SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMERS MARKET ANALYSIS

Global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market size is expected to reach US$ 14.16 Bn by 2031, from US$ 9.25 Bn in 2024, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.28% during the forecast period. Super absorbent polymers are polymeric materials that have excellent water absorbency power as they can absorb 400–800 times water than their weight. SAP is widely used in personal & hygiene products such as adult continence products, baby diapers, and sanitary napkins.

Global Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Regional Insights:

• Asia Pacific dominated the market with the largest revenue share of over 56% in 2023. The rise in the demand from emerging economies such as China and India are expected to propel the market growth. The market is witnessing rapid growth owing to rising awareness about baby health, growing population, and rising disposable income.
• North America dominated the market with a revenue share of over 20% in 2023. One of the main factors driving the market growth is an increased aging population in the region. Rising awareness and social acceptance among consumers regarding several health issues have resulted in a changing demand landscape of the hygiene industry.
• Europe accounted for a revenue share of over 14% in 2023. Increasing construction activities, growing automotive sector, and increased online product delivery services across developed countries in Western Europe including Italy, the U.K., Germany, France, and Spain are positively influencing the market growth in the region.

Figure 1. Global Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Analyst’s Views:

Global Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) appears promising in the near future. SAP finds major demand from the hygiene and personal care industry where it is used in baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene items. Rising birth rates in developing nations along with the growing elderly population will drive the consumption of adult incontinence products, thus, augmenting the SAP demand. Increased awareness about personal hygiene and rising disposable incomes especially in Asia Pacific and Middle East will also support the market growth. While China, North America, and Western Europe are anticipated to remain the dominant regions, Asia Pacific will account for the highest growth attributed to the burgeoning baby diaper market in India and Southeast Asia. Countries like Japan and South Korea will further expand the personal care industry in the region.

Global Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Drivers:

Growing demand for baby diapers: The global demand for baby diapers has seen significant growth over the past decade and this upward trend is expected to continue into the coming years. Between 2020 and 2023, the world's birth rate increased by over 10% according to data from the United Nations. As more babies are born worldwide, the need for disposable diapers likewise grows substantially. Super absorbent polymers play a crucial role in modern diapers as they are capable of absorbing hundreds of times their own weight in liquid. Without SAPs, diapers would not be able to contain accidents effectively. With rising global birthrates translating to more babies requiring diapers, manufacturers are experiencing an elevated demand for SAPs to produce more advanced diaper designs.

Growing hygiene products industry: The hygiene product industry across the world has witnessed tremendous growth over the last 3 years, especially due to increasing health and sanitation awareness among consumers. Maximizing absorbency is a constant requirement for manufacturers in the hygiene industry dealing with products like diapers, feminine hygiene items, and adult incontinence products. Super absorbent polymers or SAP plays a pivotal role in meeting this need effectively b absorbing and retaining large amounts of aqueous liquids and helping to create thinner and drier end products.

The use of SAP allows diaper and sanitary napkin manufacturers to thin their designs without compromising on absorbency. Thinner designs make the products more comfortable for the consumers to use. SAP was a revolutionary innovation that helped shift the baby diaper category from cloth to disposable diapers. Over 90% of diapers sold globally, are disposable. The success of SAP encouraged expansion into other hygiene categories too. According to data provided by the UNICEF, the worldwide sales of disposable diapers were estimated to be over 360 Bn units in 2020. This massive and growing demand for hygiene products is directly driving volume growth for SAP.

Stringent government regulations about sanitary napkins: Stringent government regulations regarding sanitary napkins across various countries are encouraging more women to shift to sustainable and environment-friendly period care solutions. This is a major factor driving the growth of the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market. SAPs are modern absorbent materials that are replacing wood pulp fibers which were traditionally used in making sanitary napkins. SAPs are able to absorb hundreds of times their own weight in liquids while maintaining a dry surface. They ensure maximum absorbency and comfort for longer hours.

Many governments are banning or placing restrictions on wood pulp fibers that are used in sanitary pads due to concerns over deforestation. For example, the government of India proposed a ban on menstrual hygiene products containing wood pulp fibers to encourage sustainable alternatives. Several other Asia Pacific and African countries have enacted similar regulations to promote eco-friendly options. As conventional pads transition from using SAPs instead of wood pulp, it is escalating the demand for advanced absorbent materials. SAP-based pads are more environment-friendly as they are biodegradable and their production process minimizes deforestation. Their uptake is steadily rising among women those who are seeking sustainable period care choices.

