8 Profitable Industrial Products for Startups

Startups and entrepreneurs can take advantage of emerging industrial niches by identifying products that have a high demand and growth potential. This article examines eight innovative manufacturing industrial products, from Mahua flower ale to bamboo-derived silicon. It also highlights each product’s applications, production highlights and market forecasts. New ventures can benefit from detailed insights into applications and trends.

Silica Dietary from Bamboo Leaves and Stems

Bamboo is an excellent natural source of the mineral silica. This mineral is used in industrial materials and health supplements. The silica extracted from bamboo stem/leaf waste is used as a nutraceutical additive and to strengthen hair and bones. Silica is also used to reinforce construction materials, such as concrete and ceramics. Its hardness makes it a good reinforcement for concrete and ceramics. Bamboo by-products can be a cost-effective and abundant raw material. Processing involves, for example, burning bamboo biomass into ash and removing high-purity amorphous silica. This “waste to value” approach promotes sustainability.

• Key Applications
  
  • Supplements & Nutrition: Add to health food and supplements in order to promote collagen formation, healthy hair/nails, and strong bones.
    
  • Cosmetics: Used as an anti-aging ingredient in skin creams, shampoos and other cosmetics.
    
  • Industrial Filler: Used as reinforcement for cement, polymers, ceramics and composites.
    

Globally, the market for silica-containing bamboo extracts is increasing by 7-8% per year. The market is expected to grow to $78M by 2030, up from $47M in 2023, due to the demand for cosmetics, nutraceuticals and sustainable construction. Asia-Pacific is the largest producer (due to large bamboo cultivation), while North America/Europe are growing as consumers look for natural silica.

Related: Bamboo Manufacturing Industry in Northeast India

Cassia Tora Gum

Cassia Tora gum is a polysaccharide that’s extracted from Cassia Tora seeds. It is similar to guar and used for thickening. The endosperm is milled after the seed pods are split and de-husked. The powder or split pieces (white-yellow) are then purified further.

• Property & Uses
  
  • Gels up in hot water. Food thickener: Used to thicken food (e.g. Use in food (e.g.
    
  • Feed and Pet Food: Used as a binder in animal feeds, and to retain moisture in canned pet food.
    
  • Industrial: Used as a mud stabiliser in oil drilling fluids (similar to Guar), in textile printing pastes and paper sizing.
    
  • Personal Care: Due to its viscosity, it stabilizes lotions and creams as well as toothpaste.
    

The demand for cassia gum is increasing because it is often cheaper than guar, and has been approved worldwide for food use. The cassia market is expected to grow between 8-9% annually, and reach over $200 million in 2030. Asia (particularly India, which is a major supplier) leads the supply, while North America, Europe, and other regions drive the demand for industrial and food applications.

Fiberglass Tape

Fiberglass tape can be made with or without an adhesive backing. The production process begins with melting glass, drawing fine fibers and then weaving the tape. The adhesive (pressure-sensitive versions) have a polymer layer to make application easier.

• Characteristics include high tensile strength and heat/fire resistance.
  
• Applications:
  
  • Electrical insulation: Coils are wrapped around motors, generators and transformers to provide heat resistance and dielectric strength.
    
  • Construction/Repair : Self-adhesive drywall tapes are used to seal joints, reinforce plaster and repair cracks. High-temp tapes are used to seal pipes and ducts.
    
  • Splicing tape: Used to join or repair paper and film webs for printing and packaging.
    
  • Automotive/Aerospace: Reinforces composite assemblies and seals hot components in engines and exhaust systems.
    

The market for fiberglass tape is growing. The fiberglass tape market is expected to grow from $1.2 billion in 2023 to $2.3 billion in 2032. (CAGR of 6.8%). Infrastructure expansion (which requires durable sealing materials), increased electronics/auto production, and the push for lightweight materials are all growth drivers. Asia-Pacific is the leading market with strong growth in construction and manufacturing.

Adult Diapers with Underpads and Open Diapers

The aging population and improved healthcare have created a large market for adult incontinence. Open diapers for adults (briefs with side taps) and disposable absorbent mats for chairs and beds (underpads) have a similar design: a top sheet made of soft material, an absorbent center (cellulose fluff and super-absorbent Polymer), and waterproof backing. Adult briefs feature adjustable tabs and leg elastics, while underpads can be flat mats that are often quilted.

• Use cases: Nursing homes, hospitals, and home care services for the elderly or disabled. These products are essential in the management of incontinence both in medical and domestic settings.
  
