Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) Market Analysis

Superabsorbent Polymer Market Analysis

The superabsorbent polymer market is segmented into sodium acrylate, polyacrylamide copolymer, and others including polyvinyl alcohol, polysaccharides, etc. Sodium acrylate generated significant revenue of around USD 3.5 billion in 2017 and covers over three-fifth of the total market. Driven by its ability to absorb as much as 500 times its mass of water, sodium acrylate is widely used in baby diapers and adult incontinence products.

Additionally, the growing demand for polyacrylamide owing to its increasing use in water treatment, paper-making processes, and extensive usage in the manufacturing of baby and adult diapers will boost the superabsorbent polymer market. Polyacrylamide copolymer market will grow at the rate of around 6% during the forecast time frame.

Adult incontinence application segment will grow at a rate of over 6.5% globally. The occurrence of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder rises with age and elderly people. These products have enormous scope in developed regions owing to hygiene awareness among people.
 

Baby diapers accounted for nearly 70% of the total market owing to incessant rise in birth rate along with increase in baby hygiene awareness. These factors are likely to drive the superabsorbent polymer market growth.
 

North America was valued over USD 1.5 billion in 2017 and is expected to lose its share to developing economies due to higher growth rates in the latter. Growing birth rate and increase in average life expectancy in China and India over the past two decades has increased the demand for baby diapers, adult incontinence and feminine hygiene products. Moreover, growth in per capita disposable income of people in developing economies is encouraging them to spend upon their health and avail better healthcare facilities, which will in turn boost the superabsorbent polymer market value in near future.
 

United Kingdom and Germany held nearly 30% of the European share in 2017 and will grow with annual rate of around 4%. The year-on-year declining per capita arable land area coupled with increasing population is expected to have a positive impact on the usage of product in the agriculture sector. The water retention property of the product will help farmers to continue farming even in adverse conditions. This will increase the demand of the superabsorbent polymer market in near future.