Super Absorbent Polymer Market Overview
The Global
Super Absorbent Polymer Market holds a market value of
USD 10.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to show subsequent growth with
USD 19.2 billion at a
CAGR of 7.0% in the forthcoming period of 2023 to 2032.
Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) are highly hydrophilic polymers that can absorb and retain an exceptional amount of water relative to their own mass. Found in numerous applications ranging from personal hygiene products like diapers to advanced agricultural uses, SAPs are integral to industries that require moisture retention and control. The SAP market itself encompasses the production, distribution, and innovation of these polymers, catering to a global clientele seeking efficient water management solutions.
For established players, there's potential to expand into emerging markets where agriculture practices are modernizing, particularly in regions prone to water scarcity. Here, SAPs can revolutionize water usage efficiency.
For newcomers and entry-level businesses, the focus could be on niche applications, such as creating customized SAP blends for specialized industrial applications or local agricultural needs. Innovations that improve biodegradability or reduce production costs could also provide a competitive edge, attracting investors looking for sustainable investment opportunities.
Key trends in the SAP market include the ongoing development of eco-friendly and biodegradable SAPs, driven by increasing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. Technological advancements are enabling these polymers to be more effective in water absorption and retention, which is critical in applications like agriculture.
In this sector, SAPs act as micro water reservoirs at plant roots. They not only absorb water up to 400-500 times their weight but also release it gradually to plant roots, thus reducing water loss due to leaching and evaporation. This capability has shown to improve water stable aggregates (WSA) and total soil porosity by up to 18.9%, making SAPs invaluable in enhancing soil quality and reducing water usage in drought-prone areas.
As the global focus shifts towards sustainability and efficient resource use, the SAP market is positioned to not only continue its growth but also play a pivotal role in water conservation strategies across industries.
By integrating SAPs into their operations, companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while improving operational efficiency. This positions SAPs as not just a product but a key component of sustainable business practices, offering ample opportunities for growth and innovation in the years to come.
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Key Takeaways
- The Super Absorbent Polymer Market is valued at USD 10.5 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 19.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.0%.
- Sodium Polyacrylate is the dominant type in the market, holding 86.7% of the market share in 2023.
- Personal hygiene products are the leading application sector, accounting for 66.2% of the market in 2023.
- Asia-Pacific leads the market with a 36.2% share in 2023, driven by demand for baby and female hygiene products and supported by a cost-effective manufacturing ecosystem.
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Use Cases
- Personal Hygiene Products: SAP is widely used in diapers, adult incontinence products, and sanitary napkins due to its high absorbency and moisture retention properties.
- Agriculture & Horticulture: Used in soil conditioners and water retention agents to improve water efficiency and enhance plant growth, especially in drought-prone areas.
- Medical & Healthcare: Found in wound dressings, surgical pads, and disposable medical products to absorb exudates and maintain a moist healing environment.
- Packaging Industry: Utilized in food packaging, moisture-absorbing pads for meat, and spill control products to prevent leakage and maintain product freshness.
- Construction & Industrial Applications: Used in concrete mixtures, flood control barriers, and waterproofing solutions to enhance water absorption and prevent structural damage.
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Dynamic
The global super absorbent polymer market shows many dynamic trends and factors that drive the growth of this market. The increasing awareness about personal hygiene among consumers is the prominent factor that is fueling the growth of this market. The rise in disposable income in the developing nation is another factor. Also, the growth of this market can be due to the advanced regions across the world which are showcasing growth in disposable incomes.
Also, super absorbent polymer-based products like diapers, female hygiene products, & incontinence products driving the growth.
However, as this market is growing, challenges regarding the environment have started becoming more prominent, and that's why there is a rise in demand for environment-friendly super absorbent polymers.
Also, as there is growth in concerns about eco-friendly and biodegradable super-absorbent polymer products rising rapidly, this market is adapting to the need by introducing products that are environment-friendly & completely align with this issue giving new opportunities for market growth. Also, researchers are developing bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to the standard super absorbent
polymers.
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Research Scope and Analysis
By Type
In terms of type, the Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market is dominated by Sodium Polyacrylate as it holds
86.7% of the market share in 2023 and is projected to show subsequent growth in the forthcoming years as well.
Sodium Polyacrylate is known for its water-observing properties that are useful in the manufacturing of different products like diapers & female hygiene products, which can absorb & retain a high volume of liquid relative to its mass, making it largely effective in moisture absorption.
As the population is increasing around the world the older population in many countries is also growing which is contributing to the need for adult incontinence products as it is highly absorbent and user-friendly.
Sodium Polyacrylate has been strictly tested for safety & is generally considered safe for use. The regulatory policies & safety standards regarding the manufacturing & distribution of super absorbent polymer play a major role in maintaining & expanding the use of the material in a variety of consumer and
healthcare products.
By Application
The dominance of personal hygiene in terms of application, in the Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market can be attributed to many factors, as it currently holds
66.2% of the market share in 2023 and is expected to show subsequent growth in the upcoming period as well. As personal
hygiene products like diapers, sanitary pads, & adult incontinence products have a huge consumer base, they share a huge portion of the global super absorbent polymer market.
