Superabsorbent Polymers
PUBLISHED: 2025 ID: SMRC29856
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Superabsorbent Polymers

Superabsorbent Polymers Market Forecasts to 2032 - Global Analysis By Product (Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymer, Ethylene Maleic Anhydride Copolymer and Other Products), Form, Raw Material, Manufacturing Process, Application, and By Geography

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4.0 (44 reviews)
Published: 2025 ID: SMRC29856

Due to ongoing shifts in global trade and tariffs, the market outlook will be refreshed before delivery, including updated forecasts and quantified impact analysis. Recommendations and Conclusions will also be revised to offer strategic guidance for navigating the evolving international landscape.
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Years Covered

2022-2032

Estimated Year Value (2025)

US $7.6 BN

Projected Year Value (2032)

US $13.5 BN

CAGR (2025 - 2032)

8.5%

Regions Covered

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa

Countries Covered

US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Rest of Asia Pacific, South America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Middle East & Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and South Africa

Largest Market

Asia Pacific

Highest Growing Market

North America


According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market is accounted for $7.6 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $13.5 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are materials capable of absorbing and retaining large amounts of liquid relative to their weight. Typically, cross-linked polyacrylates swell to form gels, holding water in applications like diapers, sanitary products, and agriculture for soil moisture retention. Their high absorbency stems from hydrophilic chains and ionic interactions, making them essential in medical, hygiene, and environmental solutions.

According to data provided by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), smart fertilizers incorporating SAP helped to increase wheat production in India by over 12% between 2020-2022.

Market Dynamics:

Driver: 

Demand in hygiene products

Demand in hygiene products is a significant driver for the superabsorbent polymers (SAP) market. SAPs are indispensable in disposable diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products due to their exceptional liquid absorption and retention capabilities. The global increase in aging populations and rising birth rates fuels the consistent demand for these essential hygiene items. This widespread application across the hygiene sector underpins market expansion. Fueled by the universal need for hygiene, consumer products drive SAP demand.

Restraint:

High production costs

High production costs present a notable restraint for the superabsorbent polymers (SAP) market. The manufacturing process of SAPs, primarily involving polymerization of acrylic acid, can be energy-intensive and requires specialized equipment. Investing in new production facilities also requires substantial capital outlay, contributing to higher overall costs. These elevated production costs can affect the final price of SAPs, potentially limiting their adoption in certain cost-sensitive applications. Backed by the complexities of chemical synthesis, high production costs remain a challenge.

Opportunity:

Biodegradable polymer development

Biodegradable polymer development represents a significant opportunity for the superabsorbent polymers (SAP) market. Growing environmental concerns and stricter regulations regarding plastic waste are driving the demand for sustainable alternatives. Research into biopolymers that mimic or exceed the performance of conventional SAPs opens new avenues for innovation and market penetration. This shift towards eco-friendly materials presents a substantial growth area for the industry. Propelled by the imperative for environmental sustainability, biodegradable SAPs offer a key opportunity.

Threat:

Regulatory restrictions on plastics

Regulatory restrictions on plastics pose a substantial threat to the superabsorbent polymers (SAP) market. Increasing global scrutiny and legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste, particularly single-use plastics, could impact the production and use of synthetic SAPs. Governments are implementing policies like bans on certain plastic products or extended producer responsibility schemes, which could influence the hygiene product industry. The potential for stricter regulations could force manufacturers to either reformulate products or face higher compliance costs. Influenced by environmental policy shifts, regulatory hurdles create market uncertainty.

Covid-19 Impact: 

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the superabsorbent polymers (SAP) market. While there was an initial surge in demand for hygiene products like diapers and adult incontinence pads due to stockpiling, supply chain disruptions also occurred. Manufacturing facilities faced challenges related to workforce availability and raw material procurement. Overall, the essential nature of hygiene products ensured a relatively stable demand for SAPs, albeit with some short-term fluctuations. Triggered by heightened hygiene awareness, the pandemic reinforced SAP's essential role.

The sodium polyacrylate segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The sodium polyacrylate segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its widespread use in hygiene products like diapers. Its high absorption capacity makes it ideal for consumer goods. The growing demand for personal care products drives segment growth. Cost-effectiveness and scalability support its market dominance. Rising consumer awareness of hygiene fuels adoption. Powered by consumer demand, the sodium polyacrylate segment holds the largest market share. Additionally, ongoing R&D efforts to enhance its biodegradability are further expected to bolster its market potential.

