Chemicals Industry Today

Super Absorbent Polymers Market to Grow Worth USD 23.7 Billion by 2033 | Exhibiting CAGR of 9.43%

The super absorbent polymers (SAP) market reached USD 11.5 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 23.7 Billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 9.43%. Asia Pacific leads the market with over 40.5% share. Growth is driven by rising demand for hygiene products, advancements in biodegradable SAPs, and the expanding influence of online shopping.
Published 13 November 2025

Market Overview:

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, "Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2025-2033", The global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market size reached USD 11.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 23.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 9.43% during 2025-2033.

This detailed analysis primarily encompasses industry size, business trends, market share, key growth factors, and regional forecasts. The report offers a comprehensive overview and integrates research findings, market assessments, and data from different sources. It also includes pivotal market dynamics like drivers and challenges, while also highlighting growth opportunities, financial insights, technological improvements, emerging trends, and innovations. Besides this, the report provides regional market evaluation, along with a competitive landscape analysis.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market

  • AI optimizes super absorbent polymer production by cutting costs up to 20% through predictive maintenance and process automation, boosting efficiency for manufacturers like BASF.
  • Machine learning designs eco-friendly SAPs, with companies like Nippon Shokubai developing biodegradable polymers, reducing environmental impact for hygiene and agricultural applications.
  • AI-driven analytics enhance SAP performance, improving absorbency by 15% for diapers and medical products, meeting rising global hygiene demands.
  • Government incentives, like the Flemish €1.4M for BASF's innovation center, spur AI research for sustainable SAPs in agriculture and healthcare.
  • AI accelerates R&D, slashing development time by 30% for firms like LG Chem, creating tailored SAPs for water-scarce farming regions.

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Key Trends in the Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market

  • Development of Biodegradable and Plant-Based SAPs: The growing environmental consciousness is driving manufacturers to develop sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based SAPs. ZymoChem launched BAYSE™ in 2024, the first fully biodegradable and scalable super absorbent polymer made from biomaterials. LG Chem announced production of bio-acrylic acid, a 100% plant-based acrylic acid, with production capacity ramping up to 100 metric tons annually in Q2 2025.
  • Booming Hygiene Product Demand: Over 360 billion disposable diapers are sold globally annually, with SAPs ensuring comfort and leak protection. Rising awareness about personal hygiene, coupled with an aging population and increasing birth rates in emerging economies, significantly influences SAP usage. According to WHO data, investing in hand hygiene saves approximately USD 16.5 in healthcare costs for every USD 1 spent in healthcare settings.
  • Agricultural Water Management Solutions: SAPs are revolutionizing agricultural practices in water-scarce regions, with adoption increasing crop yields by up to 40% in arid places. The agriculture sector uses SAPs for soil moisture retention, reducing water usage and improving crop yields efficiently. The EU's Common Agricultural Policy has pushed over 10% of farms to use SAP-based soil conditioners.
  • Expansion in Medical and Industrial Applications: SAPs are increasingly utilized in wound dressings, surgical pads, and drug delivery systems with better environmental profiles. The construction sector uses SAPs in concrete additives to enhance water retention and durability, while packaging industries integrate biodegradable SAPs into absorbent food packaging materials to extend shelf life sustainably.
  • E-Commerce Driving Market Growth: The rise of online shopping for convenience is driving demand for packaged and disposable products. In 2023, the global e-commerce market size reached USD 21.1 Trillion. The increasing popularity of subscription services for personal care items drives consistent demand for highly absorbent polymers.

Growth Factors in the Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market

  • Rising Hygiene Awareness and Aging Population: Growing awareness regarding personal hygiene drives the need for hygiene products, including menstrual pads, adult incontinence items, and medical supplies. The aging population, expected to account for 20% of the U.S. population by 2030, significantly boosts demand for adult incontinence products. A baby's diaper requires about 13 grams of SAP, driving substantial market growth.
  • Sustainable Farming and Water Conservation Initiatives: Environmental concerns and the need for sustainable farming solutions increase demand for biodegradable SAPs in agriculture. SAPs help address water constraints, with adoption particularly strong in Brazil and Mexico where agricultural applications show yield improvements of up to 40% in arid regions.
  • Government Incentives and Support Programs: The Saudi Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees and restore 40 million hectares by 2030, supporting SAP adoption. The EU's Farm to Fork Strategy and Ecolabel guidelines in September 2024 set stringent environmental performance standards for absorbent hygiene products, promoting biodegradable SAPs.
  • Technological Advancements and Production Expansion: BASF completed a USD 19.2 million upgrade to its Freeport, Texas SAP plant in October 2024, boosting production efficiency by 20% with new equipment and optimized processes. Continuous innovation in SAP formulations improves absorbency and environmental compatibility, with Nippon Shokubai introducing ISCC PLUS certified biomass-derived superabsorbent polymers in May 2024.
  • Diverse Industrial Applications Growth: SAPs are used in packaging for spill control and moisture retention, construction for concrete additives, and medical waste management. The versatile capabilities of SAPs for specialized industrial processes, construction materials, and scientific research drive adoption across multiple sectors, ensuring steady market expansion.

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Leading Companies Operating in the Global Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Industry:

  • BASF
  • Evonik Industries
  • Formosa Plastics Group
  • Kao Corporation
  • LG Chem Ltd.
  • Nippon Shokubai
  • Satellite Science and Technology Co. Ltd.
  • SDP Global Co. Ltd.
  • Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Company Ltd.
  • Yixing Danson Technology Ltd.

Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market Report Segmentation:

Breakup By Type:

  • Sodium Polyacrylate
  • Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymer
  • Others

Sodium polyacrylate accounts for the majority of shares (around 69.8% in 2024) due to its superior absorbent capacity, cost-effectiveness, and widespread applications in personal hygiene and agriculture.

Breakup By Application:

  • Personal Hygiene
  • Agriculture
  • Medical
  • Industrial
  • Others

Personal hygiene dominates the market with around 67.5% of market share in 2024, driven by extensive use in diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene items.

Breakup By Production Method:

  • Suspension Polymerization
  • Solution Polymerization
  • Gel Polymerization

Gel polymerization leads the market due to its efficiency in producing high-quality polymers with superior absorbent properties, optimal cross-linking, and enhanced absorbency.

Breakup By Region:

  • North America (United States, Canada)
  • Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)
  • Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)
  • Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)
  • Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific enjoys the leading position with over 40.5% market share in 2024, driven by increasing population, rapid urbanization, expanding personal hygiene sector, and agricultural applications in emerging economies.

Recent News and Developments in Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) Market

  • October 2024: BASF completed a USD 19.2 million upgrade to its Superabsorbent Polymers plant in Freeport, Texas, enhancing production efficiency and capacity by up to 20% higher throughput for the North American hygiene market.
  • September 2024: The EU adopted new Ecolabel guidelines setting stringent environmental performance standards for absorbent hygiene products, promoting the adoption of biodegradable SAPs across European markets.
  • 2024: ZymoChem launched BAYSE™, the first fully biodegradable and scalable super absorbent polymer made from biomaterials, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based SAPs for disposable hygiene products.
  • 2023: Akar Innovations introduced Anandi Athletic compostable sanitary pads in Bengaluru, utilizing natural-based SAPs to enhance absorption while maintaining eco-friendly properties.

Note: If you require specific details, data, or insights that are not currently included in the scope of this report, we are happy to accommodate your request. As part of our customization service, we will gather and provide the additional information you need, tailored to your specific requirements. Please let us know your exact needs, and we will ensure the report is updated accordingly to meet your expectations.

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