Super absorbent polymers have the ability to absorb and retain large amounts of liquid relative to their own mass. Super absorbent polymers are generally produced from acrylic acid and a crosslinking agent. The cross-linking process results in a 3-dimensional network that allows the polymer to swell and absorb water. It has a diverse range of applications, such as diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products, as they efficiently absorb and retain moisture. It is also used in agricultural, medical wound care, and oil spill clean-up applications. Super absorbent polymers are used in dressings and bandages, absorbing exudate from wounds and preventing the risk of infections.
In 2022, Asia Pacific dominated the super absorbent polymer market. Asia Pacific is characterized by steady growth in population, growing disposable income of people, and high per capita healthcare expenditure. According to a report published by the US Census Bureau in 2022, the population of Asia reached 4.5 billion in 2020. As per the same report, the population aged 65 or above in Asia is projected to reach 1.2 billion by 2060 from 414 million in 2020. Due to the rising geriatric population, the government of Singapore planned to add 3,700 hospital beds under the country’s Healthcare 2020 Masterplan. The demand for incontinence and wound care products is influenced by incidences of incontinence and pressure ulcers in the aging population. Thus, the rising population in the region is driving the demand for incontinence and hygiene products, subsequently boosting the super absorbent polymer market.
Development of Bio-Based Super Absorbent Polymer
Super absorbent polymers are used in diapers, personal care products, agriculture, and healthcare. Super absorbent polymers are derived from petroleum-based raw materials, contributing to environmental concerns and a reliance on non-renewable resources. In response to these challenges, researchers and companies are actively exploring and advancing the field of bio-based super absorbent polymers. Bio-based super absorbent polymers are derived from renewable resources such as plant starches, cellulose, or biomass. One promising technology involves the utilization of agricultural by-products or waste materials to create these polymers, reducing the environmental impact associated with their production. This shift toward bio-based alternatives aligns with the global commitment to reducing dependency on fossil fuels and mitigating the ecological footprint of various industries.
Scientists are exploring various modification techniques and crosslinking agents to optimize the absorption capacity and gel strength of the bio-based super absorbent polymer. As research progresses and production methods improve, bio-based super absorbent polymers are poised to revolutionize various industries. The development of biodegradable personal care and hygiene products is boosting the demand for bio-based super absorbent polymers. In June 2023, Unicharm Corporation (Indonesia) launched a limited-time sanitary napkin using biomaterials such as sugarcane, limestone, botanical oil, and natural resins. In May 2023, KNH Enterprise developed a recyclable and eco-friendly sanitary napkin made from bamboo fibers. Rising demand for biodegradable products is prompting market players to invest in research and launch related bio-based materials. For instance, in 2022, Sanyo Chemical Industries launched the eco-friendly super absorbent polymer made using plant-based biomass. Therefore, the development of bio-based super absorbent polymer is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
Super Absorbent Polymer Market: Segmental Overview
Based on type, the super absorbent polymer market is segmented into polyacrylicacid (PAA), polyacrylamide (PAM), sodium polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate, polysaccharides, and others. In 2022, the sodium polyacrylate segment held the largest market share and is considered to register the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Sodium polyacrylate is a crosslinked polymer containing sodium atoms. It absorbs water by a process called osmosis. It has high absorbing capability as compared to other polymers. Sodium polyacrylate is a super absorbent polymer utilized as an emulsion stabilizer, a hair fixative, a film former, a skin conditioner, and a viscosity agent. It appears as the gel-like crystals in baby diapers, which makes them absorbent. In detergents, sodium polyacrylate works as a chelating agent.
Based on category, the market is segmented into synthetic and biobased. The synthetic segment held the largest super absorbent polymer market share in 2022. Superabsorbent polymers are crosslinked polymer networks constituting water-soluble building blocks. Super absorbent polymers are generally composed of ionic monomers and are characterized by a low crosslinking density, which results in a large fluid uptake capacity. Synthetic category super absorbent polymers are based on synthetic monomers such as acrylic acid. A few of the synthetic-based super absorbent polymers include polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyacrylamide (PAM), sodium polyacrylate, and potassium polyacrylate.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Super Absorbent Polymer Market
Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the super absorbent polymer market was growing steadily, driven by rising demand from the personal care, agriculture, healthcare, and building & construction sectors. The market witnessed a strong emphasis on material innovation—companies invested in research and development to create novel materials, particularly in the bio-based segment. Manufacturers focused on developing super absorbent polymers with sustainable materials and improved properties. In 2018, DIC Corporation announced a joint venture with Green Earth Institute Co Ltd for the development of naturally derived aspartic acid and biodegradable aspartic acid waterborne superabsorbent polymer. The rapid growth in Asia Pacific prompted super absorbent polymer producers to expand their geographical presence in the region.
During the onset of the pandemic, several industries faced disruptions in their operations, leading to a temporary slowdown in the production and distribution capacities of superabsorbent polymers. The agriculture sector was negatively impacted due to a shortage of labor and supply chain disruption, which further affected the demand for superabsorbent polymers. Manufacturers were permitted to operate at full capacities, which helped them overcome the demand–supply gap. In 2021, rising vaccination rates contributed to improvements in the overall conditions across the globe, which led to conducive environments for the personal care and agriculture industries.
Super Absorbent Polymer Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd, LG Chem Ltd, BASF SE, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co Ltd, Nippon Shokubai Co Ltd, Evonik Industries AG, Chase Corp, Yixing Danson Science and Technology Co Ltd, Songwon Industrial Co. Ltd, and Satellite Chemical Co Ltd. are a few players operating in the global super absorbent polymer market. Players operating in the market focus on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand.
Key Developments
- In July 2023, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals CO Ltd was awarded ISCC PLUS for their use of biomass-derived super absorbent polymer in disposable diapers. This environmentally friendly material, primarily made from acrylic acid and caustic soda, contributes to reducing the environmental impact of disposable diapers.
- In February 2023, Nippon Shokubai Co Ltd obtained ISCC PLUS certification for 19 products, including acrylic acid, superabsorbent polymers, and ethylene oxide. The certification allows the company to manufacture and market certified products using biomass-derived raw materials.
- In September 2022, Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd declared that its subsidiary, SDP Global Co, created an environmentally friendly super absorbent polymer with plant-based biomass as one of its raw components.