Super Absorbent Polymers Market

Super Absorbent Polymers Market Growth Outlook (2022-2032)

The global super absorbent polymers market saw steady growth at 3.5% CAGR over the past half-decade and is set to be valued over US$ 6 Billion in 2022.

Detailed industry analysis reveals that worldwide super absorbent polymer consumption is predicted to increase at 4.9% CAGR to reach a valuation of US$ 9.7 Bn by 2032.

Report Attributes	Details
Market Size in 2021	US$ 5.78 Billion
Estimated Market Value (2022E)	US$ 6 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2032F)	US$ 9.7 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2022-2032)	4.9% CAGR
Asia Pacific Market Share (2021)	~34%
Asia Pacific Market Growth Rate (2022-2032)	9% CAGR
China Market Growth Rate (2022-2032)	6.2% CAGR
Market Share of Top 3 Companies	~35%
Key Companies Profiled	BASF SE Chase Corp Chemtex Speciality Limited Evonik Industries AG Gel Frost Packs Kalyani Enterprises LG Chem Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd Songwon Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd Demi NSB Polymers M2 Polymer Technologies

Consumption of super absorbent polymers at the global level stood at around 4,213 KT in 2021, accounting for 0.7% of total polymers consumption, and in terms of volume, the market is poised to expand at a CAGR of around 4% with projected consumption of 6,452 KT by 2032 end.

Super absorbent polymers market analysis by Fact.MR shows that superabsorbent polymers share is anticipated to account for nearly 1.2% of the global polymers market value during the timeframe of 2022-2032.

Super absorbent polymers application in the production of hygiene and personal care products has dominated the market globally, and is projected to continue on the same path, thereby driving demand over the forecast period. Application of superabsorbent polymers over the decade will remain high for the production of baby.

Consumption Analysis of Super absorbent Polymers (2017-2021) Vs. Forecast Outlook (2022-2032)

As per latest Fact.MR analysis, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, market value for super absorbent polymers over past half-decade increased at a CAGR of around 3.5%.

Consumption of SAP in 2021 stood at around 4,213 KT. Super absorbent polymer usage in the production of diapers accounted for the market highest share. This is mainly attributed to the fact that SAP showcases high absorption capacity and has been identified as one of the most important materials in manufacturing of diapers.

Additionally, rise in disposable income over the past decade has provided a boost to the sales of SAPs, and is anticipated that SAP sales would only increase over the decade. Moreover, consumption of SAPs in Asia Pacific is projected to see significant growth, which can mainly be attributed to the rise in awareness towards feminine hygiene in the region.

Consumption of super absorbent polymers for application in hygiene and personal care products over the period of 2022-2032 is poised to increase at a CAGR of 5.2%. Moreover, projections are that, demand for superabsorbent polymers for feminine hygiene products, especially natural superabsorbent polymers, during the forecast period, is poised to drive overall sales, with the market set to expand at 4.9% CAGR through 2032.

Which Factors are Driving Demand and Supply of Super Absorbent Polymers?

“High Absorbent Property of SAP-based Products”

Polysaccharide-based super absorbent polymers are hydrogels that have high absorption capacity, and are thus able to retain fluids in huge volumes relative to their weight. For instance, SAP-based products can absorb water around 300-500 times their own weight, which makes them fit to be used in range of absorbent core products. As such, demand for water absorbing polymers is high.

Additionally, rising disposable income globally, especially in high-growth regions of Asia Pacific, has provided a positive outlook to SAP producers, and the region has been identified as a potential hotspot for the growth of the superabsorbent polymers market.

Moreover, use of superabsorbent polymers for adult incontinence products has been identified as a recent trend, which is poised to gain significant traction over the coming years.

Attributed to these discussed factors, superabsorbent polymers market value is projected to stand at US$ 9.7 Billion by the end of 2032.

Country-Wise Analysis

Which Regional SAP Market Holds Maximum Sway?

“Asia Pacific Main Growth Driver SAP Suppliers”

Asia Pacific has been projected to be one of the most lucrative destinations for the sales of synthetic superabsorbent polymers. Rise in disposable income coupled with sizeable increase in the number of families entering the middle-income bracket is poised to drive sales of superabsorbent polymers over the coming years in the region.

