Super Absorbent Polymer Market size was reached at USD 7.6 billion in 2024 and is slated to register a healthy CAGR of 6.4% over the forecast period and is projected to reach USD 12.4 billion in 2032 supported by a growing focus on hygiene along with a rise in infant alongside elderly demographic.

Major Market Drivers and Emerging Trends

The market is witnessing notable growth fueled by a growing focus on hygiene particularly related to infants and older adults. To promote personal hygiene many governments especially among developing countries have launched health education campaigns and provided support to private organizations. This has led to growing need for hygiene supplies particularly diapers for babies and sanitary pads for women.

The other factor supporting superabsorbent polymers market size growth is the rising pediatric and elderly demographic. With its outstanding liquid absorption capabilities SAP is crucial in producing baby diapers and incontinence pads for adults along with other related items. With the substantial rise in the pediatric population, the majority of SAP is used in baby diapers rather than other products. Rising birth rates coupled with growing incomes in regions like Asia Pacific and the Middle East are also projected to drive the need for superabsorbent polymers. The baby diaper sector represents the majority of the market share with North America being the primary hub for baby diaper production.

Additionally the substantial rise in the elderly population in major countries is expected to fuel the need for adult hygiene incontinence products which leads to a surge in SAP consumption. In 2022 there were 771 million individuals aged sixty five and older around the world which makes up about 10% in the global population. The increase in life expectancy has amplified the demand for products which provide comfort and maintain dignity in the elderly years. The growing elderly populations across many countries are driving an increase in health issues including urinary incontinence. These diapers are made to absorb and hold considerable liquid volume. They come in disposable and reusable forms and are worn similarly to regular diapers.

Higher production costs are a concern that might restrain market growth. Manufacturers are encountering higher operational costs since raw material prices fluctuate driven by disruptions in the supply chain combined with geopolitical influences. The growing production costs may push up end product prices which reduces their competitiveness particularly in developing countries where affordability is prioritized by consumers.

Environmental issues also present a major challenge as their non-biodegradable nature raises sustainability concerns that could slow market growth. The industry is being closely monitored to create sustainable solutions which reduce environmental impact and meet the growing consumer preference for eco-friendly products. The market must innovate and develop biodegradable options to tackle environmental challenges and cater to the rising need for sustainable products. Consequently, the requirement for innovation and advanced technology adds to the financial pressures faced by the industry. Companies may struggle to balance the demand for quality with financial challenges which potentially hinders their capacity to expand and satisfy the increasing market demand.

Type Insights: The sodium polyacrylate segment holds the dominant position with the highest revenue share

Sodium polyacrylate is employed as binding agents and emulsion stabilizers. They can also work as coatings and film formers in diverse industries like consumer goods along with building and construction or industrial sectors. Rising attention to innovations will give manufacturers more prospects to improve their portfolios. The polyacrylamide segment is also likely to experience significant growth in the years ahead. It possesses the ability to absorb free swell and exhibit polymer permeability. It also demonstrates excellent wicking properties. The distinct characteristics are expected to result in considerable need from the agricultural and medical industries.

Application Insights: The personal hygiene segment secured the highest revenue share

The surge in global demand in the personal hygiene sector is significantly contributing to market growth. The increasing awareness about hygiene is expected to significantly boost the need for adult urinary incontinence along with feminine hygiene items along with baby diapers which results in a rise in SAP demand. Superabsorbent polymers are also utilized in the medical industry for producing medical textiles and diverse gel products. It is also valuable for applications in medication delivery methods.

The agriculture sector is also projected to see substantial growth as it has increasingly adopted advanced materials to improve productivity which aims to meet the surging need for agricultural products driven by local and export needs. Superabsorbent polymers in agriculture improve water retention in the soil especially in dry areas or during droughts which leads to higher crop yields and reduced water consumption. This efficient approach to water management complements the rising global commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Regional Insights: Asia Pacific registered the largest market share

The growing demand from countries like India and China is projected to drive market growth attributed to growing population combined with higher income levels. The high need for personal hygiene items in China is also primarily due to its large infant population that contributes to increased spending on hygiene care. The market for baby diapers is also set to expand in countries like Vietnam and Indonesia which leads to higher need for superabsorbent polymers.

