PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1776159
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1776159
Superabsorbent polymers refer to water-absorbing substances capable of retaining large liquid volumes compared to their mass. They are pivotal in absorbing water and aqueous solutions in products such as diapers, adult incontinence items, and feminine hygiene products.
Superabsorbent polymers come in various types such as sodium polyacrylate, polyacrylate/polyacrylamide, and copolymers. Sodium polyacrylate is a variant containing sodium atoms evenly distributed within the network and water. Production methods for these polymers encompass suspension polymerization, solution polymerization, and gel polymerization. These superabsorbent polymers find applications across diverse sectors including personal hygiene, packaging, construction, oil and gas industries, and various other applications.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The escalating U.S. tariffs and rising trade tensions in spring 2025 are expected to significantly affect the chemicals sector, which is facing a disproportionate impact-particularly from tariffs on petrochemicals and intermediates, where affordable domestic alternatives are limited. Specialty chemical producers, who rely heavily on Chinese raw materials, are encountering production disruptions. Meanwhile, fertilizer manufacturers are seeing their profit margins squeezed due to tariffs on phosphate imports. In response, companies are increasing investments in R&D for bio-based alternatives, forming procurement alliances to strengthen purchasing power, and relocating production to tariff-neutral countries like Saudi Arabia.
The superabsorbent polymers market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides superabsorbent polymers market statistics, including superabsorbent polymers industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a superabsorbent polymers market share, detailed superabsorbent polymers market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the superabsorbent polymers industry. This superabsorbent polymer market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The superabsorbent polymers market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $9.88 billion in 2024 to $10.42 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to hygiene product demand, agricultural applications, medical and wound care, female hygiene products, construction industry use.
The superabsorbent polymers market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $14.05 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising aging population, increased focus on agriculture, medical and healthcare advancements, sustainable and eco-friendly products, innovation in hygiene products. Major trends in the forecast period include increased utilization in concrete for enhanced properties, focus on superabsorbent polymers in the food packaging industry, development of superabsorbent polymers for medical gel applications, application in oil and gas industry for water control, collaborations for research on advanced superabsorbent polymer technologies.
The forecast of 7.8% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.3% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US by disrupting diaper and hygiene product supplies, as tariffs on South Korean and Japanese imports lead to higher consumer prices.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.
Growing awareness of personal hygiene and cleanliness is propelling the superabsorbent polymers market. These polymers are primarily utilized as absorbents for water and aqueous solutions in products such as diapers, adult incontinence items, feminine hygiene products, and similar applications. As awareness of personal hygiene continues to rise, the market is expected to expand. For instance, in September 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a U.S.-based Department of Labor, reported that the average income and expenditures of personal care consumer units increased to 950 in 2023, up from 866 in 2022. This trend supports the growth of the superabsorbent polymers market during this period.
The advancing growth of the aging population is set to be a significant catalyst for the expansion of the superabsorbent polymer market moving forward. An aging population signifies a demographic shift with a higher ratio of elderly individuals within a society. Superabsorbent polymers find extensive application in products tailored for this demographic, such as adult diapers and hygiene solutions, providing efficient moisture absorption and management. The World Health Organization's projection in October 2022 revealed an impending demographic shift, with an estimated one-sixth of the global populace being 60 years or older by 2030. This demographic is expected to rise from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030 and further double to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. Thus, the burgeoning aging population stands as a driving force behind the robust growth of the superabsorbent polymer market.
A strategic focus among major companies revolves around developing sustainable polymers sourced from organic materials, specifically plant-based biomass. SDP Global Co, a Japan-based chemical products manufacturer, achieved the Biomass Mark certification in September 2022 by creating an eco-friendly superabsorbent polymer (SAP). This SAP, utilizing plant-based biomass for 10% to 25% of its raw materials, boasts a cross-linked structure capable of absorbing water hundreds to thousands of times its weight, aligning with the industry's sustainability goals.
Major entities focus on developing environmentally friendly products through advanced technologies such as super absorbent polymer (SAP) technology. This material efficiently retains substantial fluid volumes. For example, in September 2022, City Pharmacy Limited, a Papua New Guinea-based consumer goods company, unveiled Bumbums, an upgraded environmentally friendly diaper brand. Utilizing Japanese Sumitomo super absorbent polymer (SAP) technology, the product ensures enhanced absorbency for superior baby hygiene and lasting comfort. Aloe extract caters to skin sensitivity, while a biodegradable fiber layer aligns with environmental sustainability objectives.
In March 2024, International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG), a Germany-based industrial organization, acquired the superabsorbent business from Evonik Industries AG for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, ICIG aims to pursue both internal and external growth opportunities within the superabsorbent sector. Evonik Industries AG is a Germany-based specialty chemicals company that produces superabsorbent polymers.
Major companies operating in the superabsorbent polymers market include Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co Ltd., ADM Company, BASF SE, Dow Chemical Company, LG Chem Ltd., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Wanhua Chemical Group Co Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, Solvay SA, KAO Corporation, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Kuraray Co Ltd., Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical Co Ltd., Nippon Shokubai Co Ltd., SDP Global Co Ltd., Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd., Songwon Industrial Co Ltd., SNF Floerger Group, Xitao Polymer Co Ltd., Yixing Danson Technology Co Ltd., Shandong Nuoer Biological Technology Co Ltd., Soco Chemical Co Ltd., Chinafloc Chemical Co Ltd., Chemtex Speciality Limited
Asia- Pacific was the largest region in the superabsorbent polymers market share in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the market. The regions covered in the superabsorbent polymers market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the superabsorbent polymers market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.