Super Absorbent Polymer Market

The global Super Absorbent Polymer Market is valued at USD 9.1 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 14.3 Billion by 2032 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 5.1 between 2024 and 2032.

Key highlights of Super Absorbent Polymer Market

• In 2023, the Asia Pacific region accounted for the highest revenue share accounting for 38.70% of the market.
• The North American market is expected to grow significantly from 2024 to 2032 with a CAGR of around 5.2%.
• This indicates that the North American market will experience substantial expansion in terms of Super Absorbent Polymer demand and revenue generation during the projected timeframe.
• In 2023, the Sodium Polyacrylate segment accounted for major market growth and contributed more than 67.8% of the total revenue share.
• Based on Application, the Personal Hygiene segment accounted for the market share of about 69.1% in 2023.
• The increasing demand for adult incontinence products, driving the demand for Super Absorbent Polymer market.

Super Absorbent Polymer Market: Regional Overview

In 2023, the Asia Pacific region emerged as the dominant player in the Super Absorbent Polymer market, capturing a considerable revenue share of 38.70%. China accounts for over 47% of the regional demand for Super Absorbent Polymers, making it the largest consumer in the region. This can be attributed to the country's vast population and the increasing requirement for baby diapers and adult incontinence products.

Japan holds a significant market share in the region, with more than 18% of the demand for Super Absorbent Polymers. The country is home to key market players, including Nippon Shokubai, Sanyo, Mitsubishi Petrochemical Company, and Sumitomo Seika. Japan's aging population has created a demand for high-quality adult incontinence products, contributing to the growth of the Super Absorbent Polymer market. In November 2022, Nippon Shokubai developed a technology for recycling disposable diapers using Super Absorbent Polymers. This innovation reduces energy consumption during recycling and helps protect the water quality of rivers and other bodies of water.

India is also showing interest in the Super Absorbent Polymer market, with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) planning to build a facility at the Kochi refinery. The company intends to start with a trial plant with a capacity of 200 tons annually, followed by a more extensive commercial operation of 50,000 tons. This indicates the potential for growth and development of India's Super Absorbent Polymer market. Overall, the Asia Pacific region, led by China and Japan, drives the demand for Super Absorbent Polymers. Key factors such as population growth, aging demographics, and technical advancements in recycling contribute to the industry growth in the area. As the consumer demand for products like baby diapers and adult incontinence products continues to rise, the industry for Super Absorbent Polymers is expected to expand further in the Asia Pacific area.

U.S. Super Absorbent Polymer Market Overview

The Super Absorbent Polymer market in the U.S., with a valuation of USD 1.77 Billion in 2023, is estimated to reach around USD 2.75 Billion by 2032. This projection signifies a significant Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.01 % from 2024 to 2032. Rapid growth in the U.S. Super Absorbent Polymer market can be credited to successfully implementing crucial government initiatives like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid. These initiatives have expanded access to improved healthcare facilities and services for many of the population. As a result, the demand for Super Absorbent Polymers, widely used in various medical applications, has surged.

One significant factor driving the market is the aging population in the U.S. The U.S. population aged 65 and over has grown fastest since 1880 to 1890, reaching 55.8 million by 2020. This represents a staggering 38.6% increase in just ten years. Older adults often require specialized healthcare services and products, including Super Absorbent Polymers, to manage conditions such as incontinence.

Additionally, the growing consciousness surrounding hygiene and the escalating volume of surgical procedures conducted within the nation fuel the need for Super Absorbent Polymers. Personal care products, including adult diapers, feminine hygiene products, medical dressings, and wound care products, rely heavily on these polymers. In conclusion, the U.S. Super Absorbent Polymer market thrives due to the government's healthcare initiatives and the growing elderly population. The increasing focus on hygiene and the rising number of surgical procedures drive market growth.

The global Super Absorbent Polymer market can be categorized as Product, Application, and Region.

Super Absorbent Polymer Market: Type Overview

In 2023, the Sodium Polyacrylate segment dominated the market with a 67.8% share. Based on the Type, the market can be categorized into Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylate / Polyacrylamide Copolymer, Bio-Based SAP, and other types Sodium Polyacrylate is a highly effective and versatile polymer widely used in various end-use industries due to its exceptional water absorption capabilities. The polymer is extensively utilized in diapers, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins, and agricultural applications like soil conditioning and irrigation. Sodium Polyacrylate possesses unique properties, including high absorbency, biodegradability, and non-toxicity, making it a preferred choice for manufacturers across different sectors. Additionally, the increasing demand for personal hygiene products and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices have further strengthened the position of Sodium Polyacrylate in the market. With its Super Absorbent Polymer market dominance, this segment is expected to witness growth and innovation in the coming years.

Super Absorbent Polymer Market: Application Overview

The Super Absorbent Polymer industry experienced significant growth in 2023, with a notable dominance of the Personal Hygiene segment, which held a market share of more than 69.1%. The Application segment is divided into Personal Hygiene, Agriculture, Medical, Industrial, and Other applications. The personal hygiene segment includes various applications such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products. The increasing consumer demand for these products can be attributed to a surge in personal hygiene awareness, higher levels of disposable income, and evolving lifestyles. Consequently, there is a surge in the demand for Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) used in these products. Parents widely use disposable diapers for their convenience and easy disposal. The ability of SAPs to absorb and retain large amounts of liquid makes them an essential component of diapers, ensuring both comfort and hygiene for babies. Similarly, adult incontinence products, such as pads, guards, and diapers, are experiencing a surge in demand due to the growing older adult population and increasing prevalence of urinary incontinence.