• Market drivers:
  
  • Globally, the senior population is rapidly growing. More seniors and patients need continence care.
    
  • Product & Awareness: Better, more comfortable designs, (better fit and odor control), and a less stigmatizing environment will boost usage.
    
  • Healthcare Growth: Growing healthcare expenditure and improved nursing care facilities in emerging market expand adoption.
    

This market is growing. The adult diaper market in the world is estimated to be worth $18.1 billion by 2023 and will reach $36.9 trillion by 2030. (CAGR of 10.7%). Underpads are a smaller market but also follow the same trend. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of this growth by introducing specialized products, such as: Overnight-heavy absorbency and eco-friendly materials are two examples of products that can be offered by entrepreneurs.

Open diapers for adults (briefs) are made of super-absorbent materials and nonwoven fabrics. They protect against incontinence leaks. These products are in high demand due to the growing elderly population around the world.

Related: Guide to Launch Profitable & Purpose-Driven Sanitary Napkin Manufacturing Unit

Texapon SLES N70 is a sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

Texapon SLES N70 (trade name Texapon) is a 70% sodium lauryl ether sulfate. SLES is a anionic surfactant that’s produced by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol, then sulfating it and neutralizing. The liquid Texapon has excellent cleaning and foaming properties, with about 70% active ingredient.

• Key Properties: Good foaming power, excellent grease-cutting ability, mildness on the skin (SLES is gentler than laurylsulfate straight).
  
• Uses:
  
  • Household detergents: the primary detergent found in liquid laundry soaps and dishwashing products.
    
  • Personal Care: The main surfactant used in hand soaps, shampoos, bubble baths and body washes.
    
  • Industrial Cleaners: Used as floor cleaners, degreasers and other cleaning agents because of its foaming action.
    

The SLES market has a large and stable size. The market is expected to grow from $1.4 billion in 2020 to $2.0 billion in 2030 (4-5% CAGR). The growth is attributed to the increasing use of detergents and shampoos in emerging countries. SLES is still the most cost-effective alternative, even though some formulators are looking for natural alternatives. Startups that produce Texapon SLES require a chemical facility (for the ethoxylation-sulfation process) but can serve FMCG markets with high volumes and stable demand.

For more information, check out our Project Reports

Digital Electric Meters

Electric meters that measure electricity accurately are digital electric meters. They replace analog meters, which were often part of the “smart grid”. These meters use microcontrollers and current/voltage sensors to calculate kilowatt hours, usually with an LCD display. For automated meter reading, many models have remote communication capabilities (via cellular or RF).

• Benefits: High accuracy and digital display. Remote data access. Utility companies can read meters electronically (reducing manual labor), and detect outages, or tampering, quickly. Real-time feedback on usage is beneficial to consumers.
  
• Production: PCBs and precision current/voltage sensor, memory, LCD, microcontrollers. Electronic assembly is required for production (similar to consumer electronic), as well as calibration and safety testing.
  

The smart meter industry is booming. The market is expected to grow from $26.4 billion dollars in 2024 to 51.6 billion dollars by 2032, representing an 8.9% CAGR. The growth is fueled by the nationwide rollout of smart grids, energy-efficiency programs, and integrations of renewables. Solar home systems require two-way meters. 

In practice, nearly every utility in developed countries and many developing ones is upgrading to digital metering. Entrepreneurs can make money by assembling meter components or offering software/IoT-based services that revolve around metering.

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Smart meters, like the one shown above, use electronic sensors and displays for measuring energy consumption. The global adoption of smart meters continues to grow rapidly. By the early 2030s, it is expected that market value will double.

Lithium Hexafluorophosphate

Lithium Hexafluorophosphate is an important electrolyte in lithium-ion battery. It is dissolved in organic carbonate solvants and provides lithium ions that are mobile. This salt also contributes to the stabilization of the solid-electrolyte (SEI) interface on electrodes.

• LiPF6 is dissociated into Li+, and PF6. Li+ is responsible for carrying charge between electrodes while PF6+ helps to form a protective layer on the anode. The chemistry of the battery is vital for its safety and longevity.
  
• Production: Produced by reacting lithium compounds, such as lithium fluoride and lithium hydroxide, with phosphorus (PF5) fluorides. LiPF6 can be sensitive to moisture (it could produce hydrofluoric acids if handled incorrectly).
  

