Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market Size & Share Report, 2032

Summary
Market Landscape
Methodology
Table of Contents

Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, by Application (Personal Hygiene, Agriculture, Medical, Industrial), By Type (Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2032

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are materials that can absorb and retain large amounts of water, making them valuable in agriculture, healthcare, and construction.

The Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market was valued at approximately USD 12 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD XX billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of XX% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032.

Industry Trends

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) have significantly expanded their role in agriculture, evolving from their initial use in hygiene products to becoming vital in enhancing soil moisture retention and nutrient delivery. Recent studies highlight their application in improving crop yields, especially in arid regions. Additionally, research indicates that combining SAPs with plant hormones and fertilizers can further boost flower production and stigma weight in saffron cultivation.

The growing interest in SAPs is driven by the global need for sustainable agricultural practices. Their ability to absorb and retain large volumes of water makes them invaluable in drought-prone areas, reducing the frequency of irrigation and conserving water resources. Advancements in polymer science have led to the development of semi-synthetic SAPs, which combine natural polymers with synthetic additives. These hybrids offer improved water absorption and retention capabilities while maintaining biodegradability and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, SAPs have been engineered to act as slow-release systems for fertilizers, enhancing nutrient availability and uptake by plants.

However, challenges remain in the widespread adoption of SAPs in agriculture. While synthetic SAPs offer superior performance in water retention, their environmental impact and lack of biodegradability raise concerns. Natural polymer-based SAPs, though eco-friendly, often do not match the efficiency of synthetic variants. The development of semi-synthetic SAPs aims to bridge this gap, but achieving the optimal balance between performance and environmental sustainability requires further research. Additionally, the cost of SAPs and their integration into existing farming practices pose economic and practical challenges that need to be addressed to facilitate broader implementation.

Industry Expert’s Opinion

Maraike Ahlf, Head of Global Marketing & Strategy SAP, BASF

“According to our customers, the short-term sustainability driver in the hygiene industry is a reduced carbon footprint. With HySorb^® B 6610 ZeroPCF, we offer a solution that will help our customers in the hygiene industry in Europe, Middle East and Africa to achieve their own sustainability targets by enabling them to reduce their scope 3 footprint. HySorb^® B 6610 ZeroPCF is a drop-in solution, requiring no adaptation of a diaper production line and no compromise on product quality and performance, just like our existing HySorb^® B 6610 BMB.”

Achim Riemann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, ICIG

"We are pleased to now include superabsorbent as a new platform in ICIG and warmly welcome all employees, The acquisition is part of our expansion course, which we will continue to pursue through internal and external growth.”

TT Consultants’ Perspective 

The super absorbent polymer (SAP) market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand in hygiene products, agriculture, and medical applications. Innovations in bio-based SAPs, rising environmental concerns, and advancements in polymer technology are shaping market dynamics. The growing use of SAPs in personal care products, water retention for agriculture, and industrial applications is further accelerating adoption.

Market Segmentation

1. By Application (Personal Hygiene, Agriculture, Medical, Industrial)

The Personal Hygiene segment holds the largest market share, accounting for over XX% in 2024. The increasing demand for baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene items is driving growth. With rising hygiene awareness and a growing aging population, the demand for SAPs in this sector is expected to remain strong.

SAPs are widely used in Agriculture due to their ability to retain water in the soil, reducing irrigation needs and improving crop yields. Governments worldwide are promoting sustainable farming practices, boosting the adoption of SAPs in agriculture. The segment is expected to see significant growth as water conservation becomes a priority.

The Medical industry relies on SAPs for wound dressings, medical pads, and drug delivery systems. Rising healthcare costs and an increasing elderly population are key drivers for this segment. Additionally, advancements in SAP-based medical technologies are expanding their role in healthcare. SAPs are also used in various industrial applications such as coatings, wastewater treatment, and packaging. Industries are adopting SAPs to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The demand is growing due to increased focus on minimizing harmful components in industrial waste.

2. By Type (Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide)

Sodium Polyacrylate dominates the SAP market with the largest revenue share of over XX% in 2024. It is widely used as a binding agent, stabilizer, and viscosity control agent in sanitation, construction, and consumer goods. However, concerns about skin and respiratory irritation from chemical emissions may limit its demand.

Polyacrylamide is essential in mining and mineral processing, aiding in mineral extraction. It is also widely used in water treatment due to increasing concerns about wastewater management. As global water demands rise, the demand for this type of SAP is expected to grow steadily.

3. By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa)

The North America region is one of the largest markets for SAPs, driven by an aging population and growing health awareness. The increasing acceptance of hygiene products and advancements in medical applications contribute to market expansion. SAPs in Europe are witnessing steady demand due to high environmental awareness and stringent regulations on waste reduction. The region focuses on sustainable applications, particularly in agriculture and hygiene products. Asia-Pacific dominates the global SAP market, with over XX% revenue share in 2024. Countries like China and India are major contributors due to rapid population growth, rising disposable incomes, and increasing hygiene awareness. Expanding diaper markets in Southeast Asia also fuel demand.

The Latin America region is experiencing steady growth in the SAP market, mainly due to rising awareness of hygiene products. The demand for agricultural SAPs is also increasing as farmers seek ways to optimize water usage and boost crop yields. The SAP market in the Middle East and Africa is expanding as water conservation becomes a priority. Governments in arid regions are promoting the use of SAPs in agriculture to improve water efficiency. Additionally, the increasing adoption of hygiene products is supporting market growth.

Competitive Scenario

The key competitors in the global Super Absorbent Polymer Market are BASF SE, LG Chem, Formosa Plastics Corporation, SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD., SONGWON, Evonik Industries AG, KAO Corporation, Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd., and Yixing Danson Technology among others.

Strategic Activities

In February 2025, Univar Solutions was appointed as the exclusive distributor of BASF's LuquaSorb® superabsorbent polymers. This collaboration aims to enhance flexibility and performance in industrial applications across North America.
In February 2025, BASF launched HySorb® B 6610 ZeroPCF, the first polyacrylate-based superabsorbent polymer with a product carbon footprint of zero. This innovation combines renewable energy use with a biomass balance approach, supporting sustainability in the hygiene industry.
In October 2024, BASF completed a USD 19.2 million upgrade to its superabsorbent polymer facility in Freeport, Texas. This investment improved production efficiency and increased capacity, enabling the company to better serve the hygiene products market.
In August 2024, Nippon Shokubai announced plans to expand its superabsorbent polymer production capacity by 50,000 metric tons per year at its subsidiary in Indonesia. The new facility is expected to commence operations in July 2027, addressing the growing demand in the Asian market.