Super Absorbent Polymers Market

Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Size and Share:

The global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market size reached USD 11.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 23.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate CAGR of 9.43% during 2025-2033. Asia Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a market share of over 40.5% in 2024. The growing development of biodegradable and plant-based super absorbent polymers, the rising need for hygiene products, including menstrual pads, adult incontinence items, and medical supplies, and the increasing popularity of online shopping are driving the market demand.

The global market is primarily driven by rising demand from the hygiene and personal care sectors, especially for diapers, sanitary products, and adult incontinence products. On October 10, 2024, BASF completed a USD 19.2 Million upgrade to its Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) plant in Freeport, Texas, enhancing production efficiency and capacity. The project, initiated in 2023, introduced new equipment and optimized existing processes, resulting in up to 20% higher throughput. These improvements enable the production of higher-performing SAPs, supporting the growth of the North American hygiene market. The growing awareness regarding personal hygiene, coupled with an aging population and increasing birth rates in emerging economies, is significantly influencing SAP usage. Moreover, advancements in agriculture, where SAP is employed for water retention in soil, further contribute to market growth. Along with this, environmental concerns and the need for sustainable farming solutions are increasing the demand for biodegradable SAPs. Additionally, increasing industrial applications in medical, construction, and packaging sectors are fostering growth. The ongoing innovation in SAP formulations to improve absorbency and environmental compatibility is also propelling the market forward.

The United States stands out as a key regional market, primarily driven by robust advancements in healthcare and medical sectors, particularly in wound care products and medical devices requiring high absorbency. The rising focus on sustainability is positively influencing the adoption of eco-friendly and biodegradable SAPs in various industries. Expanding applications in packaging, where SAPs are utilized for spill control and moisture retention, further contribute to market demand. The construction sector also supports growth, with SAPs being used in concrete additives to enhance water retention and durability. Moreover, rising investments in R&D for innovative SAP formulations tailored to specific industrial needs, along with stringent regulations promoting safe and efficient materials, are creating a positive market outlook.

Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Trends:

Increasing Interest in Eco-Friendly Products

Sustainability is becoming a key consideration in purchasing decisions, which is encouraging manufacturers to develop biodegradable and plant-based super absorbent polymers (SAP). This change is in line with the initiatives to minimize plastic waste and environmental footprint. Products incorporating SAPs made from renewable resources are gaining traction, appealing to environmentally conscious individuals across various sectors, including personal care, agriculture, and packaging. The growing demand for sustainable alternatives is encouraging manufacturers to create SAP formulas that are more environment friendly. In 2024, ZymoChem introduced BAYSE™, the first super absorbent polymer (SAP) that is both scalable and completely made from biomaterials and biodegradable. BAYSE™ provides a sustainable option to conventional petroleum-based SAPs, with the goal of decreasing the environmental effects of disposable hygiene items. This new development is in line with ZymoChem's dedication to sustainability and offers an efficient, affordable option for different sectors.

Growing Awareness about Hygiene and Sanitation

Individuals are prioritizing cleanliness, which is driving the demand for hygiene products, including menstrual pads, adult incontinence items, and medical supplies. This heightened awareness leads to greater user spending on high-quality, absorbent products that enhance personal comfort and hygiene. According to WHO data, every household in the 46 least developed countries globally could have access to handwashing facilities by 2030 if the world spent under USD 1 per person annually on hand hygiene. Additionally, government efforts to enhance public health and sanitation conditions promote the use of absorbent materials in different fields including healthcare and sanitation. As a result, the super absorbent polymers market share is improving, driven by increased demand for advanced hygiene solutions. In 2023, Akar Innovations introduced Anandi Athletic, a compostable sanitary pad in Bengaluru. These pads used natural-based SAPs to enhance absorption while being eco-friendly.

Rise of E-Commerce Sector

Individuals are turning to online shopping for convenience, which is driving the demand for packaged and disposable products, such as diapers and personal care items. E-commerce platforms offer manufacturers the chance to reach a wider audience and meet various user requirements. Additionally, the increasing popularity of subscription services for personal care items is driving the demand for highly absorbent polymers, as individuals consistently require replenishments of necessities such as diapers and feminine hygiene products. In 2023, the global e-commerce market size reached USD 21.1 Trillion, according to the IMARC Group.

Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on type, application, and production method.

