Super Absorbent Polymers Market

Super Absorbent Polymers Market Overview

The super absorbent polymers market is projected to reach USD 13.2 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.3% from USD 8.7 billion in 2023. Increasing demand for adult incontinence products, increasing use in water treatment application, and increasing demand of disposable baby diapers are driving the market for super absorbent polymers.

Attractive Opportunities in the Super Absorbent Polymers Market

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Super absorbent polymers Market Dynamics

Driver: Growing demand for adult incontinence products

The rise in adult incontinence product demand is driven by factors such as aging populations, heightened awareness, and diminished stigma. With longer life expectancy, there's an increased necessity for products that ensure comfort and preserve dignity in later life stages. An increasing number of nations are experiencing an aging population, which is contributing to a rise in the prevalence of diseases like urine incontinence. The advancements in super absorbent polymer technology have also played a significant role. These polymers are designed to efficiently absorb and retain large volumes of liquid, providing better leakage protection and allowing for thinner and more discreet products. A rising awareness of personal hygiene and sanitation among adults is fuelling the demand for products designed for adult incontinence. Adult diapers are designed to absorb and retain large amounts of liquid. These are disposable or reusable products that are worn like traditional diapers.

Restraint: Fluctuating raw material prices

The fluctuation in the costs of raw materials such as acrylic acid used in the production of super absorbent polymers is a major restraint for the market growth. These price fluctuations have a direct impact on the overall prices of super absorbent polymers. Additionally, the specific raw materials required for production make the market susceptible to uncertainties in their availability. Stringent regulations, particularly in developed countries regarding the use of synthetic materials in healthcare applications, further pose challenges for market growth. The fluctuating raw material prices not only affect production costs but also influence the pricing dynamics of super absorbent polymers.

Opportunity: Rising demand for biodegradable super absorbent polymers

The rising demand for biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP) creates a substantial growth opportunity in the market. With a growing awareness of environmental issues, there is an increasing inclination towards sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Biodegradable SAPs emerge as a more environmentally conscious choice, addressing worries about the lasting effects of conventional polymers. These SAPs naturally breakdown and significantly reduce long-term pollution and ecological damage. Bio-based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are a type of SAPs derived from renewable or bio-based sources. They are gaining favor compared to synthetic super absorbent polymers. Synthetic SAPs typically lack biocompatibility, biodegradability, or renewability. The adoption of bio-based SAPs offers a potential solution to mitigate the environmental impact associated with SAPs, commonly utilized in products for hygiene, agriculture, construction, and medical waste adsorbents.

Challenge: Environmental concerns

Environmental concerns pose a significant challenge for the super absorbent polymers (SAP) market. The non-biodegradable nature of SAPs raises environmental apprehensions, potentially hindering market growth. There is mounting pressure on the SAP market to innovate and create biodegradable alternatives, addressing environmental issues and aligning with the rising demand for eco-friendly products. The industry is under increasing scrutiny to develop sustainable solutions that minimize environmental pollution and cater to the growing preference for environmentally conscious products.

Super Absorbent Polymers Market: Ecosystem

Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, and MarketsandMarkets Analysis

"Bio-based SAP is fastest growing by type in super absorbent polymers market, in terms of value."

The growing demand for biobased SAPs in agriculture is also contributing to the growth of the market. Biobased SAPs can improve soil fertility, water retention, and drought tolerance, making them an attractive option for sustainable agriculture practices. Biobased SAPs are made from renewable resources such as starch, cellulose, and chitin, making them more environmentally friendly than traditional SAPs.

" Based on application, medical is the second largest market in super absorbent polymers market in 2022, in terms of value."

SAPs are a crucial component in the manufacturing of personal care products like diapers and sanitary napkins. They are used for their high absorbency, which is essential for maintaining hygiene and comfort. The adoption of SAPs is increasing swiftly across the healthcare sector due to the mounting consumer awareness about the benefits of using high-quality personal care products. The production of medical textiles is also driving the need for SAPs.

“North America accounted the second largest market for super absorbent polymers in 2022, in terms of value."

Based on region, North America is a key market for super absorbent polymers. The aging population in North America has been a major driving factor for the increasing market penetration of SAPs in the region, particularly in the personal hygiene industry. The growing awareness and social acceptance of a wide range of health issues have also contributed to changing the demand landscape in the hygiene industry. The demand for SAPs in North America is driven by their use in personal care products, including diapers and adult incontinence items, due to their superior water-absorbing capabilities.

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Key Market Players

The key players in this market are Nippon Shokubai (Japan), BASF (Germany), Evonik Industries (Germany), Sumitomo Seika (Japan), LG Chem (South Korea), Chase Corporation (US), Formosa Plastic Corporation (Taiwan), Kao Corporation (Japan), Satellite Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (China), SDP Global (Japan), Yixing Danson Technology (China). Continuous developments in the market—including new product launches, mergers & acquisitions, agreements, and expansions—are expected to help the market grow.

Read More: Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Companies

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Scope of the Report

This report categorizes the global super absorbent polymers market based on type, application, and region.

Based on the type:

• Sodium Polyacrylate
• Polyacrylate / Polyacrylamide Copolymer
• Bio-Based SAP
• Others

Based on the application:

• Personal Hygiene
• Agriculture
• Medical
• Industrial
• Others

Based on the region:

• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• North America
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Recent Developments

• In November 2022, Nippon Shokubai developed technology for SAP to recycle disposable diapers. This technology development helped the company to reduce energy consumption during recycling and protect the water quality of rivers and other bodies of water.
• In March 2021, BASF has commenced production of super absorbent polymers at its cutting-edge Superabsorbent Excellence Center, located within its integrated site in Antwerp, Belgium. The company invested USD 26 million to enhance the development of superabsorbent polymers and improve their performance.

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