Global Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Type, By Material, By End-Use Industry, and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) – Market Forecast, 2024 - 2032.
- Published Date:Aug-2024
- Pages: 120
- Format: PDF
- Report ID: PM5015
- Base Year: 2023
- Historical Data: 2019-2022
Report Outlook
The global specialty super absorbent polymer market size was valued at USD 1,354.79 million in 2023. The industry is projected to grow from USD 1,439.02 million in 2024 to USD 2,351.17 million by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).
Specialty super absorbent polymers are advanced materials designed for specific, high-performance applications beyond standard consumer products. The growth of the specialty super absorbent polymer market is being fueled by heightened investments from major industry players.
For instance, in October 2023, BASF commenced production of the superabsorbent polymer in the Superabsorbents Excellence Center at its Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium. The facility has a pilot plant with advanced data collection and sensor technology aimed at enhancing innovation capabilities and expediting the scale-up process for the superabsorbent polymer business, from product development to large-scale production. These types of investments are supporting innovations, leading to advancements in absorption efficiency, biodegradability, and application-specific properties. Thus, strategic investments are enabling major players to strengthen their market presence by expanding and increasing production capacities, thereby driving the specialty super absorbent polymers market.
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Furthermore, the growth in the packaging industry is driving the specialty super absorbent polymer market. The packaging industry has grown significantly across the globe due to increased consumption of different types of packaging in various industries. For instance, the Packaging Industry Association of India (PIAI) reported that the sector is experiencing a CAGR of 22% to 25%. Additionally, the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) stated that packaging consumption in India has surged by 200% over the last decade, growing from 4.3 kg to 8.6 kg per person per annum as of FY20. This increased growth of the packaging industry has created the demand for specialty super absorbent polymers as they effectively absorb and retain liquids, such as moisture or fluids released by perishable goods. Therefore, the growing packaging industry and its adoption of innovative materials are driving the specialty super absorbent polymer market.
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Market Trends:
Innovative Product Launches Are Driving the Market Growth
Market CAGR for specialty super absorbent polymers is driven by innovative product launches that cater to evolving industry needs. The market players are introducing specialty super absorbent polymers with enhanced functional properties. For instance, in July 2024, ZymoChem launched BAYSE, the super absorbent polymer that is scalable, entirely bio-based, and biodegradable. It serves as an alternative to conventional superabsorbent polymers derived from fossil fuels. These innovations are expanding the biodegradable super absorbent polymers market scope and attracting new users. Thus, product launches promote competition among manufacturers and encourage continuous improvement in technology, thereby driving the specialty super absorbent polymer market.
Increased Spending in the Construction Sector is Driving the Market Size
The construction sector has experienced significant spending for infrastructure developments due to increased population and urbanization. For instance, in April 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that construction spending reached an estimated USD 2,099.0 billion, indicating a 10.0% increase from the April 2023 estimate of USD 1,907.8 billion. The increased spending on construction has represented the rising necessity for cost-effective building materials that enhance performance and sustainability. Thus, the demand for specialty super absorbent polymers is growing as they are utilized in concrete mixtures for their ability to regulate moisture content. The utilization of specialty super absorbent polymers is important for preventing cracks and ensuring optimal curing. As a result, the increased spending is accelerating the development of innovative materials and broadening use in diverse construction projects, thereby driving significant growth of the specialty super absorbent polymer market.
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Market Segment Insights:
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Material Insights:
The global specialty super absorbent polymer market segmentation, based on material, includes bio-based SAPs, polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymer, sodium polyacrylate, and others. In 2023, the sodium polyacrylate segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the specialty super absorbent polymer market due to its superior absorption capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and versatility across various applications. Sodium polyacrylate is highly efficient at absorbing and retaining large amounts of liquid relative to its mass. For instance, according to Carnegie Mellon University, sodium polyacrylate can absorb 800 times its weight in purified water and 300 times its weight in tap water. This absorbing capability makes sodium polyacrylate an ideal choice for high-performance needs in industries such as agriculture and construction. Thus, the sodium polyacrylate segment dominated the specialty super absorbent polymer market.