The liquid gel segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the liquid gel segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, driven by increasing applications of superabsorbent polymers in various non-hygiene sectors, such as agriculture, construction, and biomedical fields. Liquid gel formulations of SAPs offer specific advantages for controlled release systems, soil conditioning, and wound care applications. Innovations in delivering SAPs in a gelled form allow for more precise and effective application in new product formulations. As industries explore diverse applications beyond traditional hygiene, demand for liquid gel forms of SAPs escalates. Spurred by versatile new applications, the liquid gel segment is charting significant growth.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, driven by the region's vast population, rising disposable incomes, and the growing awareness of hygiene products. The expanding middle class in countries like China and India fuels the demand for disposable diapers and adult incontinence products. Rapid urbanization and improving living standards further contribute to the increasing consumption of SAPs. Additionally, the presence of major hygiene product manufacturers in the region supports market growth. Backed by immense consumer markets, the Asia Pacific region secures its leading market position.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR,primarily fueled by continuous innovation in hygiene product formulations and the increasing adoption of advanced SAP technologies. The region's focus on developing sustainable and biodegradable SAPs also drives market expansion. Furthermore, a growing aging population and increased awareness of adult incontinence products contribute to rising demand. The presence of key R&D centers and strong consumer purchasing power further stimulate market growth. Motivated by technological advancements and evolving consumer needs, North America is poised for robust SAP market growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Superabsorbent Polymers Market include BASF SE, Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, LG Chem Ltd., Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., Formosa Plastics Corporation, KAO Corporation, SNF Holding Company, Chase Corporation, Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd., Yixing Danson Technology, Satellite Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Nagase & Co., Ltd., Qingdao SOCO New Material Co., Ltd., Shandong Nuoer Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd., Sinofert Holdings Limited, Zhejiang Weilong Polymer Material Co., Ltd., and Quan Zhou Banglida Technology Industry Co., Ltd.

Key Developments:

In May 2025, BASF SE introduced a biodegradable superabsorbent polymer for hygiene products. The eco-friendly material offers high absorbency while meeting regulatory sustainability standards, targeting the growing demand for green consumer goods.

In April 2025, Nippon Shokubai launched a superabsorbent polymer for medical wound care gels. With enhanced liquid retention, it supports advanced healthcare applications, addressing the rising need for high-performance medical products.

In February 2025, LG Chem released a high-capacity superabsorbent polymer for diapers and sanitary products. Optimized for cost-efficiency, it meets the growing demand in Asia Pacific’s consumer markets, enhancing product performance.

Products Covered:
•    Sodium Polyacrylate
•    Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymer
•    Ethylene Maleic Anhydride Copolymer
•    Other Products

Forms Covered:
•    Powder
•    Flakes
•    Liquid Gel
•    Beads/Granules

Raw Materials Covered:
•    Synthetic
•    Natural/Bio-Based

Manufacturing Processes Covered:
•    Gel Polymerization
•    Solution Polymerization

Applications Covered:
•    Personal Care
•    Healthcare
•    Agriculture & Horticulture
•    Other Applications

Regions Covered:
•    North America
o    US
o    Canada
o    Mexico
•    Europe
o    Germany
o    UK
o    Italy
o    France
o    Spain
o    Rest of Europe
•    Asia Pacific
o    Japan        
o    China        
o    India        
o    Australia  
o    New Zealand
o    South Korea
o    Rest of Asia Pacific    
•    South America
o    Argentina
o    Brazil
o    Chile
o    Rest of South America
•    Middle East & Africa 
o    Saudi Arabia
o    UAE
o    Qatar
o    South Africa
o    Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings: 
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
•    Company Profiling
o    Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o    SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
•    Regional Segmentation
o    Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
•    Competitive Benchmarking
o    Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances

Table of Contents

1    Executive Summary                                
                                        
2    Preface             
                       
    2.1    Abstract                                
    2.2    Stake Holders                            
    2.3    Research Scope                            
    2.4    Research Methodology                        
        2.4.1    Data Mining                        
        2.4.2    Data Analysis                        
        2.4.3    Data Validation                        
        2.4.4    Research Approach                        
    2.5    Research Sources                            
        2.5.1    Primary Research Sources                    
        2.5.2    Secondary Research Sources                    
        2.5.3    Assumptions                        
                                        
3    Market Trend Analysis                            
    3.1    Introduction                            
    3.2    Drivers                                
    3.3    Restraints                                
    3.4    Opportunities                            
    3.5    Threats                                
    3.6    Product Analysis                            
    3.7    Application Analysis                            
    3.8    Emerging Markets                            
    3.9    Impact of Covid-19                            
                                        
