Superabsorbent Polymer Market - By Product, By Application & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Superabsorbent Polymer Market Size

The global superabsorbent polymer market was valued at USD 8.4 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.8% from 2024 to 2032. Growing awareness about personal health and hygiene will provide significant traction to the market. Superabsorbent polymers are widely used in fluid-absorbing applications, including baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and medical dressings.
 

The market for these polymers is expected to grow due to increasing literacy rates, higher consumer spending power, and greater focus on healthcare. For example, the United States' health expenditures per capita increased from USD 8,745 in 2018 to approximately USD 11,500 in 2022, indicating a trend that is likely to boost the superabsorbent polymer industry in the coming years. International organizations such as UNESCO, world bank, WHO, UNICEF, and various local bodies have initiated awareness programs focusing on menstrual hygiene management and the provision of feminine products.
 

Growing health awareness and rising healthcare expenditure are significantly boosting the global superabsorbent polymer market. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that enhance hygiene and health, leading to greater demand for absorbent materials in medical and personal care applications. This trend is further supported by higher healthcare investments, which foster innovation and development of advanced superabsorbent products.
 

The increase in consumer awareness regarding hygiene is also driving market growth. With a heightened focus on cleanliness and sanitation, particularly in the wake of health crises, there is a rising demand for superabsorbent polymers in items such as diapers and feminine hygiene products.
 

Moreover, the booming global population is escalating food demand, creating a need for effective agricultural solutions. Superabsorbent polymers play a crucial role in water retention and soil management, supporting crop production and addressing water scarcity challenges. Collectively, these drivers position the market for robust growth in the coming years.
 

Superabsorbent Polymer Market Trends

The superabsorbent polymer (SAP) industry is witnessing significant trends in manufacturing efficiency, driven by technological advancements and sustainable practices. Companies are increasingly adopting automation and digitalization to streamline production processes, enhancing output while reducing costs. Innovations in raw materials and formulations are improving product performance and biodegradability, aligning with environmental regulations. Additionally, a focus on circular economy principles is prompting manufacturers to explore recycling methods for SAP products. These trends not only boost operational efficiency but also cater to growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions, positioning businesses competitively in the evolving market landscape.
 

Superabsorbent Polymer Market Analysis

The superabsorbent polymer industry is segmented into sodium polyacrylate, polyacrylamide copolymer, and others including polyvinyl alcohol, polysaccharides, etc. The sodium polyacrylate product segment will capture USD 8.4 billion and demonstrate a 5.8% CAGR till 2032. Driven by its ability to absorb as much as 500 times its mass of water, sodium acrylate is widely used in baby diapers and adult incontinence products.
 

Additionally, the growing demand for polyacrylamide owing to its increasing use in water treatment, paper-making processes, and extensive usage in the manufacturing of baby and adult diapers will boost the market.
 

The superabsorbent polymer market from baby diapers segment held a 69.8% industry share in 2023, amounting to USD 5.8 billion, and is projected to grow at a 5.6 % CAGR from 2024 to 2032. The Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) market is diversified across several key applications. The baby diaper segment remains dominant due to rising birth rates and increased hygiene awareness. Adult incontinence products are experiencing growth driven by an aging population and greater awareness of incontinence issues.
 

The feminine hygiene sector is also expanding, as consumers seek highly absorbent and convenient products. In agriculture, SAPs are used for soil moisture retention, promoting sustainability and enhancing crop yields. Additionally, the medical sector employs SAPs in wound care and surgical dressings for superior fluid management. Other applications include packaging and personal care, contributing to overall market growth and innovation.
 

U.S. superabsorbent polymer market is projected to achieve USD 2.1 billion, with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2032. The U.S. industry is witnessing significant growth, driven by rising demand in the hygiene and medical sectors. The expanding market for disposable products, such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and feminine hygiene items, is propelling innovation in SAP formulations to enhance absorbency and performance.
 

Sustainability is increasingly influencing the industry, with manufacturers exploring bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based SAPs, responding to consumer preferences for eco-friendly products. Additionally, advancements in SAP technology are leading to improved water retention and efficiency, making them suitable for agricultural applications, such as soil additives for water conservation.
 

Superabsorbent Polymer Market Share

Companies include, BASF SE is a leader in the SAP market, known for its innovative and high-performance polymers that enhance absorbency and biodegradability in products like baby diapers and adult incontinence items. Evonik focuses on specialty SAPs, utilizing advanced technologies to improve product efficiency and sustainability. LG Chem has made significant strides in producing environmentally friendly SAPs, aligning with global sustainability trends while addressing the growing demand in hygiene and agricultural applications. Nippon Shokubai is recognized for its extensive expertise in SAP formulation, providing customized solutions for various industries, particularly in medical and agricultural fields. San-Dia Polymers has gained attention for its cost-effective and high-quality SAPs, catering to diverse applications including personal care and hygiene products.
 

Superabsorbent Polymer Market Companies

Major players operating in the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) industry are:

• BASF SE
• Evonik
• Formosa Plastics
• LG Chem
• Nippon Shokubai
• San-Dia Polymers
• Sanyo Chemical Industries
• Sumitomo Chemicals
• Yixing Denson Technology
• Zhejiang Satellite
   

Superabsorbent Polymer Industry News

October 2023: BASF launched its superabsorbent excellence center in Belgium at its Antwerp site. The center is equipped with cutting-edge technology to enhance product development and performance. The center will drive growth in the SAP industry by fostering innovation and improving product development for hygiene applications.
 

August 2024: Nippon Shokubai has announced plans for its Indonesian subsidiary to expand its superabsorbent polymer (SAP) plant. This expansion will enhance production capacity, meeting the increasing demand for superabsorbent polymers in hygiene and agricultural applications.
 

The superabsorbent polymer market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2024 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Sodium polyacrylate
  • Baby diapers
  • Adult incontinence products
  • Feminine hygiene
  • Agriculture
  • Medical
  • Others
• Polyacrylamide copolymer
  • Baby diapers
  • Adult incontinence products
  • Feminine hygiene
  • Agriculture
  • Medical
  • Others
• Others
  • Baby diapers
  • Adult incontinence products
  • Feminine hygiene
  • Agriculture
  • Medical
  • Others

Market, By Application

• Baby diapers
• Adult incontinence products
• Feminine hygiene
• Agriculture
• Medical
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE