Superabsorbent Polymers Market

• The growing population and awareness about hygiene are driving the market growth.

The rising population and awareness of infant hygiene drive Market CAGR for Superabsorbent polymers. The industry will be increasingly impacted by several factors fueling the expansion of the superabsorbent polymer market during the projected period. The rising demand for diaper pants impacts the industry's value, and the expanding populations in countries like China and India are the main drivers of market growth. Another factor driving the market throughout the forecast period is the public's increased awareness of newborn cleanliness. During the projected period, the market will also be driven by the increase in superabsorbent polymers in the farming industry.

Adult nappy sales will rise as a result of the rising elderly population in many areas, which will also boost the industry.

Additionally, Governments from different countries are working with manufacturers and medical experts to prioritize creating incontinence products as the rate of adult incontinence rises. The market for super absorbent polymers will increase as a result of new growth prospects for industry participants brought about by the rising per capita income. It is projected that the growing industry will produce and open new, expanding doors as a result of the rising hygiene consciousness among people in emerging nations. Moreover, Traditional superabsorbent polymers are not biodegradable and make up many landfills worldwide.

The need for safe patient secretion disposal free of infection during COVID-19 is expected to increase demand for superabsorbent polymers. Manufacturing companies created very effective superabsorbent gels that could clean up body fluids and COVID-19 scrubbings. Superabsorbent polymers are extensively used in producing wipers and diapers, and hospital demand for these products increased during the epidemic. As a result, businesses in this industry are boosting their ability to produce superabsorbent gels for disinfection.

For instance, The World Bank Group predicts that by 2050, there will be 2.08 billion people in the world between the ages of 0 and 14. As a result, it is anticipated that demand for superabsorbent polymers will increase throughout the projection period due to the rising infant population and growing need for diapers. Thus, driving the Superabsorbent Polymers market revenue.

By 2022, sanitary towels and diapers will be made of Superabsorbent polymers, or SAPs. Blood and urine are among the physiological fluids that these powerful compounds may absorb and hold onto for hundreds of times their initial weight. When SAPs landed on the personal hygiene scene in the early 1980s, they completely changed the personal care industry. The chemical sector now has to launch a fresh innovation wave with the goal of enhancing product sustainability. Because its primary constituents are generated from oil, SAPs, like most polymers, are neither renewable nor biodegradable. 

The Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Industry is projected to experience substantial growth, with estimates indicating a market value of 10.9 USD Billion in 2024 and a remarkable increase to 29.2 USD Billion by 2035. This trajectory suggests a compound annual growth rate of 9.35% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting the industry's resilience and adaptability in response to evolving consumer needs and technological advancements. The anticipated growth is underpinned by various factors, including rising demand in hygiene products, agricultural applications, and innovations in product development. These projections highlight the industry's potential for sustained expansion in the global market.

The Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Industry experiences a robust demand surge driven by the increasing consumption of hygiene products, particularly in the baby diaper segment. In 2024, the market value is projected to reach 10.9 USD Billion, reflecting a growing awareness of personal hygiene and health. The expansion of the adult incontinence products market further contributes to this trend, as aging populations in various regions necessitate effective solutions. As manufacturers innovate to enhance absorbency and comfort, the market is poised for sustained growth, with projections indicating a potential market value of 29.2 USD Billion by 2035.

The Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Industry is significantly influenced by ongoing innovations in product development. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on creating bio-based and biodegradable superabsorbent polymers to meet the rising consumer demand for sustainable products. This shift not only addresses environmental concerns but also opens new avenues for market growth. As companies invest in research and development, the introduction of novel formulations is likely to enhance performance characteristics, thereby attracting a broader customer base. The anticipated compound annual growth rate of 9.35% from 2025 to 2035 underscores the potential for innovation-driven expansion within the industry.

The Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Industry is witnessing increased adoption in agricultural applications, particularly in water retention and soil conditioning. These polymers enhance soil moisture retention, which is crucial for sustainable farming practices, especially in arid regions. As global agricultural practices evolve, the incorporation of superabsorbent polymers can lead to improved crop yields and reduced irrigation needs. This trend aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture, potentially driving market growth as farmers seek innovative solutions to combat water scarcity. The market's expansion in this sector is indicative of a broader shift towards environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

The Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Industry is significantly impacted by increasing urbanization and population growth, particularly in developing regions. As urban areas expand, the demand for hygiene products, including diapers and feminine hygiene items, escalates. This trend is further compounded by rising disposable incomes, which enable consumers to prioritize personal care products. The demographic shift towards larger urban populations creates a fertile ground for market growth, as manufacturers seek to meet the evolving needs of consumers. The industry's responsiveness to these demographic changes is crucial for sustaining growth in the coming years.

The Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Industry is experiencing a paradigm shift as consumers and manufacturers alike become increasingly aware of environmental sustainability. This awareness drives demand for eco-friendly alternatives, prompting companies to explore biodegradable options. The market's response to this trend is evident in the development of superabsorbent polymers derived from renewable resources, which align with global sustainability goals. As regulatory frameworks evolve to support environmentally responsible practices, the industry is likely to witness a surge in demand for sustainable products. This shift not only enhances brand reputation but also positions companies favorably in a competitive marketplace.

By Region, the research provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American Superabsorbent Polymers will dominate this market, owing to an increase in population and use of diapers.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2:  Superabsorbent Polymers Share by Region 2022 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database, and Analyst Review

Europe’s Superabsorbent Polymers market is anticipated to grow during the projected timeframe share due to the growing awareness of health care and personal care. Further, the German Superabsorbent Polymers market and the UK Superabsorbent Polymers market are anticipated to expand significantly during the projected timeframe in the European Region.

The Asia-Pacific Superabsorbent Polymers Market region holds the second highest market share. This is due to expanding awareness of hygiene and a growing population compared to other regions. Moreover, China’s Superabsorbent Polymers market dominates the market share, and India’s Superabsorbent Polymers market is expected to expand significantly during the projected timeframe in the Asia-Pacific region.

For instance, In the Middle East & Africa and Asia-Pacific, particularly in India and China, there will likely be a rise in consumer demand for superabsorbent polymers as a result of rising birth rates, higher disposable incomes, and growing public awareness of hygiene.

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to produce new products, which will help the Superabsorbent Polymers market. Market participants are also undertaking strategic activities (organic or inorganic) to strengthen their international footprint, with important market developments including new product lines, partnership agreements, mergers and acquisitions, investments and capex, and strategic alliances with other organizations. The superabsorbent polymer industry must offer sustainable and affordable products to compete in fragmented markets.

Manufacturing regionally to minimize operational expenses is one of the key business tactics organizations use in the Superabsorbent Polymers industry to benefit customers and expand their market share. The superabsorbent polymer industry has offered significant advantages to the healthcare industry. Major players in the Superabsorbent Polymers market, including BASF SE, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, SDP Co. Ltd., Formosa Plastics Corporation, KAO Corporation, LG Chem Ltd., SDP Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd., Songwon Industrial Co. Ltd., and Yixing Danson Technology, are attempting to capture untapped markets by investing in research and development operations through advanced products.

Nippon Shokubai is a Japanese chemical firm that offers products and services in accordance with customer needs. It was founded in 1941 under the name Osame Gosei kagaku kogyo, and in 1949 it changed its name to Nippon Shokubai. The company is a leader in producing its major products and producing acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers. In November 2020, Nippon Shokubai, LiveDo Corporation, and Total Care System, three Japanese companies, collaborated to create several innovations to support systems that recycle disposable diapers.

The extremely absorbent polymers in old diapers have been the subject of novel recycling technologies developed by these three companies. The aforementioned method can be utilized with a wide variety of superabsorbent polymers that are available all over the world.

Founded in Germany in 1865 and active in about 30 nations, BASF SE manufactures chemicals and plastics. Oil and natural gas, chemicals, fertilizers, plastics, dyes and pigments, salt, inks and printing accessories, electronic accessories, cosmetic bases, medications, and other associated machinery and goods are all produced by the BASF Group. Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany serves as the headquarters. In March 2021, BASF made a $30,1 million investment in an emerging hygiene business innovation center. It will expand its super absorbent capabilities by constructing a cutting-edge Super Absorbents Excellence Centre at its Verbund location in Antwerp, Belgium.

In 2024, BASF launches Ccycled® goods made in the United States with feedstock derived from plastic trash. Customers can purchase ISCC+ certified advanced recycled building blocks from the BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals (BTP) facility in Port Arthur, Texas, by utilizing the company's global ChemCycling® expertise. In the traditional production method, plastic waste is converted into recycled feedstock, which is used in chem-cycling to partially replace fossil fuels. Using a mass balancing technique, the improved recycled building blocks are linked to the recycled feedstock.

These building blocks can be utilized to create a wide range of American-made BASF goods, such as polyurethanes, engineered plastics, and ultra absorbent polymers.