Super absorbent polymers (SAP) are cross-linked polymer gels that can absorb and retain large amounts of aqueous liquids relative to their mass. SAPs are primarily used in absorbent Personal Hygiene products like diapers, adult incontinence pads and feminine hygiene items to enable absorbing 400-800 times their own weight. The key advantages of SAP include high absorption rate, retention capacity and low residual fluids that provide dryness and comfort to users. SAP reduces the bulk of absorbent products by absorbing liquids internally instead of dispersing it. This allows diaper and feminine care manufacturers to make their products thinner and more comfortable for improved wearing experience.
The Global Super Absorbent Polymers Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 6.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period 2024-2029.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Super Absorbent Polymers are BASF SE, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, LG Chem Ltd. and Sanyo Chemical Industries.
The growing demand for thinner and comfortable absorbent hygiene products along with increasing adoption of adult incontinence products is fueling the demand for SAP globally. Stringent regulations regarding usage of pulp content in diapers along with growing focus on sustainability is further driving manufactures to increase SAP content in absorbent products.
North America and Europe being mature markets for absorbent hygiene products have nearly reached saturation levels. However, Asian countries especially China and India offer huge growth potential for SAP due to improving standards of living, rising disposable incomes and growing awareness. Key global players are expanding their production facilities across Asia to cater growing demand.
Market Key Trends
One of the key gaining prominence in the Super Absorbent Polymers Market Demand is growing focus on bio-based and sustainable SAP solutions. Stringent regulations coupled with rising environment consciousness among consumers have increased pressure on personal hygiene product manufacturers to reduce fossil-fuel based content and adopt renewable alternatives. Leading players like Nippon Shokubai are developing bio-based superabsorbent polymers from palm oil which provides 60% reduction in fossil CO2 emission compared to conventional SAPs. Shift towards sustainable variants will remain a major trend that is expected to open new growth avenues for bio-polymers over the forecast period.
Porter's Analysis
Threat of new entrants: Low capital requirement and technology barriers to entry restrict new players.
Bargaining power of buyers: Buyers have moderate to high bargaining power due to availability of substitutes.
Bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers have low to moderate bargaining power due to availability of raw material suppliers globally.
Threat of new substitutes: Substitute products like Compost, Clay and Starch pose moderate threat due to environmental-friendly properties.
Competitive rivalry: Intense competition exists among key players to sustain in the highly fragmented industry.
Geographical Regions
North America dominates the global super absorbent polymers market in terms of value sales. Continuous technical innovation and commercialization of new applications across various end-use industries fuels demand. Asia Pacific exhibits the fastest growth led by expanding consumer base, rising disposable incomes and growing focus on hygiene & convenience in China, India and other developing nations.
Fastest Growing Regions
The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing market for super absorbent polymers during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, rising middle class, and improving hygiene standards in emerging economies like China and India are expected to drive the demand. Additionally, increasing government initiatives to promote sanitary protection and availability of low-cost raw materials attract manufacturers to set up production facilities.
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