Super Absorbent Polymer Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Personal Hygiene, Agriculture, Medical, Industrial), By Type (Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Super Absorbent Polymer Market Trends

The global super absorbent polymer market size was estimated at USD 6.49 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030. The market is expected to grow significantly owing to increasing demand in various application segments such as baby diapers, adult incontinence, agriculture, and female hygiene products. The increasing geriatric population coupled with growing health awareness is expected to drive market growth. Moreover, rising prevalence of disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease, along with increased awareness of adult incontinence products, is projected to increase the market growth.

Aging population has been a major driving factor in the country, which has resulted in increasing market penetration of super absorbent polymers. Key initiatives such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid commenced by the government of the U.S. have enabled a large percentage of the population of the country to have access to improved healthcare facilities and services.

Rising usage of hygiene products such as adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products. Moreover, super absorbent polymers are used in developing depth filters, syringes, disposable medical connectors, and others. This has fueled demand for medical devices and healthcare services in the U.S., thereby driving usage of super absorbent polymers in the country.

The expanding population, increased hygiene awareness, and changing behaviors all contribute to demand for SAP in several products such as gloves, syringes, masks, and adult diapers. This is anticipated to fuel the growth of the market in the U.S.

The market expansion is fueled by ongoing developments in super-absorbent polymer technology and production techniques. Increasing need for based solutions due to consumer attention on convenience, personal cleanliness, and sustainable products is expected to boost the market.

Type Insights

Based on type, the sodium polyacrylate segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of more than 18% in 2023. Sodium polyacrylates are used as a super-absorbent polymer which is used as a binding agent, emulsion stabilizer, coatings, viscosity controlling agent, and film forming in a number of industries, including sanitation, consumer goods, electrical & electronics, building & construction, and industrial items. Increased focus on technical advancements and inventions will broaden opportunities for manufacturers to expand their sodium polyacrylate portfolio. However, sodium polyacrylate ingestion and inhalation can moderately irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory system due to harmful chemicals emitted from them. This factor is likely to restrain demand for sodium polyacrylate.

Polyacrylamide is commonly used in processing of minerals after mining to extract minerals from their ore. The demand for the product is expected to grow at a significant rate owing to an exponential expansion in population and rising requirements for water treatment.Moreover, the super absorbent polymers industry is anticipated to be stimulated by growing focus on minimizing the amount of harmful components and untreated wastewater.

Application Insights

Based on application, the personal hygiene segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of more than 65% in 2023. Rising demand from the personal hygiene segment globally is majorly driving market expansion. Moreover, rising adult incontinence and female hygiene product demand owing to rising hygiene awareness is anticipated to fuel the market.

The agriculture segment is expected to grow significantly over the coming years. Rapid growth in agricultural applications accounting for the superior water retention properties exhibited by polymers is expected to contribute to the growth of shaping market growth. Government policies to encourage such agricultural usage are anticipated to aid market growth.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market with a largest revenue share of over 39% in 2023. The rise in demand from emerging economies such as China and India is expected to propel the market growth. The market is witnessing rapid growth owing to rising awareness the baby health, growing population, and rising disposable income. In addition, baby diapers market is expected to witness growth potential in untapped markets in several countries, such as Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia, hence propelling demand for super absorbent polymers.

North America is one of the largest markets for the super absorbent polymer industry. One of the main factors driving the market growth are an increased aging population in the region. Rising awareness and social acceptance among consumers regarding several health issues have resulted in a changing demand landscape of the hygiene industry.

Market Dynamics

Factors leading to the growth of the market include population expansion in countries such as China, India, and Germany, a rise in popularity of diaper pants, and an increase in consumer awareness of newborn hygiene. The need for SAP in the healthcare industry is fueled by rising healthcare costs, improvements in medical services, and an aging population.

An increasing focus on sustainable agriculture and water conservation, there is a growing demand for SAP in agriculture to optimize water utilization and agricultural yields. In agriculture, SAPs are used to increase soil water retention and reduce water waste. In addition, increased environmental awareness and legislation pertaining to water conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable practices are expected to increase SAP use in various applications.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is highly characterized by expansion and joint venture strategies opted for by super absorbent polymers companies globally. Established players such as BASF SE are investing in product development to gain a competitive edge in the market. For instance, in February 2023, Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. acquired ISCC PLUS certification for a variety of products, including superabsorbent polymers, acrylic acid, and ethylene oxide to encourage the use of biomass as a raw material for detergents, disposable diapers, and other products.

Super Absorbent Polymer Market Report Scope

Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global super absorbent polymer market report based on application, type, and region:

• Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Sodium Polyacrylate

  • Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Personal hygiene

    • Adult Incontinence Products

    • Female Hygiene Products

    • Baby Diapers

  • Agriculture

  • Medical

  • Industrial

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Southeast Asia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • United Arab Emirates (UAE)

    • South Africa