4    Porters Five Force Analysis                            
    4.1    Bargaining power of suppliers                        
    4.2    Bargaining power of buyers                        
    4.3    Threat of substitutes                            
    4.4    Threat of new entrants                        
    4.5    Competitive rivalry                            
                                        
5    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market, By Product                
    5.1    Introduction                            
    5.2    Sodium Polyacrylate                            
    5.3    Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymer                    
    5.4    Ethylene Maleic Anhydride Copolymer                    
    5.5    Other Products                            
                                        
6    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market, By Form                    
    6.1    Introduction                            
    6.2    Powder                                
    6.3    Flakes                                
    6.4    Liquid Gel                                
    6.5    Beads/Granules                            
                                        
7    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market, By Raw Material                
    7.1    Introduction                            
    7.2    Synthetic                                
        7.2.1    Acrylic Acid                        
        7.2.2    Sodium Hydroxide                        
    7.3    Natural/Bio-Based                            
        7.3.1    Starch                            
        7.3.2    Cellulose                            
        7.3.3    Chitosan                            
                                        
8    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market, By Manufacturing Process            
    8.1    Introduction                            
    8.2    Gel Polymerization                            
    8.3    Solution Polymerization                        
                                        
9    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market, By Application                
    9.1    Introduction                            
    9.2    Personal Care                            
        9.2.1    Adult Incontinence Products                    
        9.2.3    Sanitary Napkins                        
    9.3    Healthcare                                
        9.3.1    Wound Dressing                        
        9.3.2    Medical Waste Solidification                    
        9.3.3    Superabsorbent Mat                        
    9.4    Agriculture & Horticulture                        
        9.4.1    Seed Coating                        
        9.4.2    Root Dipping                        
    9.5    Other Applications                            
                                        
10    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market, By Geography                
    10.1    Introduction                            
    10.2    North America                            
        10.2.1    US                            
        10.2.2    Canada                            
        10.2.3    Mexico                            
    10.3    Europe                                
        10.3.1    Germany                            
        10.3.2    UK                            
        10.3.3    Italy                            
        10.3.4    France                            
        10.3.5    Spain                            
        10.3.6    Rest of Europe                        
    10.4    Asia Pacific                            
        10.4.1    Japan                            
        10.4.2    China                            
        10.4.3    India                            
        10.4.4    Australia                            
        10.4.5    New Zealand                        
        10.4.6    South Korea                        
        10.4.7    Rest of Asia Pacific                        
    10.5    South America                            
        10.5.1    Argentina                            
        10.5.2    Brazil                            
        10.5.3    Chile                            
        10.5.4    Rest of South America                    
    10.6    Middle East & Africa                            
        10.6.1    Saudi Arabia                        
        10.6.2    UAE                            
        10.6.3    Qatar                            
        10.6.4    South Africa                        
        10.6.5    Rest of Middle East & Africa                    
                                        
11    Key Developments                                
    11.1    Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures            
    11.2    Acquisitions & Mergers                        
    11.3    New Product Launch                            
    11.4    Expansions                            
    11.5    Other Key Strategies                            
                                        
12    Company Profiling                                
    12.1    BASF SE                                
    12.2    Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.                        
    12.3    Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd.                    
    12.4    Evonik Industries AG                            
    12.5    LG Chem Ltd.                            
    12.6    Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.                        
    12.7    Formosa Plastics Corporation                        
    12.8    KAO Corporation                            
    12.9    SNF Holding Company                        
    12.10    Chase Corporation                            
    12.11    Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd.                        
    12.12    Yixing Danson Technology                        
    12.13    Satellite Science & Technology Co., Ltd.                    
    12.14    Nagase & Co., Ltd.                            
    12.15    Qingdao SOCO New Material Co., Ltd.                    
    12.16    Shandong Nuoer Biological Technology Co., Ltd.                
    12.17    Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd.                    
    12.18    Sinofert Holdings Limited                        
    12.19    Zhejiang Weilong Polymer Material Co., Ltd.                
    12.20    Quan Zhou Banglida Technology Industry Co., Ltd.                
                                        
