ever since there has been a growing need for effective feeds that go beyond the provision of mere nourishment to improve the health and well-being of animals. They are made up of substances such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes etc which enhance gut health; boost immune system function and minimize antibiotic usage.

Further, the industry is also changing from using feeds produced with antibiotics because there are stricter government laws and people want animal products without them in them. Therefore, according to the above trend natural dietary supplements which promote human health include organic acids, plant extracts and essential oils.

5. Regulatory changes and globalization

The animal feed sector is subjected to stricter rules related to quality, safety and environmental impact. Producers must stay ahead of regulatory changes and invest in compliance to avoid being disrupted. This means keeping up with new regulations concerning feed additives, labelling and sustainability.

Furthermore, the recent tests on world supply chains have underscored the need for resilience. To reduce dependence on foreign sources of supplies, more focus is put on diversifying raw materials sources and increasing local production capacities in the animal feed industry. This trend is also driving innovations in feed storage and transportation technologies.

6. Consumer-driven changes

People who eat are more worried about how their food originates from them such as animal feed used in the rearing of animals. To meet this demand for openness and verification throughout the chain of supplying feeds, there are uses to employ blockchain technologies and other means of tracking animals’ feeds.

In addition, the emergence of laboratory-grown and plant-based meat is affecting the ingredients of feed industry serration because these industrialists require new alternatives for their raw materials made from plants or cell cultures. Hence, it could cause a change in techniques or mixtures of feeding stuff.

In conclusion, the impending future of animal feed production is being moulded by various factors such as evolving consumer needs, environmental sustainability engagements, and improvements in technology. These market conditions would place businesses that follow this line ardently and buttress their research and development undertakings at a position better suited for prosperity compared to those that do not. It also contributes to the establishment of a more sustainable food system in a more precise way; this means increased transparency for all production processes involving feed, which in turn energizes further growth within the animal agriculture sector itself.

The cognition supplements market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.60% during the forecasted period, with a market valuation of US$62.780 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$118.766 billion by 2029.

The market for cognitive supplements is predicted to grow since they claim to improve memory, focus and brain performance in general. The ageing population is one of the main reasons behind the demand for cognitive health products that can help them retain their mental sharpness. As a result, stress levels have risen, busy lifestyles developed and the prevalence of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s has grown all these factors contribute to market growth. Moreover, technological advancements coupled with research on the effectiveness of some drugs support market expansion. Also, there is a rising need for cognition supplements due to the trend towards preventive healthcare as well as self-care when people are making overall brain health and cognitive function priorities.

According to the World Health Organization, the world’s population is ageing rapidly. The number of people living on this planet who would have reached sixty by then is estimated at one billion four hundred million which represents one out of every six persons worldwide. Also, by 2050 it is estimated that there will be two hundred ten million individuals aged sixty years old and above (the very elderly) as per population projections; with growth expected to be particularly strong at old ages where populations may triple from 400 million today to 1.2 billion in 2050.

The cognition supplements market, by product type, is divided into three types- Natural molecules, herbal extract, and vitamins & minerals. The aiding vitamins and minerals are widely popular, so that’s the future of this industry. This is because minerals and vitamins are important in stopping growth abnormalities such as dementia and Alzheimers as well as enhancing brain degradation associated with aging. Moreover, the market for herbal extract supplements for brain health will also benefit from growing consumer preference for herbal products in developing countries like China and India.

Further, EyePromise launched a new product named BrainPromise which enhances brain function, protects it and keeps it healthy on February 2024.  In multiple studies published, the antioxidant zeaxanthin and lutein were found to be useful in the fight against oxidative stress, which is why brainnutrients.com is so important.

The cognition supplements market, by form, is divided into two types- Chewable and capsules. In the supplement industry, there is an increasing demand for innovative forms that eliminate the traditional tablet experience and provide a pleasant mouthfeel with each dosage. Because of their portability, chewable, gummy tablets, and tablets that dissolve in the mouth are all becoming more popular.

The cognition supplements market, by distribution channel, is divided into four types- Supermarkets/hypermarkets, medical stores, online retail stores, and others. As brain supplements are sold in drug stores, the drug stores segment is predicted to lead the market during the forecast period. For example, Neuratech, an Australian health start-up, provides brain supplements, Boost and Calm. Calm is a nootropic for sleep and stress, on the other hand, Boost is for energy and focus. Moreover, with an increase in internet users and technological advancements in the healthcare sector, it is anticipated that the online stores segment will experience significant growth over the projection period.

During the projected timeframe, it is anticipated that the market for cognition supplements will experience remarkable growth within North America. North America has recently experienced an increase in demand for products related to brain health. This is due to increased awareness towards healthy living by youth and a rise in consumer needs for cognitive enhancement products. Consequently, overall market expansion and wider usage categories of such products are likely to occur over this period.