Rather than discretionary and luxury products, personal hygiene products are vital in daily life as people require them daily, ensuring a continuous and reliable demand for super-absorbent polymer. These days consumers prefer products that offer better absorption, leak protection & comfort.
Also, the rise in sustainable and eco-friendly products drives the growth in the need for eco-friendly super-absorbent polymers which drives the major companies in this market to create bio-based & bio-degradable substitutes in place of standard super-absorbent polymers.
The Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market Report is segmented based on the following:
By Type
- Sodium Polyacrylate
- Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide
- Others
By Application
- Personal Hygiene
- Adult Incontinence Product
- Female Hygiene Products
- Baby Diapers
- Agriculture
- Medical
- Industrial
- Others
How Does Artificial Intelligence Contribute To Improve Super Absorbent Polymer Market ?
- Material Innovation: AI helps in designing SAPs with better absorbency, retention, and biodegradability through advanced simulations.
- Process Optimization: AI-powered predictive analytics enhances polymerization processes, ensuring quality control and efficiency.
- Supply Chain Management: AI forecasts demand trends and optimizes logistics to prevent supply chain disruptions.
- Sustainability: AI aids in developing biodegradable SAPs and improving recycling techniques for eco-friendly solutions.
- Product Customization: AI-driven insights enable the creation of tailored SAP products for various industries like healthcare and agriculture.
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Regional Analysis
Asia-Pacific dominates the Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market as it holds
36.2% of the market share in 2023 and is anticipated to show subsequent growth in the upcoming years as well, as developing & developed Asian countries such as China, Japan, India, and South Korea are leading the growth in demand for baby products like diapers & female hygiene products which heavily depend on super absorbent polymers, as well-developed & advanced manufacturing ecosystem of this region is highly capable as it provides affordable production costs & cheap labor which makes this region an attractive hub for manufacturers of personal hygiene products.
Also, the growth in disposable income & better living standards in various Asian countries has led to a growth in consumer awareness about personal hygiene driving the need for enhanced absorbent polymer-based products. As for the regulatory & safety standards, this region provides a friendly & committed ecosystem that allows the quality and safety of super absorbent polymer products.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Competitive Landscape
The Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market experiences strong competition, with established market leaders, regional players and emerging startups to cater to the growing demand for personal hygiene products. In addition, many global companies are investing in this market to help healthcare providers & gain a major part of the rapidly expanding market, leading to strong competition within the industry.
Also, key players in this market invest significantly in R&D and form strategic alliances or acquire smaller companies & startups to expand their product portfolios to gain a competitive edge over the others.
Some of the prominent players in the Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market are:
- BASF SE
- LG Chem
- Formosa Plastic Corporation
- SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD
- SONGWON
- Evonik Industries AG
- KAO Corporation
- Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd.
- Sumitomo Seika Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Yixing Danson Technology
- Other Key Players
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Recent Devlopments
- In May 2023, the agritech startup EF Polymer successfully raised Rs 33 crore in a Series A funding round, attracting substantial investments to fuel its growth and innovation in sustainable farming technologies.
- In May 2023, EF Polymer secured a $4 million investment to advance their development of a new water-absorbent material made from agricultural residues, aimed at enhancing water efficiency for farmers.
- In August 2024, Evonik completed the sale of its SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) absorptive resin technology, with the acquisition valued between 200 million and 250 million euros, marking a significant divestiture in its portfolio.
- In October 2023, Lummus Technology announced the commercial availability of its new SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) technology, signaling a major step forward in its offerings to the hygiene and agricultural industries.
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Report Details
| Report Characteristics |
| Market Size (2023) |
USD 10.5 Bn |
| Forecast Value (2032) |
USD 19.2 Bn |
| CAGR (2023-2032) |
7.0% |
| Historical Data |
2017 - 2022 |
| Forecast Data |
2023 - 2032 |
| Base Year |
2022 |
| Estimate Year |
2023 |
| Report Coverage |
Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and etc. |
| Segments Covered |
By Type (Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylate
/Polyacrylamide and Others), By Application
(Personal Hygiene, Agriculture, Medical, Industrial
and Others) |
| Regional Coverage |
North America – The US and Canada; Europe – Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Europe; Asia- Pacific– China, Japan, South Korea, India, ANZ, ASEAN, Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of Latin America; Middle East & Africa – Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, & Rest of MEA
|
| Prominent Players |
TBASF SE, LG Chem, Formosa Plastic Corporation,
SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD, SONGWON,
Evonik Industries AG, KAO Corporation, Nippon
Shokubai Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Seika Chemical Co. Ltd.,
Yixing Danson Technology, and Other Key Players |
| Purchase Options |
We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License (Limited to 1 user), Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), and Corporate Use License (Unlimited User) along with free report customization equivalent to 0 analyst working days, 3 analysts working days and 5 analysts working days respectively. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market holds a market value of USD 10.5 billion in 2023.
Asia-Pacific dominates the Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market with a share of 36.2% in 2023.
Some of the major key players in the Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market are BASF SE, LG Chem,
Formosa Plastic Corporation, SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD, SONGWON, Evonik Industries AG, KAO
Corporation, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Seika Chemical Co. Ltd., and many others.
The market is growing at a CAGR of 7.0 percent over the forecasted period.