List of Tables                                    
1    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Region (2024-2032) ($MN)        
2    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Product (2024-2032) ($MN)        
3    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Sodium Polyacrylate (2024-2032) ($MN)    
4    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymer (2024-2032) ($MN)
5    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Ethylene Maleic Anhydride Copolymer (2024-2032) ($MN)
6    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Other Products (2024-2032) ($MN)    
7    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Form (2024-2032) ($MN)        
8    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Powder (2024-2032) ($MN)        
9    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Flakes (2024-2032) ($MN)        
10    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Liquid Gel (2024-2032) ($MN)        
11    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Beads/Granules (2024-2032) ($MN)    
12    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Raw Material (2024-2032) ($MN)        
13    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Synthetic (2024-2032) ($MN)        
14    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Acrylic Acid (2024-2032) ($MN)        
15    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Sodium Hydroxide (2024-2032) ($MN)    
16    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Natural/Bio-Based (2024-2032) ($MN)    
17    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Starch (2024-2032) ($MN)        
18    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Cellulose (2024-2032) ($MN)        
19    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Chitosan (2024-2032) ($MN)        
20    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Manufacturing Process (2024-2032) ($MN)    
21    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Gel Polymerization (2024-2032) ($MN)    
22    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Solution Polymerization (2024-2032) ($MN)    
23    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Application (2024-2032) ($MN)        
24    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Personal Care (2024-2032) ($MN)        
25    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Adult Incontinence Products (2024-2032) ($MN)
26    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Sanitary Napkins (2024-2032) ($MN)    
27    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Healthcare (2024-2032) ($MN)        
28    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Wound Dressing (2024-2032) ($MN)    
29    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Medical Waste Solidification (2024-2032) ($MN)
30    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Superabsorbent Mat (2024-2032) ($MN)    
31    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Agriculture & Horticulture (2024-2032) ($MN)
32    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Seed Coating (2024-2032) ($MN)        
33    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Root Dipping (2024-2032) ($MN)        
34    Global Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook, By Other Applications (2024-2032) ($MN)    
                                        
Note: Tables for North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East & Africa Regions are also represented in the same manner as above.

List of Figures

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY


Research Methodology

We at Stratistics opt for an extensive research approach which involves data mining, data validation, and data analysis. The various research sources include in-house repository, secondary research, competitor’s sources, social media research, client internal data, and primary research.

Our team of analysts prefers the most reliable and authenticated data sources in order to perform the comprehensive literature search. With access to most of the authenticated data bases our team highly considers the best mix of information through various sources to obtain extensive and accurate analysis.

Each report takes an average time of a month and a team of 4 industry analysts. The time may vary depending on the scope and data availability of the desired market report. The various parameters used in the market assessment are standardized in order to enhance the data accuracy.

Data Mining

The data is collected from several authenticated, reliable, paid and unpaid sources and is filtered depending on the scope & objective of the research. Our reports repository acts as an added advantage in this procedure. Data gathering from the raw material suppliers, distributors and the manufacturers is performed on a regular basis, this helps in the comprehensive understanding of the products value chain. Apart from the above mentioned sources the data is also collected from the industry consultants to ensure the objective of the study is in the right direction.

Market trends such as technological advancements, regulatory affairs, market dynamics (Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges) are obtained from scientific journals, market related national & international associations and organizations.

Data Analysis

From the data that is collected depending on the scope & objective of the research the data is subjected for the analysis. The critical steps that we follow for the data analysis include:

  • Product Lifecycle Analysis
  • Competitor analysis
  • Risk analysis
  • Porters Analysis
  • PESTEL Analysis
  • SWOT Analysis

The data engineering is performed by the core industry experts considering both the Marketing Mix Modeling and the Demand Forecasting. The marketing mix modeling makes use of multiple-regression techniques to predict the optimal mix of marketing variables. Regression factor is based on a number of variables and how they relate to an outcome such as sales or profits.


Data Validation

The data validation is performed by the exhaustive primary research from the expert interviews. This includes telephonic interviews, focus groups, face to face interviews, and questionnaires to validate our research from all aspects. The industry experts we approach come from the leading firms, involved in the supply chain ranging from the suppliers, distributors to the manufacturers and consumers so as to ensure an unbiased analysis.

We are in touch with more than 15,000 industry experts with the right mix of consultants, CEO's, presidents, vice presidents, managers, experts from both supply side and demand side, executives and so on.

The data validation involves the primary research from the industry experts belonging to:

  • Leading Companies
  • Suppliers & Distributors
  • Manufacturers
  • Consumers
  • Industry/Strategic Consultants

Apart from the data validation the primary research also helps in performing the fill gap research, i.e. providing solutions for the unmet needs of the research which helps in enhancing the reports quality.


For more details about research methodology, kindly write to us at info@strategymrc.com

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