Analysis by Type:

• Sodium Polyacrylate
• Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymer
• Others
   

Sodium polyacrylate leads the market with around 69.8% of market share in 2024. This can be attributed to its superior absorbent capacity and widespread applications. Its exceptional ability to retain moisture makes it indispensable in the production of diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products. The material's cost-effectiveness, ease of production, and reliability further drive its preference among manufacturers. Additionally, its application in agricultural sectors for soil conditioning and water retention contributes to its growing demand. Innovations to improve its biodegradability and environmental compatibility are strengthening its position in the market. As industries continue to seek high-performance absorbent materials, sodium polyacrylate remains a critical driver of growth in the global SAP market, addressing diverse industrial needs.

Analysis by Application:

• Personal Hygiene
• Agriculture
• Medical
• Industrial
• Others
   

Personal hygiene leads the market with around 67.5% of market share in 2024, driven by the extensive use of SAPs in diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene items. Rising awareness about personal hygiene, coupled with a growing global population, particularly in emerging economies, is significantly enhancing demand. The aging population and increasing prevalence of health issues such as incontinence have further expanded the market for adult hygiene products. Innovations in SAP technology, focusing on better absorbency, thinner designs, and biodegradability, have enhanced product efficiency and consumer appeal. As hygiene products are essential across all demographics, this segment remains a critical driver of SAP market growth, supported by changing consumer needs and preferences.

Analysis by Production Method:

• Suspension Polymerization
• Solution Polymerization
• Gel Polymerization
   

Gel polymerization leads the market in 2024 due to its efficiency and ability to produce high-quality polymers with superior absorbent properties. This method involves polymerizing monomers in a gel-like state, which ensures consistent product quality and optimal cross-linking for enhanced absorbency. Its widespread adoption stems from its versatility in producing SAPs for applications such as personal hygiene products, agriculture, and medical uses. The method is cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally adaptable, making it highly preferred by manufacturers. Continuous advancements in gel polymerization techniques, aimed at improving process efficiency and minimizing waste, further solidify its dominance in the SAP market, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials.

Regional Analysis:

• North America 
  • United States 
  • Canada 
• Europe 
  • Germany 
  • France 
  • United Kingdom 
  • Italy 
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others 
• Asia Pacific 
  • China 
  • Japan 
  • India 
  • South Korea 
  • Australia 
  • Indonesia 
  • Others 
• Latin America 
  • Brazil 
  • Mexico 
  • Others 
• Middle East and Africa
   

In 2024, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share of over 40.5%, driven by the increasing population, rapid urbanization, and inflating disposable income levels. The region's expanding personal hygiene sector, including diapers and feminine hygiene products, is a major growth driver, supported by increasing awareness of hygiene and healthcare. Emerging economies including China and India are witnessing significant demand due to high birth rates and a growing aging population requiring adult incontinence products. Additionally, the agricultural sector in Asia Pacific leverages SAPs for water retention and soil conditioning, further increasing demand. Continuous industrial expansion, coupled with advancements in SAP manufacturing technologies, ensures the region remains a key player in driving global market growth.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Analysis

In 2024, the US accounted for around 85.40% of the total North America super absorbent polymers (SAP) market. The market in the United States is being driven by strong demand from the hygiene goods sector, especially adult incontinence products and baby nappies. This is primarily driven by an ageing population that is expected to account for 20% of the U.S. population by 2030 and growing awareness of personal cleanliness. Besides, the market is increasing because the agriculture sector adopted SAP to retain soil water. Due to the increasing concerns with water scarcity, agricultural products are now being harvested with higher yields in dry lands. Another increasing sector is the packaging sector that makes use of SAP to prevent spillage and preserve food. The government also finances waste management technology encouraging the use of biodegradable SAP that promotes the innovation and growth of the market.

Europe Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Analysis

Sustainability trends and increasing demand for green absorbent solutions are boosting the European SAP market. The market is also gaining from strict EU rules, which support non-toxic and biodegradable polymers. The three countries that utilize SAP the most, particularly for hygiene products, are Germany, France, and the UK. Some government initiatives in Europe promote the use of eco-friendly nappies and feminine hygiene products, which are an important factor in environmental sustainability and public health.

The most notable of these efforts is the adoption in September 2023 of the guidelines of the EU Ecolabel, which sets stringent environmental performance standards for absorbent hygiene products such as menstruation cups and nappies. SAP will benefit from the rising market potential since companies will require state-of-the-art technology assistance in managing regulatory duties and enhancing their sustainability strategies. The EU's Common Agricultural Policy, which encourages water-efficient technologies, has pushed the use of SAP in agriculture with over 10% of farms now using SAP-based soil conditioners. The European construction sector is also driving demand for SAP as these polymers are added to concrete mixtures to increase durability and water retention. Diversification ensures that growth is steady in several sectors.