The research includes several key players from the cognition supplements market, such as Accelerated Intelligence, HVMN Inc., Onnit Labs, Inc. (Unilever United States), Liquid Health, Inc., Quincy Bioscience – The Makers of Prevagen, Natural Factors Inc., Jarrow Formulas, Inc.

View a sample of the report or purchase the complete study at https://www.knowledge-sourcing.com/report/cognition-supplements-market

The analytics report categorizes the cognition supplements market using the following criteria:

Segmentation:

  • By Product Type
    • Natural Molecules
    • Herbal Extract
    • Vitamins & Minerals
  • By Form
    • Chewable
    • Capsules
  • By Distribution Channel
    • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • Medical Stores
    • Online Retail Stores
    • Others
  • By Geography
    • North America
      • United States
      • Canada
      • Mexico
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Argentina
      • Others
    • Europe
      • United Kingdom
      • Germany
      • France
      • Spain
      • Others
    • Middle East and Africa
      • Saudi Arabia
      • UAE
      • Israel
      • Others
    • Asia Pacific
      • Japan
      • China
      • India
      • South Korea
      • Indonesia
      • Thailand
      • Others
  • Dietary Supplements Market Size
  • Hair Growth Supplements Market Share
  • Men’s Health Supplements Market Size

Hydrocarbons include methane and carbon, which when in combustion release carbon dioxide; this is a strong greenhouse gas that retains heat within the earth’s atmosphere. The proliferation of CO2 leads to global warming and has numerous environmental effects these include changes in sea levels, unfavorable weather conditions, and disruption of the ecosystem. The figure below further represents the greenhouse gas emissions by economic sectors in the United States:

Figure 1:  Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Economic Sectors in United States, 2022

greenhouse gas emissions

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

While the world today faces the challenge of climatic change, there is an increasing need to explore ways of reducing the carbon emissions associated with the use of hydrocarbon. In this article, we delve into the complex relationship between hydrocarbons and climate change, evaluate the current position, and provide practical solutions to this major environmental problem.

The Complex Relationship Between Hydrocarbons and Climate Change

The global uptake of hydrocarbons, which are mostly derived from fossil fuels including coal, oil, and natural gas, remain the key energy providers for transport, power, heating, and the production processes. The release of CO2 agitates the greenhouse and has many impacts on the surroundings.

To curb this, the probe of the DOE into the SAF Grand Challenge, which kickstarted in spring 2023, is exemplified by the Clean Fuels & Products Shot to provide an elaborated approach to defossilising chemical inputs. The new effort is to focus on the cross-cutting needs in the generation and utilization of sustainable carbon sources and the technologies for their conversion to fuel and chemical products. The initiative is to ensure that 50% of the growth in hydrocarbon chemical demand is met from renewable resources; forestry and agricultural residues, municipal solid waste and recycled materials; captured carbon and hydrocarbon feedstock; new energy crops and algae.

Also, TotalEnergies and Air Products inked a memorandum for 15 years with a delivery of 70,000 tonnes of green hydrogen to the European market by 2030. This first long-term agreement came after TotalEnergies launched a request for tender for the supply of 500,000 tonnes of green hydrogen yearly to accommodate the firm’s European refining complexes.

However, the world has for many years been so dependent on hydrocarbons, especially concerning energy that, changing such a scenario poses many challenges. Since hydrocarbon-based energy systems comprise a large and complex structure the cost involved in setting up new technologies and renewable energy is enormous and requires more cash and legislative support. Furthermore, the economic consequences of lowering hydrocarbon usage are significant, as many sectors and communities rely significantly on these fuels.

The Current State of Affairs: Global Efforts to Address Climate Change.

The process of decarbonization became a focus after the announcement of the Paris Climate Accord in 2015. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP21 in association with the Paris Agreement of 2015 committed member nations to reduce carbon emissions for global warming not to cross the 2-degree Celsius mark above pre-industrial level – or aiming for net-zero emissions by mid of this century. To meet such a goal, governments are acting fast and cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to attain net-zero emissions in the coming three decades.

