Superabsorbent Polymers Market | Sales, Size, Share and Forecast 2027

Key Highlights of Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market

The global superabsorbent polymers market was valued at US$ 9.7 Bn in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period
The global superabsorbent polymers market is driven by the increase in demand for disposable baby diapers and sanitary products across the globe
Asia Pacific accounts for major share of the global superabsorbent polymer market, led by the increase in population and growth in awareness about hygienic products, diabetic wounds, and wound care products in the region.

Reliable Performance Drives Sodium Polyacrylate Globally

Apart from strong growth in the North America region, the sodium polyacrylate resin variety will also witness major growth globally. The resin variety is famous for its high-performance, and reliable nature. The high demand for hygienic products, and new segments like adult diapers will drive major growth in the region.
Adult diapers have officially overtaken baby diaper products in countries like Japan, where the aging population continues to determine consumer trends. Moreover, the demand for products like adult incontinence pads will also remain high in North America region, where these are increasingly advertised in personal care aisles to remove stigma, and make them more acceptable in societies.
The growing rise of chronic illnesses and new varieties in adult diapers will also promise new opportunities for growth in this segment.

Increase in Agricultural Needs of Booming Population Likely to offer Attractive Growth Opportunities

The rising pressure on limited agricultural land, amidst growing urbanization continues to drive demand for higher yields in agriculture. Moreover, the increasing demand for natural food products also adds new pressures on farmers, and food producers. This is expected to drive major growth for bio-absorbers, which can retain water known as slush powders.
Superabsorbent polymers are capable of absorbing large quantities of water, and provide additional nourishment to soil during farming. The additional nourishment results in better quality food supplies, and protection for crops from highly prevalent diseases. The technique has proved promising in non-arable geographies like dessert, wherein its growing use, and its promising delivery, promises new opportunities for growth for players in the superabsorbent polymer market for agriculture.

Volatility in Raw Material Prices Anticipated to Hamper Superabsorbent Polymer Market

The global superabsorbent polymer market is prone to fluctuations in prices of raw materials such as acrylic acid. Constant volatility in prices of raw materials is adversely affecting the superabsorbent polymer market.
The price of acrylic acid in Asia Pacific increased during September 2012 to 2013, due to the accidental damage to the Nippon Shokubai’s Himeji facility. Thus, tightening supply of acrylic acid due to the fluctuation in supply and prices of raw materials adversely affected the global superabsorbent polymer market.
In May 2018, Evonik Industries AG raised the prices of superabsorbent polymers by 15% in Europe as well as in the U.S. due to the high prices of raw materials in these regions.

Asia Pacific Dominates Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market

In terms of region, Asia Pacific accounted for a major share of the global superabsorbent polymer market in 2017. Countries such as India, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia are expected to provide lucrative opportunities to manufacturers owing to the increase in disposable income, growth in population, expansion in end-use industries, and escalation in demand for high-quality products in health care, pharmaceutical, and personal hygiene sectors.
Rise in population in Asia Pacific has also resulted in higher demand for food. Growth in population has led to a decline in arable land per capita in the region. Superabsorbent polymers are capable of improving the arability of land. This is estimated to boost the market in Asia Pacific, particularly in China and India.
Europe and North America are mature economies; therefore, the superabsorbent polymer market in these regions is expected to expand at a moderate pace during the forecast period. Increase in geriatric population and rise in research activities in the field of product innovation, typically in medical & pharmaceutical industry, is projected to drive the superabsorbent polymer market in North America as well as in Europe during the forecast period.

Fragmented Nature of Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market

Key players profiled in the report are Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd, BASF SE, Evonik Industries, Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd, KAO Corporation, Sanyo Chemical Industries, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd, LG Chem Ltd., Emerging Technologies Inc., Water-sorb, Tramfloc Inc., Yixing Danson Technology, Technical Absorbents, Hosokawa Micron B.V, and SOCO Chemical.
The top three players – Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd, BASF SE, and Evonik Industries – cumulatively accounted for more than 47% share of the market in 2018. Manufacturers of superabsorbent polymers are primarily concentrated in China, the U.S., Japan, and Germany.

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