The market is also expanding quickly in North America largely due to the aging population which has fueled the rising need for SAPs in the personal hygiene sector. The growing recognition about various health issues has influenced the changing demand patterns in the hygiene sector. SAPs are in high demand in the region owing to their excellent water absorbing properties which make them ideal for use in personal care items including diapers.

Europe is experiencing notable growth in its elderly population which leads to a surge in adult incontinence cases. This is expected to drive the need for SAPs in producing incontinence care products for adults. The Middle East and Africa are projected to grow driven by global organizations like WHO supporting health and childcare programs with financial assistance. Water scarcity is also fueling a rise in the need for superabsorbent polymers used for agricultural purposes in several countries across the region.

Top Market Players

Several leading industry players are BASF, Evonik, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals among others. Market growth is likely to be fueled by ongoing innovations by industry participants including product launches along with collaborations.

Key Developments

• • In 2024, the petrochemicals division of BASF finished its SAP upgrades following substantial investment in its Texas plant. The initiative involved installing advanced equipment to enhance production rates along with optimizing the current processes at the SAP facility in Freeport. The upgrades also focused on enhancing rail logistics and reducing reliance on trucks. It further minimizes the carbon footprint for customer deliveries.
  • In 2024 Evonik sold its SAP business to ICIG with the latter also taking on the pension obligations.
  • In 2023 BASF inaugurated its Superabsorbents Excellence Hub at the Antwerp site in Belgium. The facility is designed with advanced technology to optimize performance and product development which reflects its deep dedication to the hygiene sector.

Segments covered in the Report:

The Super Absorbent Polymer Market has been segmented on the basis of Type Outlook, Application and Region. Based on Type Outlook, the market is segmented into Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide, and Others. Based on Application, the market is segmented into Personal Hygiene, Agriculture, Medical, Industrial, and Others. The Personal Hygiene segment is further segmented into Adult Incontinence, Female Hygiene, and Baby Diapers.

Report Coverage	Details
Market Revenues (2024)	USD 7.6 billion in 2024
Market Base Year	2024
Market Forecast Period	2025-2032
Base Year & Forecast Units	Revenues (USD Billion)
Market Segment	By Type Outlook, By Application, By Region
Regional Coverage	Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and RoW
Companies Profiled	BASF, Evonik, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals., among others; a total of 3 companies covered.
25% Free Customization Available	We will customize this report up to 25% as a free customization to address our client’s specific requirements

Market Segmentation

Super Absorbent Polymer Market by Type Outlook

• • • Sodium Polyacrylate
    • Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide
    • Others

Super Absorbent Polymer Market by Application

• • • Personal hygiene
      • Adult Incontinence
      • Female Hygiene
      • Baby Diapers
    • Agriculture
    • Medical
    • Industrial
    • Others

Global Super Absorbent Polymer Market by Region

• • North America Super Absorbent Polymer Market (Option 1: As a part of the free 25% customization)

    • By Type Outlook
    • By Application
    • US Market All-Up
    • Canada Market All-Up

  • Europe Super Absorbent Polymer Market (Option 2: As a part of the free 25% customization)

    • By Type Outlook
    • By Application
    • UK Market All-Up
    • Germany Market All-Up
    • France Market All-Up
    • Spain Market All-Up
    • Rest of Europe Market All-Up

  • Asia-Pacific Super Absorbent Polymer Market (Option 3: As a part of the free 25% customization)

    • By Type Outlook
    • By Application
    • China Market All-Up
    • India Market All-Up
    • Japan Market All-Up
    • Rest of APAC Market All-Up

  • RoW Super Absorbent Polymer Market (Option 4: As a part of the free 25% customization)

    • By Type Outlook
    • By Application
    • Brazil Market All-Up
    • South Africa Market All-Up
    • Saudi Arabia Market All-Up
    • UAE Market All-Up
    • Rest of world (remaining countries of the LAMEA region) Market All-Up

Major Players Operating in the Super Absorbent Polymer (Option 5: As a part of the Free 25% Customization – Profiles of 5 Additional Companies of your Choice)

• • BASF
  • Evonik
  • Sumitomo Seika Chemicals