The global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market size is likely to be valued at USD 9.26 billion in 2025. It is predicted to touch a USD 14.39 billion valuation by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The demand for baby diapers is expected to drive the super absorbent polymers (SAP) market growth. These polymers can retain their natural shape even under pressure and absorb large amounts of liquid. Additionally, the growing hygiene products sector can drive the market growth significantly owing to increased awareness of sanitation products.
Key Market Insights
The super absorbent polymers (SAP) market is likely to expand over the forecast period owing to massive demand from the personal care and hygiene sectors. Government regulations concerning sanitary napkins across several countries can also fuel the market growth. In March 2024, the Indian Government has mandated all diaper manufacturers in India to disclose the chemicals used in sanitary pads. Additionally, the Bureau of Indian Standards, an organization under the Department of Consumer Affairs, mandated all diaper manufacturers, domestic or overseas, to apply for a BIS license. The deadline was October 01, 2024, for small and micro enterprises and April 01, 2024, for other enterprises. This ensures that all manufacturers adhere to safety standards set by the government for safeguarding women’s health.
- By type, the sodium polyacrylate segment is expected to accumulate a revenue share of 69.4% in 2025. This polymer is used in the sanitation sector to produce absorbent materials with a high porous and water absorbent capacity.
- By application, the disposable diapers segment is expected to lead in the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market in 2025. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) report of 2020, most U.S. parents use nearly 3,000 disposable diapers during the baby’s first year. Market leaders are creating eco-friendly diapers to tap into new market opportunities. For instance, Soft N Dry Diapers Corp. (SDC) launched econoLiite Core, a sustainable diaper core, in October 2024. It is targeted at discount shoppers in Europe and the U.K. and will be available in Discount retail stores at the beginning of 2025.
- In terms of region, Asia Pacific can dominate the super absorbent polymers (SAP) market in 2025 with a revenue share above 56%. Rising disposable income levels of parents and awareness of baby hygiene in economies of India and China can sustain the xregional market over the forecast period.
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Super absorbent polymers (SAP) market Report Coverage
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Report Coverage |
Details |
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Market Revenue in 2025 |
USD 9.26 billion |
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Estimated Value by 2032 |
USD 14.39 billion |
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Growth Rate |
6.6% |
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Historical Data |
2020–2024 |
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Forecast Period |
2025–2032 |
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Forecast Units |
Value (USD billion) |
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Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
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Segments Covered |
By Type and Application |
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Geographies Covered |
North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa |
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Growth Drivers |
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Restraints & Challenges |
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Market Dynamics
The super absorbent polymers (SAP) market is expected to scale rapidly owing to the massive growth of the hygiene sector. High awareness of personal hygiene has driven the demand for diapers and sanitary pads with a high absorbent quality and biodegradable in nature. The huge demand for adult diapers in Japan has led Oji Holdings, a prominent diaper maker, to shift its focus from babies to adults in 2024. The rise in the aging population and shrinking birth rates in the country have contributed to this move.
The development of eco-friendly and sustainable products in the hygiene sector is expected to open up new growth opportunities for the super absorbent polymers (SAP) market. The development of SAP materials that degrade easily in the environment and do not cause bodily harm to its users are driving the new move. For instance, Kimberly-Clark Corporation launched a hybrid-style diaper through the Huggies Eco Protect brand in Brazil in October 2024. The brand features diapers made from plant materials.
Market Opportunities
Growth in Non-hygiene Applications
The non-hygiene applications of super absorbent polymer (SAP) can assist the industry to explore new opportunities. This is attributed to the significant potential in the healthcare, packaging, construction, and agriculture sectors. For instance, SAP can be utilized in the agriculture sector to retain rainfall water and releasing it during dry periods. This reduces water wastage and improves crop yields.
Market Challenges
Stringent Government Regulations
Stringent government regulations regarding feminine hygiene products are forcing manufacturers to shift to eco-friendly solutions. Governments are placing bans on sanitary pads that utilize wood pulp fibers or contain toxic materials that may harm feminine reproductive health.
Conventional pad makers are switching to eco-friendly solutions due to their ability to degrade rapidly in the environment. Sustainable materials can protect women from the negative effects of dyes and plastics. In 2023, the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU), announced an EU Ecolabel criteria for absorbent hygiene products and reusable menstrual cups that restrict the use of allergenic fragrances and hazardous substances.
Analyst’s View
“The super absorbent polymers (SAP) market is expected to showcase promising growth over the forecast period. SAP finds massive demand in feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, and baby diapers owing to its excellent water absorbency quality.”, as quoted by Mr. Yash Doshi, a senior consultant working in Coherent Market Insights.
“Asia Pacific and the Middle East are predicted to be lucrative for the SAP market over the forecast period owing to high awareness levels among customers and high disposable income levels. The large baby diaper market in India and Southeast Asia can drive market demand considerably.”
Recent Developments
BASF SE introduced a polyacrylate-based SAP, HySorb B 6610 ZeroPCF, with a zero-carbon footprint, on February 11, 2025, that aims to expand its sustainable offerings.
Competitor Insights
- Yixing Danson Technology
- San-Dia Polymers Global Co. Ltd.
- Sanyo Chemicals Industries
- Formosa Plastics Corporation
- BASF SE
- Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd.
- Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd
- Kao Corporation
- LG Chemicals Ltd.
- Evonik Industries AG
Market Segmentation
- Type
- Sodium Polyacrylate
- Poly acrylamide Co-polymer
- Others
- Application
- Adult Inconsistence Products
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Disposable Diapers
- Others
Regional Insights
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Latin America
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- Europe
- Italy
- Germany
- U.K.
- Spain
- France
- Russia
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- South Korea
- India
- Japan
- China
- Australia
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East
- GCC Countries
- Israel
- Rest of Middle East
- Africa
- South Africa
- Central Africa
- North Africa