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer End-Use Industry Insights:
The global specialty super absorbent polymer market segmentation, based on end-use industry, includes agriculture, construction, industrial, packaging, and others. The agriculture segment of the specialty super absorbent polymer market is expected to grow with a significant CAGR due to the increasing adoption of these materials in enhancing water efficiency and crop yield. Specialty super absorbent polymers are highly effective in retaining soil moisture, reducing water evaporation, and improving the water-holding capacity of soils, which is important in arid and drought-prone regions. The capability of polymers assists farmers in optimizing irrigation, reducing water usage, and sustaining crop growth during dry periods. Consequently, these factors are expected to drive the significant growth of the agriculture segment over the forecast period.
Global Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Market, Segmental Coverage, 2019 - 2032 (USD million)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, PMR Database and Analyst Review
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Regional Insights:
By region, the study provides specialty super absorbent polymer market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The North American specialty super absorbent polymer market held the highest revenue share due to the growing Medicare sector. For instance, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare spending increased by 5.9% to reach USD 928.3 billion in 2022, while Medicaid spending grew by 9.6% to reach USD 805.7 billion in the same year. This increased growth has created the demand for advanced medical products and solutions. Thus, a rising need for medical products for effective wound care and controlled drug delivery systems has initiated the utilization of specialty super absorbent polymers because of their superior absorbency and fluid management properties. Thus, the expanding Medicare in the region is contributing to the dominance of the region in the global market.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Global Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Market, Regional Coverage, 2019 - 2032 (USD million)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, PMR Database and Analyst Review
The Asia Pacific specialty super absorbent polymer market is anticipated to grow significantly due to the presence of several manufacturers, including SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO., LTD., NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD., LG Chem, SONGWON, and SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD. These manufacturers are bringing advanced technologies and innovative product offerings that enhance the variety of available superabsorbent polymers. Additionally, investments by manufacturers in expanding production capacities and establishing local supply chains ensure a steady and cost-effective supply of specialty super absorbent polymer materials. Thus, the market for specialty super absorbent polymers in the Asia Pacific region is projected to grow with a significant CAGR over the forecast period.
The China specialty super absorbent polymers market is anticipated to grow substantially due to the polymer's essential function in the rapidly expanding wastewater treatment sector within the country. China's wastewater treatment industry is growing as there is substantial demand for cleaning and recycling water technology. For instance, in 2021, the water treatment facilities in China processed wastewater for 98.1% of urban municipalities and 28% of rural areas. As a result, there is a heightened need for innovative solutions to assist the wastewater treatment process. Therefore, specialty super absorbent polymers are used in wastewater treatment processes as they enhance water retention capacity and improve the efficiency of solid-liquid separation, thereby aiding in the filtration and purification of wastewater. This increased usage is expected to propel the growth of the specialty super absorbent polymers market in China.
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product types, which will help the specialty super absorbent polymer market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including innovative product launches, international collaborations, higher investments, and mergers and acquisitions between organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market environment, the specialty super absorbent polymer industry must offer cost-effective solutions.
The market is represented by a combination of global and regional players competing for market share. Major global companies are dominating the market due to their extensive R&D capabilities, broad product portfolios, and established market presence. These companies focus on continuous innovation to develop specialty super absorbent polymers with enhanced properties. Major players in the specialty super absorbent polymer market include ACURO ORGANICS LIMITED, BASF SE, Chase Corporation, Chemtex Speciality Limited, CHINAFLOC, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Garg Chemical Company, LG Chem, Nagase & Co., Ltd., NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD., Qingdao SOCO New Material Co., Ltd., SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD., Shandong Haoyue New Materials Co., Ltd., SNF, SONGWON, SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO., LTD., and Yixing Danson Technology.
Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd. is a manufacturer of chemical products in Japan, specializing in industrial agents, superabsorbent polymers, and raw materials for various applications, including paints, latex, pulp and paper, ceramics, and electronics. The company has a business presence in several countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and the U.S. In September 2022, the company's wholly-owned subsidiary, SDP Global Co., Ltd., developed an eco-friendly superabsorbent polymer that incorporates plant-based biomass as a key raw material.