Governments, organizations, and people have all taken initiatives to minimize their carbon footprints, including investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility. The concept of decarbonization encourages innovation in technology for the idea of renewable energy, its storage, and the capture of carbon. For instance, the COP28 Presidency and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC) a worldwide industry charter to accelerate the Climate Ambition up to the scale of large impact in the oil and gas industries which was signed in December 2023, it’s an industry charter. Besides, by December 2023, 36 countries created the Climate Club, a political body focused on elevating the speed of industrial transformation. The forum has its Interim Secretariat in the International Energy Agency in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Despite these efforts, the world remains significantly reliant on hydrocarbons. The need for fossil fuels remains high, especially in developing nations with rapid economic expansion. The problem is to strike a balance between energy demand and the requirement to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Strategies to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Hydrocarbons

While making a complete shift away from hydrocarbons may take time, numerous techniques may be adopted to lessen their carbon footprint:

1. Energy Efficiency:

  • Improving energy efficiency in buildings and industries: Energy efficiency reduction in buildings and industry is a key component in overall CO2 emission reduction. With improved energy efficiency in these sectors, the amounts of greenhouse gases emitted can be reduced and start overpowering the impact of global climate change.
  • Promoting energy-efficient transportation: Promoting the use of mini electric cars, hybrid automobiles, buses, and trains. For instance, as per the PIB, number of electric vehicles registered was 14,33,545 in 2023, up from 10,25,118 electric vehicles in 2022.
  • Optimizing industrial processes: Saving energy by adopting better ways of doing things. Energy efficiency improvements could reduce not just CO2 emissions but the EU’s annual energy import bill of €330bn as well. The targets approved in the Parliament in July 2023 require a common reduction of energy consumption by at least 11%. Therefore, an indicative target of 7% at the EU level by 2030.

2. Renewable Energy Integration:

  • Increasing investments in renewable energy sources: Increasing the usage of power from sun, wind, water, geothermal, wind, and biomass sources. As per the IEA, clean power outlay rose by 24% for the 2021-2023 fiscal year compared to the 15% growth in fossil energy expenses during the same timespan mostly in renewables and electric cars. But, as the figure above points out more than 90% of this increase emanates from industrialized countries and China; indicating that unless clean energy transitions are upscaled in other parts of the world, new fault lines in global energy could emerge.
  • Developing smart grids: Connecting renewable energy sources to the prevailing power grid as a way of enhancing the availability and efficiency of energy provision. For instance, DST, in collaboration with the Research Councils United Kingdom (RCUK), led by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), aims to strengthen collaboration between UK and Indian research institutions. Smart Energy Grids and Energy Systems have been highlighted as important elements of significance in helping to address the question of how future energy requirements are to be met.
  • Promoting energy storage technologies: Energy storage systems are important for managing renewable energy systems and reducing the overall carbon emissions of the energy systems. Energy storage systems help in leveling the supply and demand; enhance control of the grid and reduce the dependence on the fossil by storing the excess energy produced during high generation and providing it to the customer during a low demand or high demand.

3. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):

  • Deploying CCS technologies: Extraction of emissions of carbon dioxide from industries and power stations and the disposal of the gas in underground cavities. Following this, the IEA concluded that the global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with energy consumption and industrial production in 2020 reached 34.03 gigatonnes of CO2 with consideration of the pollution that occurs both within and outside the territorial boundaries. This increased in the following years, but as of 2022, the total only reached 36.8 Gt CO2 and established a new emissions index, which is currently at 8.1%.
  • Exploring geological storage options: Identifying and developing suitable geological formations for long-term CO2 storage. CCUS implementation has historically lagged behind projections, although momentum has accelerated in recent years, with over 700 projects in various stages of development across the CCUS value chain. In 2023, announced capture capacity for 2030 grew by 35%, while storage capacity climbed by 70%. This takes the total quantity of CO2 that might be gathered in 2030 to over 435 million tonnes (Mt) per year, with an announced storage capacity of around 615 Mt per year.
  • Addressing technical and economic challenges: Overcoming the technical and economic barriers associated with CCS implementation. Government incentives, subsidies, and support have an impact on companies encouraging them to invest in CCUS projects. This results in the employment of optimum and cheaper approaches to achieve the intended goals. Moreover, in April 2023 the UK Government announced £20 billion to fund CCUS technologies under its Net-zero plan. Also in March 2023, United Airlines made a $5,000,000 investment in a technology firm Svante which is involved in the development of a carbon capture technology.

4. Sustainable Transportation:

  • Encouraging electric vehicle adoption: Promoting the use of electrical vehicles by offering incentives and underwriting the structures for them. In line with this, the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA) stated a figure of 7,331 electric vehicles in Dubai in 2023 and forecasted it to rise to 12,852 by 2025. This goes in conformity with Dubai’s Green Mobility Strategy 2030 which has set a guideline that by 2030; 10% of new vehicles and 30% of the public fleet vehicles must be electric or hybrids.

Figure 2:  Electric Vehicle Operating in Dubai, 2023-2025

electric vehicle operating in dubai

Source: International Trade Administration

Also, the increase in the manufacturing of electric vehicles more or less has facilitated sustainable transportation. For instance, in the financial year 2024, what was viewed as an emerging player, GFCL EV Products Ltd.—a wholly owned subsidiary of Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd. (GFL) launched an ambitious INR 6000 crore investment plan in the next 4-5 years. This investment is required for the generation of 200 GWh for EV and ESS battery systems annually.

  • Investing in public transportation: Increasing and enhancing the accessibility of public facilities and thus decreasing the consumption of automobiles by the public. The Indian government in the Union Budget 2021-22 envisaged funding for projects that would enhance the share of public transport in cities encompassing the extension of metro rail and bettering city bus services.

This includes an announcement of USD 2.42 billion (INR 180 billion) of foreign investment for a new PPP-run program of enhanced public bus service and the operation of more than 20,000 buses. The program is especially beneficial for the automotive industry, and economic growth.

  • Promoting sustainable modes of transport: Making an effort to foster people’s use of their feet, bicycles, and other means of transportation that generate little emissions. Furthermore, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds EERE at the US Department of Energy for the sustainable transport and freight shipping infrastructure, including vehicle charging, the design of urban and communities, and roads and bridges.

5. Policy and Regulatory Measures:

  • Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms: The use of carbon taxes and emission trading schemes is being adopted to encourage organizations to adopt low-carbon practices. A $35 price of carbon per tonne would be most effective in driving down emissions in countries such as China, India, and South Africa, where coal is still extensively used. The levy would hike coal prices nearly threefold and pump prices of road fuels relatively slightly higher.
  • Strengthening energy efficiency standards: Increasing the stringency of an efficiency standard for new buildings, their parts, or home appliances and means of transport. Energy efficiency guidelines for such products are set by the Department of Energy (DOE), and the list of such goods has grown to over sixty items. Congress granted permission for this undertaking, and DOE follows a four-step process to evaluate the existing standards and implement new ones. In this way, any given product page contains updated information, current standards and test processes, waivers and exceptions, exemptions, statutory authority, and history.
  • Supporting research and development: Promoting clean power generation, efficient utilization, and innovation on clean technologies. Advanced Manufacturing Office’s (AMO) RD&D portfolio is directed at developing cost-effective, differentiated manufacturing practices and superior energy technologies applicable to diverse manufacturing industries, such as advanced electric machines and materials, and CHP. The office is further coordinating the build of the DOE National Network for Manufacturing Innovation institutes, which with the help of over 200 partners brought inventions that have changed the market.

Companies and their decarbonization strategies in 2023:

There are legal and customer requirements, competitive pressures, and expectations from investors that chemical businesses need to start exploring how they could eliminate or at least significantly reduce the carbon content in their processes. Some of them include energy-intensity process emissions and supply chain emissions. To address these challenges, companies are deploying strategies including energy efficiency, renewable energy, CCUS, electrification, circular economy, and Supply Chain Decarbonization.

  • Dow took the ultimate investment call on the Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero project. This project is an ethylene cracker and derivatives complex that will bring 100% net-zero to the world for the first time, it will also place 20% of the company’s global ethylene capacity on a decarbonization trajectory and boost polyethylene capacity by 15%.
  • DuPont’s North American plants switched to Low-GWP Styrofoam™ Brand XPS Insulation to contain greenhouse emissions, thus enhancing the company’s decarbonization process.
  • To prove its know-how and catalysts, LG Chem initiated the construction of the 1,000 t DRM pilot plant in the Daesan site, South Korea. DRM is a CCU appliance that sequesters carbon dioxide and methane emissions originating from plants generating petrochemicals.
  • Sumitomo Chemical’s Ehime Works formed a new platform to construct a highly efficient mechanism for producing methanol from CO2 as the pilot plant construction work has reached its completion. This facility was constructed with the assistance of NEDO ‘s*1 Green Innovation (GI) fund. The company intends to finish the demonstration of this technology by 2028, begin commercial production with the new technique, and license the technology to other firms in the 2030s.

Chemical businesses that follow comparable steps can dramatically cut their greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Green Bonds for Financing Decarbonization:

In Europe, the European Union (EU) unfolded a stimulus package of over 750 billion euros for investment in sustainable technology including Li-ion batteries, green hydrogen generation and storage cells, and biorefining and recycling of plastics among others. Some of this money will be allocated to the chemical sector. At the corporate level, private corporations are investing resources in climate projects, notably BASF, Germany’s largest chemical company, which expects to invest up to 1 billion euros by 2025 to meet its 2021 climate objective. BASF further aims to donate an extra 2-3 billion euros by 2030.

Conclusion:

Hydrocarbons and climate change are intertwined, but not necessarily in the ways that people might think. Although hydrocarbons promote economic development, their continuous use is a severe threat to the environment. Hence, there is a need to accept a comprehensive strategy to curb emissions from hydrocarbons that will involve using energy efficiently, providing renewable energy resources, using carbon capture and storage technology, monitoring sustainable transports, and enacting powerful government policies.

By applying these methods, we can move towards a more sustainable energy future while mitigating the effects of climate change.