The market for polyurethane foam is noticing a solid expansion in Bangladesh, driven by its furniture, packaging, and insulation adoption.
In particular, the automotive sector is fueling this surge due to the integration of foam fillings in car seats and door panels.
Over the last three decades, approximately 200 enterprises have ventured into the polyurethane foam industry.
Major players like EuroAsia, Pran-RFL, Swan, Karmo, Bengal, Apex, Expo Group, Akhter, HomeTex, Hatil, and Classical Home have already firmly established themselves in the market.
Pran-RFL Group, having entered the arena in 2016 with the brand ‘Comfy,’ offers a variety of polyurethane foam products with different densities for diverse purposes.
Their range encompasses soft and extra-soft foam for pillows and mattresses, rigid foam for refrigerator insulation, flexible foam for footwear, and high-density foam for car seats and panels.
EuroAsia, entering the foam manufacturing domain in 2015, has significantly penetrated the market with quality products and post-sales service.
Market analysis indicates a monthly demand worth Tk 30 crore for foam, as disclosed by their representative.
The sector has also generated a substantial number of direct and indirect employment opportunities, approximately 150,000.
Beyond furniture and footwear, foam serves roles in packaging and insulation. The construction sector has embraced foam for thermal insulation, contributing to its soaring application.
While the demand was once primarily furniture-oriented, foam now finds utility in cars, refrigerators, and footwear, aligning with the populace’s enhanced purchasing power, particularly in rural areas.
Currently, around 200 firms are engaged in this business, requiring limited investment. However, many manufacturers compromise on product quality. Nevertheless, this results in no unit-produced foam being sold in the market.