Global Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Opportunities:

• Untapped markets in developing countries: Developing countries in Asia Pacific and South America pose promising untapped opportunities for the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market. These regions are witnessing rapid urbanization alongside the rising disposable incomes of the burgeoning middle classes. As sanitation and hygiene awareness increases among the populations, the demand for advanced absorbent personal care products such as diapers, feminine hygiene items, and adult incontinence products is projected to spike dramatically. Several factors point towards the exponential growth potential of the SAP market in these developing regions. According to data provided by the United Nations Population Fund, countries such as India, Indonesia, and Brazil have a very young median age and a significant portion of newborn babies. This translates to a huge consumer base that will require diapers and other baby care products in the near future. Simultaneously, improved healthcare coverage and life expectancy are leading to a rapidly aging population. The number of citizens over 65 years is forecast to rise substantially in places like China, Thailand, and South Africa according to the estimates provided by the World Bank. The care needs of the elderly will drive demand for incontinence solutions and specialized hygiene products that use SAP.
• Development of eco-friendly superabsorbent materials: The global demand for more sustainable and environmentally-friendly products is increasing rapidly. Consumers and corporations alike are looking to reduce their environmental footprint and move away from single-use plastics. This shift opens the door for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional SAPs that are used in applications like diapers, feminine hygiene products, and agricultural irrigation. Developing superabsorbent materials that can break down more easily or be reused/recycled would allow manufacturers to market their products as sustainable and appeal to consumers guided by ethical purchasing decisions. Some startups such as manufacturing of baby diapers are already experimenting with bio-based or plant-derived SAPs that degrade naturally. As awareness around plastic pollution and climate change grows, demand for these kinds of "green" superabsorbent solutions will likely to surge. If companies can successfully commercialize eco-friendly SAP technologies, it could power tremendous new market opportunities through 2025 and beyond. In 2020, according to a  report provided by the United Nations, over 300 million tons of plastic waste is produced globally each year, with less than 10% recycled. New SAP alternatives that address this waste crisis could experience high rates of adoption.
• Growth in non-hygiene applications: Growth in non-hygiene applications presents a major opportunity for the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market going forward. While hygiene products such as diapers and feminine hygiene products have traditionally been the biggest end users of SAP, there is significant potential to expand usage into other industries as well. Non-hygiene applications of SAP include usage in agriculture, construction, healthcare, packaging and more. In agriculture, SAP can be used to develop smart fertilizers that release nutrients into the soil in a controlled and sustained manner. This assists in reducing wastage and improving crop yields. 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. In construction, SAP can be added to cement and concrete mixes to reduce cracking and enhance durability.

Global Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Trends:

Increasing preference for biodegradable materials: Increasing preference for biodegradable materials is having a significant influence on the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market. Consumers and manufacturers are demanding more eco-friendly alternatives amid rising concerns about plastic pollution and sustainability. This shift towards biodegradability is prompting SAP manufacturers to develop innovative plant-based solutions that can decompose without harming the environment.

Many market players in the Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market are investing heavily in researching and developing bio-based and biodegradable polymers that are derived from renewable sources like corn starch, seed gums, and cellulose. For example, leading nappy manufacturers have started utilizing renewable raw materials like sucrose to create superabsorbent materials that can degrade within a few months of disposal. Similarly, agriculture-based companies are innovating the use of byproducts like agricultural waste to manufacture disposable absorbents for food packaging and medical/hygiene products. These biodegradable variants are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for single-use personal care or medical applications.

Rising demand for super absorbent fibers and superabsorbent composites: The demand for super absorbent fibers and superabsorbent composites is increasing rapidly across various industries such as hygiene, agriculture, medical, and others. This is having a significant impact on the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market. Super absorbent polymers are increasingly being used in the manufacturing of various super absorbent fibers and composites that can absorb and retain large amounts of liquids. These advanced materials are providing several advantages over traditional absorbents like cotton and fibers. They can absorb hundreds of times their own weight in liquids, thus retain the liquid under pressure, and help to reduce bulk. Owing to properties like high absorbency, minimal thickness, and permeability, super absorbent fibers and composites made from SAP are being widely adopted.