Additionally, the growing female population and their increasing inclination towards feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and tampons are contributing to the dominance of the personal hygiene segment in the SAP market. In conclusion, the personal hygiene segment is expected to maintain its dominance in the superabsorbent polymer market in 2023, driven by increasing awareness about personal hygiene, changing lifestyles, and the growing demand for disposable diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products.

Key Trends

1. The utilization of Super Absorbent Polymers is on the rise in various hygiene products, such as baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products. This is primarily driven by the growing awareness of hygiene and the need for convenience in these products.
2. Super Absorbent Polymers are increasingly used in agriculture to improve water retention in soil, reduce irrigation frequency, and enhance crop yield. This trend is particularly prominent in regions facing water scarcity or those practicing sustainable farming.
3. Super Absorbent Polymers, including wound care dressings, drug delivery systems, and disposable medical products, are extensively used in medical applications. The rising aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and advancements in medical technology are expected to drive the demand for these polymers in the medical field.
4. There is a notable shift in the Super Absorbent Polymer market towards sustainable and eco-friendly materials. With increasing environmental concerns, manufacturers focus on developing bio-based Super Absorbent Polymers derived from renewable sources. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science showcased the development of bio-based Super Absorbent Polymers using natural materials such as starch and cellulose. The trend towards sustainable materials is driven by the demand for eco-friendly products and government regulations promoting environmental conservation.

Premium Insights

The Super Absorbent Polymer industry will grow during the analysis period, driven by the rising consumer demand for adult and baby diapers. With its large population of individuals aged 65 and over, Europe has emerged as a significant consumer market for adult diapers. According to Eurostat, more than one-fifth of the European Union population falls in this age group, indicating a lucrative opportunity for this region's Super Absorbent Polymer market.

The older adult population often experiences urinary or fecal incontinence due to medical conditions, making diapers or similar products a necessity for them. This has led to a rise in demand for Super Absorbent Polymers, which enhances the absorbency and performance of these products. The increasing recognition of the importance of personal hygiene and the necessity for high-quality care practices during the initial weeks of a baby's life has additionally augmented the requirement for baby diapers, propelling the market for Super Absorbent Polymers. With its large population and the recent implementation of the third-child policy, China has become a significant market for baby diapers. With approximately 18 million births recorded annually, the demand for diapers in China has skyrocketed. This has created a massive opportunity for the Super Absorbent Polymer market, as these polymers are essential components in producing high-performance and absorbent baby diapers.

Overall, the Super Absorbent Polymer market is poised for substantial growth, fueled by the increasing demand for adult diapers in Europe and baby diapers in China. Manufacturers in this industry will witness key opportunities and profits during the forecast period as the customer demand for these products continues to rise.

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Market Dynamics

With a growing older adult population globally, the number of individuals suffering from conditions such as urinary incontinence is increasing. As a result, there is a growing need for high-performing, comfortable, and discreet adult incontinence products that provide effective absorption and leakage prevention. Super Absorbent Polymers are widely used to produce disposable adult diapers, pads, and briefs. These polymers possess superior moisture management characteristics that enable them to soak up and retain substantial quantities of liquid. Moreover, they deliver dryness and comfort to the user. The increasing demand for adult incontinence products is, therefore, driving the growth of the superabsorbent polymer market.

The market for Super Absorbent Polymers is experiencing a significant boost due to the rising demand for biodegradable alternatives. As environmental concerns continue escalating, consumers and manufacturers are seeking more sustainable options for various applications. Biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymers offer the advantage of being derived from renewable resources, minimizing the negative impact on the environment. These polymers can take in significant quantities of water or aqueous solutions, rendering them appropriate for many uses, such as agriculture, personal hygiene products, and medical applications. This increasing demand for biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymers is driving the growth of the Super Absorbent Polymer market, creating lucrative opportunities for manufacturers and investors in the industry.

Fluctuating raw material prices are one of the main restraints in the Super Absorbent Polymer market. Super Absorbent Polymers are made from petroleum-based materials, such as acrylic acid derived from crude oil. Hence, any variations in crude oil prices can have a direct effect on the expenses associated with acquiring raw materials for Super Absorbent Polymers. This can lead to increased production costs for manufacturers, ultimately affecting the pricing strategy of the products. Additionally, fluctuating raw material prices can create instability in the supply chain, as manufacturers may need help to promptly source and secure affordable raw materials.

Competitive Landscape

According to VMR analysis, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd., Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), and LG Chemicals Ltd. are the key players in the market, collectively holding a market share of 57% to 59% as of 2023. BASF, a leading player in the industry, has reaffirmed its dedication to the market by announcing a notable investment of USD 30 million into its highly absorbent polymer business. The company is developing a state-of-the-art center of excellence for superabsorbents in Antwerp, Belgium, showcasing its focus on innovation and meeting growing consumer demand. These key players are expected to drive market growth through continuous research and development activities, strategic partnerships, and expansion into new regions. With their dominant market position and ongoing investments in advanced technologies, these companies can capitalize on the increasing demand for Super Absorbent Polymers globally.

The key players in the global Super Absorbent Polymer market include - Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. (Japan), BASF SE (Germany), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd. (Japan), Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) (U.S.), LG Chemicals Ltd. (South Korea), Zhejiang Weilong Polymer Material Co. Ltd. (China), Kao Corporation (Japan), Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd. (China) among others.

Recent Market Developments

• In February 2023, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. obtained ISCC PLUS certification for a range of products, such as superabsorbent polymers, acrylic acid, and ethylene oxide. This certification aims to promote the utilization of biomass as a source material for various consumer goods like detergents and disposable diapers.