The demand for LiPF6 has exploded, especially with the rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. As a result, over the next decade, LiPF6 is expected to grow at an impressive rate of 10–14% annually. According to one analysis, the market could reach $8-10 billion in 2030 due to massive EV production. 

Prices can fluctuate because of the limited supply (few global manufacturers). LiPF6 and its precursors, which are used in EV batteries to produce lithium-ion batteries, can be very profitable for entrepreneurs, but they must adhere to strict safety and purity standards.

Mahua Non-Alcoholic fruit beer

Mahua, or Madhuca longifolia, is a tropical plant whose flowers are traditionally fermented to make alcoholic liquors in India. However, in recent years, Mahua flower-based non-alcoholic fruit beers have emerged as a unique craft beverage that not only preserves this traditional ingredient but also blends it with modern brewing techniques.

Concept: You can brew a malt-based ale infused with Mahua extract. In this process, fermentation will be carefully controlled to produce little or no alcohol, either by stopping fermentation early or by removing alcohol through vacuum distillation. As a result, the final product would be a floral-flavored, lightly fermented beverage that combines tradition with innovation.

Mahua’s natural sugars, minerals and B-vitamins would give this drink a unique flavor and health appeal. The drink could be carbonated, and presented like beer with a sweet herbal aroma.

• Global non-alcoholic beer market is growing rapidly (expected CAGR of 8-10%). The consumer (especially the younger adult) is looking for exotic flavors and healthier alternatives. Mahua beer appeals to two trends, namely the desire for regional specialties as well as “functional” or natural drinks. Mahua is a culturally significant drink in India; it can be marketed internationally as an exotic craft ale. 
  
  Mahua-based drinks are encouraged to innovate by regulatory changes in India, such as the easier commercialization of Mahua. This product, while niche, could appeal to health-conscious urban consumers as well as craft beer enthusiasts.
  

A non-alcoholic Mahua beverage is a great manufacturing opportunity, especially because of its novelty and health aspect. Moreover, a non-alcoholic Mahua beer could be an excellent product for an entrepreneur to launch, since global sales of these beverages are expected to increase significantly. Therefore, entering this segment now could provide a strong competitive advantage.

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Market Forecast Summary

Below is a table that summarizes market size and growth projections.

The demand for each product is growing. For instance, smart electric meters (LiPF6) and battery electrolytes, with CAGRs of 8–14%, show very high growth rates that clearly reflect major technological trends. At the same time, even niche products like cassia and bamboo silica are experiencing steady growth, because new applications continue to arise across industries.

For more information, check out this related video

Niir Project Consultancy Services

Consultants such as Niir Project Consultancy Services can help entrepreneurs plan these ventures. NPCS prepares a detailed market study and a techno-economic feasibility report. In addition, these reports include information on manufacturing processes, the raw material requirements for each project, the layout of plants, and projected financial results. Furthermore, these comprehensive studies allow entrepreneurs to plan their investments and, as a result, assess the overall viability of a new manufacturing facility.

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FAQs

Q: What is the most common use of bamboo dietary silica?
It is primarily used as a filler in cosmetics and nutritional supplements for bone, hair, and skin health. Due to its high content of silica, it is also used as a filler for concrete, ceramics and polymers.

Q: What is the importance of cassia Tora gum in industry?
Cassia tora is a natural thickener and stabilizer that’s affordable. It is used in food, pet foods and drilling fluids as an alternative to guar. The market is growing due to its gelling properties, and approval from all over the world (US, EU, Asia).

Q: What is driving the growth of the market for fiberglass tape?
A: Expanding construction and infrastructure projects (requiring strong sealing and insulation materials), growing electrical/electronics manufacturing (needing heat-resistant insulators), and rising use of fiberglass composites in vehicles and renewable energy all push demand for fiberglass tape.

Q: Why has the market for adult diapers exploded?
A: As the global population ages, incontinence requirements are increasing. This demographic shift, coupled with improved product designs and increased awareness, is rapidly expanding the global market.

Q: Why has the demand for LiPF6 risen?
LiPF6 is a standard electrolyte for lithium-ion battery. Battery demand (and therefore LiPF6) has been growing double-digits as electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and energy storage system proliferate.

Q: What is the difference between a digital and an analog electric meter?
A: Analog meters are mechanical dials, while digital meters have electronic sensors and microprocessors that record electricity usage precisely. Digital meters offer automated remote readings and time-of-use billing. They also provide faster fault detection.