Global Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Restraints:

High manufacturing costs: High manufacturing costs present a significant challenge for the growth of the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market. SAPs are technically complex materials to produce and require capital-intensive manufacturing processes. The key raw materials that are used such as acrylic acid and its derivatives have been facing high price volatility in recent years. Acrylic acid prices witnessed a significant rise between of 2020 and 2022 according to the  Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS) pricing data, impacting overall production costs for SAP producers.

High manufacturing costs have a dampening effect on capacity expansions within the industry. Most new capacity additions are focused only in the fastest growing market regions such as Asia and Latin America according to reports provided by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The high costs also impact investments in research and development (R&D) for novel applications. With margins under pressure, producers have lesser funds to allocate towards developing innovations that allow the industry to realize its full growth potential. With the crucial role that is played by cost efficiencies, sustained reduction in SAP manufacturing costs will be important for propelling the market to its next phase of growth.

Counter Balance: To overcome this, restrain, one of the ways is by investing in research and development (R&D) activities to create more cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional SAPs. Another way is by optimizing the supply chain to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This can be achieved by streamlining logistics, thereby reducing transportation costs, and improving inventory management. 

Stringent environmental regulations: Stringent environmental regulations by various governments around the world are posing challenges for the growth of the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market. Many countries have implemented strict rules regarding the production and usage of SAP due to environmental concerns. SAP is primarily used in hygiene products like diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence products. The polymers absorb and retain large amounts of aqueous liquids and a major component used in SAP is sodium polyacrylate.

However, the production and disposal of SAP make use of a lot of resources and energy. It also generates plastic waste that takes years to degrade. Various studies show that emptying one disposable diaper in a landfill can release around 3,400 liters of toxic leachate into the soil and groundwater. Realizing this environmental threat, regulatory bodies across regions have made efforts to curb potential pollution from SAP. For instance, the European Union (EU) introduced its Circular Economy Action Plan in 2020, focusing on sustainable product policy and waste management rules for absorbent hygiene products. This made producers responsible for waste collection and recycling.

Counterbalance: To overcome this restraint, one approach is to invest in research and development (R&D) to create eco-friendly alternatives to traditional SAPs, thereby addressing environmental concerns. Optimizing the supply chain to reduce carbon footprint and improve sustainability can help in complying with environmental regulations. Furthermore, manufacturers can focus on developing biodegradable SAPs to mitigate the environmental impact and meet regulatory requirements.

Figure 2. Global Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Share (%), By Application, 2023

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Recent Developments:       

• In November 2022, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd developed a technology for superabsorbent polymers (SAP) that contribute in reducing the environmental impact of disposable diapers. NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD. manufactures and sells basic and fine chemicals, synthetic resins, and catalysts.
• In July 2021, the SAP produced at the Belgium-based subsidiary, NIPPON SHOKUBAI EUROPE N.V. acquired Biomass Certification from the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) Association
• In June 2021, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) announced its plan to set up a super absorbent polymer plant at Kochi, India. The company has aimed to set a pilot plant of 200 tons per annum capacity which will be followed by a 50 kilo tons commercial plant. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is an India-based public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, government of India. It operates three refineries in Bina, Kochi, and Mumbai in Indias.

Top Companies in the Global Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market

• Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd.
• Evonik Industries AG
• BASF SE
• Yixing Danson Technology
• Kao Corporation
• Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd
• San-Dia Polymers Global Co. Ltd.
• Sanyo Chemicals Industries
• Formosa Plastics Corporation
• LG Chemicals Ltd.

*Definition: Super absorbent polymer (SAP) is a hydrophilic polymer that can absorb and retain large amounts of liquid, up to 300-500 times of its own weight in aqueous fluids. SAPs are used in a wide range of applications, including personal hygiene products such as diapers, feminine hygiene pads, and incontinence products, as well as in agriculture, horticulture, and industrial settings. SAPs are typically made of sodium polyacrylate and are available in the granular form or as fibers. The total absorbency and swelling capacity of SAPs are controlled by the type and degree of cross-linking.

SAPs are made by using one of two primary methods: suspension polymerization or solution polymerization.