Nagase & Co., Ltd. is a global company involved in the manufacturing, import/export, and sales of a wide range of chemicals and materials. The company was founded in 1832 and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Nagase & Co., Ltd. offers several products, including solvents, additives, resins, pigments, urethane and plastic materials, petrochemical products, release agents, and flame retardants. In February 2023, Nagase & Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary, Nagase ChemteX Corporation, in collaboration with Hayashibara Co., Ltd., developed a super absorbent polymer that exhibits absorption properties. The super absorbent polymer also boasts a high biomass content resulting from an elevated proportion of bio-based materials.
Key companies in the specialty super absorbent polymer market include:
- ACURO ORGANICS LIMITED
- BASF SE
- Chase Corporation
- Chemtex Speciality Limited
- CHINAFLOC
- Formosa Plastics Corporation
- Garg Chemical Company
- LG Chem
- Nagase & Co., Ltd.
- NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.
- Qingdao SOCO New Material Co., Ltd.
- SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
- Shandong Haoyue New Materials Co., Ltd.
- SNF
- SONGWON
- SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO., LTD.
- Yixing Danson Technology
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Industry Developments
- May 2024: The Indonesia-based subsidiary of NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD., obtained ISCC PLUS certification for Acrylates, Acrylic Acid, and Superabsorbent polymers. This certification allowed the company to commence the production and sale of these products.
- April 2023: HKRITA developed a superabsorbent polymer using cotton textile waste. The innovation had a significant impact on the apparel and textiles industry by stabilizing cotton yields and promoting textile recycling.
- October 2023: Lummus Technology has made its Saplene super absorbent polymer technology commercially available. This innovative technology utilizes acrylic acid as the primary feedstock for super absorbent polymer production. Consumer goods manufacturers utilize the super absorbent polymer produced in the creation of liquid-absorbing personal hygiene products and other specialized applications.
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Market Segmentation:
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Type Outlook
- Encapsulating SAPs
- Flame-Retardant SAPs
- High Absorbency SAPs
- Hydrophobic SAPs
- Others
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Material Outlook
- Bio-Based SAPs
- Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymer
- Sodium Polyacrylate
- Others
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer End-Use Industry Outlook
- Agriculture & Horticulture
- Construction
- Industrial
- Packaging
- Others
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Regional Outlook
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Russia
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Indonesia
- Australia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
Specialty Super Absorbent Polymer Report Scope:
|
Report Attributes |
Details |
|
Market Size Value in 2023 |
USD 1,354.79 million |
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Market Size Value in 2024 |
USD 1,439.02 million |
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Revenue Forecast in 2032 |
USD 2,351.17 million |
|
CAGR |
6.3% from 2024 – 2032 |
|
Base Year |
2023 |
|
Historical Data |
2019 – 2022 |
|
Forecast Period |
2024 – 2032 |
|
Quantitative Units |
Revenue in USD million, and CAGR from 2024 to 2032 |
|
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
|
Segments Covered |
|
|
Regional Scope |
|
|
Competitive Landscape |
|
|
Report Format |
|
|
Customization |
Report customization as per your requirements with respect to countries, region, and segmentation. |
FAQ's
The global specialty super absorbent polymer market size was valued at USD 1,354.79 million in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 2,351.17 million by 2032
The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period, 2024-2032.
North America had the largest share of the global market.
The key players in the market are ACURO ORGANICS LIMITED, BASF SE, Chase Corporation, Chemtex Speciality Limited, CHINAFLOC, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Garg Chemical Company, LG Chem, Nagase & Co., Ltd., NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD., Qingdao SOCO New Material Co., Ltd., SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD., Shandong Haoyue New Materials Co., Ltd., SNF, SONGWON, SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO., LTD., and Yixing Danson Technology.
The sodium polyacrylate segment held the highest share in the specialty super absorbent polymer market in 2023
The agriculture category had the highest CAGR in the global market.
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