Asia Pacific Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Analysis

Rapid urbanization, population growth, and rising hygiene awareness have made the Asia-Pacific SAP market the biggest in the world. Increasing middle classes in China and India are growing demand for disposable nappies and feminine hygiene products. Agriculture is very crucial, especially in drought-prone areas where SAP increases the effectiveness of irrigation.

Industrial applications also help support growth in South Korea and Japan where industrial uses, such as wastewater treatment, are growing. For the most part, though, a number of government initiatives are tackling the most pressing environmental issues by rapidly advancing sustainable agriculture and water practices in Asia. In some cases, programs such as AgriLAC Resiliente look to develop climate-resistant agriculture methods in countries such as China and India where nearly 80% of water usage occurs through agriculture. Continued growth is ensured by economic policies that support local SAP production and higher R&D expenditures.

Latin America Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Analysis

The agricultural applications of SAP, which address water constraint in nations including Brazil and Mexico, are the main drivers of the market in Latin America. With SAP adoption increasing crop yields by up to 40% in arid places, the market is expanding. Another significant factor is increasing awareness of personal hygiene through increased usage of feminine care products and newborn nappies among metropolitan populations. SAP is also used in the packaging industry to preserve food. Demand is likely to grow due to government programs in support of sustainable farming methods and water conservation. For example, the Latin America Sustainable Agriculture Initiative led by the Wilson Center strongly emphasizes the development of new technologies in agriculture and government regulations that promote sustainable practices. Since Brazil and Argentina account for about 25% of the world's food supply, this project is crucial and underlines the region's strategic position in ensuring global food security.

Middle East and Africa Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Analysis

The primary drivers of the SAP market in the Middle East and Africa are water conservation and hygiene awareness. In 2023, specifically accounting for one quarter of usage through agricultural applications, especially within the water-constrained countries of South Africa and Saudi Arabia. The region's growing urbanisation and population are driving the need for hygiene goods, with feminine care and infant nappies being the most significant. Government initiatives to encourage sustainable farming and water management further support SAP adoption. Such projects include the Saudi Green Initiative, which is to significantly increase carbon capture and biodiversity by 2030 through restoring an area of 40 Million hectares and planting 10 Billion trees.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the super absorbent polymers (SAP) market is marked by intense innovation and strategic initiatives as key players focus on enhancing their market presence. Companies are heavily investing in research and development to create advanced SAPs with improved absorbency, thinner profiles, and biodegradable properties to address environmental concerns. Strategic collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions are common, enabling firms to expand their product portfolios and geographic reach. Manufacturers are also focusing on increasing production capacities to meet growing demand across personal hygiene, agriculture, and medical applications. Efforts to optimize production methods for cost-efficiency and sustainability, coupled with the introduction of customized solutions for niche markets, are shaping the competitive dynamics of this rapidly changing industry.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the super absorbent polymers (SAP) market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• BASF
• Evonik Industries
• Formosa Plastics Group
• Kao Corporation
• LG Chem Ltd.
• Nippon Shokubai
• Satellite Science and Technology Co. Ltd.
• SDP Global Co. Ltd.
• Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Company Ltd.
• Yixing Danson Technology Ltd.
   

Latest News and Developments:

• October 2024: BASF's manufacturing of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in North America has seen major capability enhancements. The goal of this improvement is to boost manufacturing capacity and better enable the business to satisfy the rising demand for SAP, which are extensively utilized in goods such as feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, and nappies. In the personal care and hygiene areas, the expansion will also assist BASF in meeting the changing demands of its clientele for high-performing, sustainable solutions.
• September 2024: Evonik completed the International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG) acquisition of its super absorbents business. Evonik's efforts to focus on successful companies that support the green revolution include this sale.
• May 2024: PT. Nippon Shokubai Indonesia received ISCC PLUS certification for producing superabsorbent polymers, acrylates, and acrylic acid. This certification endorses the company's worldwide supply chain by encouraging the adoption of materials derived from biomass to decrease environmental harm and support a circular economy.
   

Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, super absorbent polymers (SAP) market forecast, and dynamics of the market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the super absorbent polymers (SAP) industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.