Additionally, major FMCG companies such as Kao Corporation, Kimberly Clark, and P&G have established their diaper and feminine hygiene product production centres in high-growth countries of China and India owing to rising demand for absorbent core products.      

As such, East Asia and South Asia & Oceania are poised to provide high absolute dollar opportunity worth US$ 830 Million and US$ 627 Million, respectively, over the period of 2022-2032.

Category-Wise Analysis

Which SAP Application is Driving Most Market Growth?

“SAP Usage High in Personal Care & Hygiene Product Manufacturing”

Superabsorbent polymer application in the production of hygiene and personal care products is projected to hold major share in the market. This is mainly attributed to the use of superabsorbent polymers for sanitary napkins with high absorption capacity. Among the materials that are used in the manufacturing of diapers, superabsorbent polymers hold around 30% share, as superabsorbent diapers are widely popular.

High absorption capacity of SAPs leads to enhancement of diapers in terms of comfort and strength, and hence, are highly preferred in the manufacturing of hygiene and personal care products.

Due to high use case of SAPs in the manufacturing of hygiene products such as absorbent core products, the segment is set to account for a high absolute dollar opportunity worth US$ 3.2 Bn over the forecast period of 2022-2032.

Which Type is Mostly Consumed in the Production of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP)?

“High Share of SAPs made from Petroleum-based Raw Materials”

Petroleum-based products have been identified as one of the most demanded raw materials for the production of SAPs over the past half-decade, and these types of superabsorbent polymers are anticipated to dominate as a raw material for superabsorbent polymer production over the coming years as well.

Additionally, stringent rules & regulations over the use of single-use plastic have been under constant scrutiny, attributed to which, use of synthetic superabsorbent polymers is poised to lose its market share as compared to natural superabsorbent polymers materials.                           

Attributed to the application of petroleum-based superabsorbent polymers as the most preferred raw material in superabsorbent polymer production, the segment is projected to account for around 92% market share by 2032-end.

Demand is set to be high for superabsorbent polymers for plants, superabsorbent polymers for diapers, medical superabsorbent polymers, and superabsorbent polymers for agriculture.

Competition Landscape

BASF SE, Chase Corp, Chemtex Speciality Limited, Evonik Industries AG, Gel Frost Packs Kalyani Enterprises, LG Chem, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd, Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd, Songwon, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd, Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd, Demi, NSB Polymers, and M2 Polymer Technologies are major suppliers of superabsorbent polymers.

• In March 2021, BASF announced an investment of around US$ 30 Mn to build a superabsorbent excellence centre at Antwerp, Belgium. This investment is projected to enhance the company’s position in the product development of superabsorbent.
• In February 2021, Chase Corp announced acquiring the assets of Emerging Technologies, a solution provider and formulator of superabsorbent polymers. Through this acquisition, the company aims at expanding its market reach in the superabsorbent business.

Fact.MR has provided detailed information about the price points of top superabsorbent polymer manufacturers positioned across regions, in addition to providing sales growth information, production capacity, and speculative production expansion in the recently published report.

Key Segments of Superabsorbent Polymers Industry Research

• By Type :

  • Petroleum-based Superabsorbent Polymers
    • Sodium Polyacrylate
    • Polyacrylamide Copolymer
  • Non-petroleum-based Superabsorbent Polymers

• By Grade :

  • Standard Grade Superabsorbent Polymers
    • Virgin
    • Reclaimed
  • Medical Grade
  • Food/Agricultural Grade

• By Application :

  • Hygiene & Personal Care Products
    • Baby Diapers
    • Adult Diapers
    • Feminine Hygiene Products
      • Sanitary Napkins
      • Under Pads
    • Wet Wipes
  • Agriculture
    • Drought Resistance
    • Nutrient and Water Preservation
  • Industrial
    • Dessication
    • Water Swellable Tapes
    • Spill Control
    • Others
  • Medical
    • Wound Care
      • Traditional Wound Care
      • Advanced Wound Care
    • Medical Waste Control
    • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa