The Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market is growing due to dynamic factors, such as applications in hygiene products, agriculture, and the medical sector, among others. Super Absorbent Polymers are materials capable of absorbing large amounts of water or aqueous solutions with unique characteristics. One of the major drivers shaping market dynamics is demand within the hygiene products industry. Market dynamics in Super Absorbent Polymers are influenced significantly by agricultural activities. SAPs are used as soil conditioners and water retaining agents in agriculture, aimed at improving water efficiency as well as enhancing soil water-holding capacity. This aspect helps save water, particularly in arid areas prone to drought, thereby ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and increased crop yield.
Standards of regulation and environmental considerations greatly shape the dynamics of the Super Absorbent Polymer market. Compliance with regulations on hygiene products' safety and performance, as well as their impact on the environment, affect SAP formulation and application. Cost-effectiveness is a key determinant of how the Super Absorbent Polymer industry operates. Industries are interested in cost-effective solutions. At the same time, it offers an absorbency level that is without any compromise on performance to meet SAP needs, thus striking out a balance between production costs and productivity of their goods.
The Market Dynamics Of Super Absorbent Polymers Are Also Affected By Global Economic Factors. Fluctuations in economics can affect consumer spending on hygiene products and agricultural practices, as well as the general demand for SAPs. Technological advancements have a significant influence in shaping the dynamic landscape of the Super Absorbent Polymer Market. This leads to ongoing research and development (R&D) activities aimed at discovering innovative ways through which new SAP formulations could be achieved in order to enhance properties and biodegradability can be improved or find other innovative applications. The medical field also contributes to market dynamics regarding superabsorbent polymers. Currently, conventional superabsorbent polymers form most non-biodegradable materials found in landfills worldwide, hence posing a big ecological challenge leading to investment towards developing superabsorbent polymers made from renewable materials, which will open up new routes within global markets.
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Segment Outlook | Type, End-Use, and Region |
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Size was valued at USD 6.76 Billion in 2022. The Super Absorbent Polymer Market industry is projected to grow from USD 6.88 Billion in 2023 to USD 8.04 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.74% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). The super absorbent polymers industry’s growth will largely be driven by the personal hygiene application segment. In the personal hygiene industry, super absorbent polymers have been used in adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins, and baby diapers. These products are noting substantial demand as the population continues to surge. Needless to say, subsequently the demand for super-absorbent polymers will rise. Furthermore, the expanding elderly population and the mounting awareness level about the convenience and benefits of adult incontinence products enhance the demand for super-absorbent polymers. With surging cases of adult incontinence worldwide, governments are empathizing with producing incontinence products via collaborative efforts of developers and medical professionals. Countries like the UK, the US, Australia, and Germany implement initiatives that encourage the use of adult incontinence products, which have a high content of super absorbent polymers.Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
In the present scenario, traditional super-absorbent polymers are generally non-biodegradable and are responsible for a substantial share of landfills worldwide. As a result, investments in the development of super-absorbent polymers based on renewable materials are expected to create new avenues for the market. Super absorbent polymers that are made of renewable materials are a perfect substitute for petrochemical-based polymers, including potassium polyacrylate, and sodium polyacrylate which are presently deployed in the absorbent core of several disposable diapers, and various other personal hygiene products.
The market segmentation, based on Type, includes Polyacrylamide Copolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, and Others. The sodium polyacrylate segment may dominate the market. It serves as an illustration of a super-absorbing polymer. There are sodium atoms in it, and the polymer is cross-linked (networked). It absorbs water through the osmosis process. Extremely absorbent polymers don't corrode, aren't poisonous, and don't itch.
Based on End-Use, the market segmentation includes Personal Care, Building & Construction, Agriculture, Food Packaging, and Others. The Personal Care application is holding the largest market share. Personal care products such as diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products are the largest consumers of Super Absorbent Polymer. It is widely used in disposable diapers to provide high absorbency and prevent leakage. In addition, Super Absorbent Polymers are also used in adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene products to provide better absorption and prevent odor.
