The market size of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) is shaped by several factors that collectively influence its dynamics and growth. The major driver for the SAP Market is the extensive application of superabsorbent polymers in various sectors, with an emphasis on hygiene and the agricultural industry. Manufacturers of diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products make use of SAPs because they have a greater capacity to retain water. The size of the super absorbent polymer market was $6.76 billion in 2022. This represented an increase from $7.79 billion in 2023 to $15.20 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 10.70%. One of the key drivers for the SAP Market is the hygiene product industry. They are incorporated into absorbent hygiene products to improve their performance and functionality.
The agriculture sector is yet another significant driving force for the SAP Market. They can be used as agricultural water retention systems to enhance soil moisture conservation and minimize irrigation runoff losses, thus improving irrigation efficiency, among others, in the agriculture sector. Technological advancements and innovations in SAP formulations are crucial factors shaping the Super Adsorbent Polymer Market. Continuous research and development lead to improvement in these superabsorbent polymers, making them more efficient, degradable, and pocket-friendly. Environmental regulations and sustainability considerations are some of the factors shaping this market called SAP Market. The growing concern over environmental impact has led companies to introduce biodegradable or eco-friendly super absorbent polymers into their production lines. As companies face mounting pressure from regulators to come up with environmentally friendly alternatives, there has been increased focus on developing bio-degradable and eco-friendly SAPs.Compliance with strict environmental regulations along with responsible sourcing mechanisms supports its transformation. A drive towards reduced ecological impacts, as well as sustainable water governance practices by industry, influences the market at large.
Consumer preferences, together with market trends, also play a critical role in determining the SAP market dynamics. Increasingly, consumers are becoming more aware of environmental sustainability, product safety and hygiene, and agricultural products in particular, leading to rising interest in eco-friendly, efficient formulations containing SAPs. The market is adaptive to end-user industry trends where SAPs are instrumental in obtaining high performance, comfort, and sustainability objectives. Competitive pricing and the availability of alternative materials are major factors that determine the SAP Market. Crucially, companies adopting these products have to consider whether it would be more cost-effective to use SAP instead of any other water-absorbent material or traditional farming practices. Additionally, there could be substitutes available, such as bio-based super absorbents or different water retention technologies, that may either support or hinder market advancement. The development in pricing trends, production efficiency, and overall cost competitiveness of super-absorbing polymers influences the changes made by the SAP Market due to shifts in supply-demand fundamentals.
Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market Size Value In 2022 | USD 6.76 Billion |
Market Size Value In 2023 | USD 7.79 Billion |
Growth Rate | 10.70% (2023-2030) |
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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