Figure 2: Super Absorbent Polymer Market, by Type, 2022 & 2030 (USD Billion)Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Asia Pacific dominates the super absorbent polymer (SAP) market. Super absorbent polymers are used in a variety of applications, including disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, agriculture, and packaging, among others. The Asia Pacific region is the largest consumer of super absorbent polymers due to the high demand for disposable diapers, which are widely used in countries such as China, Japan, India, and South Korea. In addition, the growing population and increasing awareness about personal hygiene and health are driving the demand for SAP-based products in the region. Moreover, the availability of raw materials and low labor costs in the region have encouraged manufacturers to set up production facilities in the Asia Pacific, further boosting the growth of the SAP market in the region.
Figure 3: SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
The major market players are investing a lot of money in R&D to expand their product lines, which will spur further market growth. With significant market development like new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations, market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their presence. To grow and thrive in a market climate that is becoming more competitive and growing, competitors in the Super Absorbent Polymer industry must offer affordable products.
Manufacturing locally to cut operating costs is one of the main business tactics manufacturers use in the Super Absorbent Polymer industry to benefit customers and expand the market sector. Major market players, including BASF SE, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Kao Corporation, Evonik Industries, LG Chem, and others are attempting to increase market demand by funding R&D initiatives.
Formosa Plastics Corporation is a Taiwanese chemical company that specializes in the production of a wide range of chemical and plastic products. The company product portfolio includes polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), caustic soda, ethylene dichloride (EDC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), among others. These products are used in a variety of applications, including construction, automotive, packaging, and consumer goods. The company is also involved in the production of raw materials such as crude oil and natural gas, which are used in the production of its chemical products. In addition, Formosa Plastics Corporation has a significant presence in the power generation sector, with power plants in Taiwan, U.S., and Vietnam.
Kao Corporation is a Japanese company that specializes in the production of personal care and household products. The company's product portfolio includes a wide range of personal care products, such as skin care, hair care, and body care products under brands such as Biore, Curel, Jergens, and John Frieda. The company also produces household products such as laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and cleaning agents under brands such as Attack, Biff, and Magiclean.
NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO LTD
SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO LTD
Yixing Danson Technology
BASF SE
Kao Corporation
Evonik Industries
LG Chem
SONGWON
Sanyo Chemical Industries
January 2022: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) has established a new superabsorbent polymer technology demonstration unit of around 200 tonnes per year at the Kochi Refinery. With the use of the in-house acrylic acid as feedstock, the company’s super absorbent polymer technology has been used in several hygiene products including diapers and several incontinence products.
January 2022:Â BASF will increase innovation capabilities for its superabsorbent polymer business by building a state-of-the-art Superabsorbents Excellence Center at its Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium.
September 2022: Sanyo Chemical Industries announced a significant breakthrough in the field of polymer technology through its wholly owned subsidiary, SDP Global Co. The company proudly announced the successful development of a novel superabsorbent polymer derived from biomass. This innovative achievement reflects Sanyo Chemical's commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, marking a notable stride in the utilization of renewable resources for polymer production. The development positions the company at the forefront of green technology within the chemical industry, addressing the growing demand for environmentally conscious alternatives.
February 2024: BASF marked a significant milestone with the initiation of production at its cutting-edge Superabsorbents Excellence Center in Antwerp, Belgium. This USD 27 million investment underscores the company's steadfast commitment to the hygiene business and its integral role within the acrylics value chain. The state-of-the-art pilot plant, equipped with the latest in data collection and sensor technology, aims to enhance innovation in superabsorbent polymers and expedite the transition from product development to large-scale production. Leveraging digitalization and advanced modeling, this facility is poised to boost product performance and, coupled with its proximity to BASF’s superabsorbent production in Antwerp, significantly reduce time-to-market.
Super Absorbent Polymer Type Outlook
Polyacrylamide Copolymer
Sodium Polyacrylate
Others
Super Absorbent Polymer End-Use Outlook
Personal Care
Building & Construction
Agriculture
Food Packaging
Others
Super Absorbent Polymer Regional Outlook
North America
US
Canada
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Rest of the World
Middle East
Africa
Latin America
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