The super absorbent polymer market is experiencing robust, demographically-driven demand, especially in hygiene. However, it faces strategic pressures from raw material volatility and a rising, yet still niche, push toward performance-comparable, cost-effective bio-based alternatives.
Chicago, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The global Super Absorbent Polymer market was valued at US$ 12.44 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 24.87 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period 2025–2033.
Today, key industry players are making significant capital investments to enhance production capabilities. These moves are a direct response to anticipated growth in the Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market. Notably, Nippon Shokubai is constructing a new SAP facility in Indonesia. The plant will have an annual capacity of 50,000 metric tons. This ambitious project represents a substantial investment of approximately 110 million US dollars. Furthermore, this expansion is set to elevate PT. Nippon Shokubai Indonesia’s total SAP capacity to an impressive 140,000 metric tons per year. The decision is supported by the site’s existing acrylic acid production capacity of 240,000 metric tons annually.
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Upon its completion in 2027, the new facility will increase the Nippon Shokubai group’s global SAP production capacity by 50,000 metric tons per year from 2025 levels. In parallel, other market leaders are also reinforcing their positions. On October 10, 2024, BASF finalized a US$ 19.2 Million upgrade of its SAP plant in Freeport, Texas. Moreover, in May 2025, Sumitomo Seika inaugurated a new advanced SAP pilot plant at its Himeji Works in Japan. This pilot facility is designed for medium-scale experimentation, aiming to fast-track the commercialization of next-generation SAP products and maintain a competitive edge.
Key Findings in Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Market
| Market Forecast (2033) | US$ 24.87 billion |
| CAGR | 8.0% |
| Largest Region (2024) | Asia Pacific (50.53%) |
| By Type | Synthetic SAPs (80.64%) |
| By Methodology | Solution Polymerization (47.18%) |
| By Application | Personal Hygiene (87.30%) |
| By Sales Channel | Direct Sales Channels (87.27%) |
| Top Drivers |
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| Top Trends |
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| Top Challenges |
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Global Pricing Disparities Reveal Complex Regional Supply and Demand Market Dynamics
Pricing acorss super absorbent polymer (SAP) market shows significant variation across different geographical regions. These differences reflect local demand, raw material availability, and logistical costs. For instance, in the second quarter of 2024, SAP prices in South Korea were recorded at 1250 US$ per metric ton. Subsequently, during the third quarter of 2024, prices in the United States reached 1650 US$ per metric ton. In India, industrial grade SAP was priced at $1521 per metric ton Ex-works Vadodara in the fourth quarter of 2024. Entering 2025, prices in the U.S. settled at 1610 US$ per metric ton, while China saw prices reach 1255 US$ per metric ton in the first quarter.
The pricing landscape continued to evolve throughout the first quarter of 2025. South Korea experienced an average SAP price of 1293 US$ per metric ton. Meanwhile, Japan’s SAP prices were notably higher at 1690 US$ per metric ton during the same period. The most striking regional difference was observed in Germany. German SAP prices were recorded at a substantial 3520 US$ per metric ton in the first quarter of 2025. This highlights the premium pricing structure within the European Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market, driven by unique regional factors and a distinct supply-demand balance.
Volatile Acrylic Acid Costs Directly Influence Profitability Across the Global Market
The price of acrylic acid, the primary feedstock for SAP, is a critical determinant of market profitability. In China, acrylic acid prices demonstrated significant fluctuation during 2024, trading between 6,100 and 7,400 yuan per ton. By December 24, 2024, the average price in mainstream Chinese markets had climbed to 7,500 yuan per ton. The global pricing for this crucial raw material showed considerable diversity in March 2025. United States prices were recorded at 1,140 US$ per metric ton. Concurrently, European prices stood at 1,260 US$, with China at 1,050 US$ and Southeast Asia at 1,090 US$ per metric ton.
Further analysis of the Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market related raw materials reveals additional cost pressures. Methacrylic acid prices in the third quarter of 2024 reached 3,460 US$ per metric ton in the U.S. In contrast, Japan’s prices for the same period were 2,145 US$ per metric ton. Belgium recorded methacrylic acid prices of 2,510 US$ per metric ton during Q3 2024. Brazil experienced even higher prices, reaching 3,400 US$ per metric ton. These fluctuating input costs present both challenges and opportunities for manufacturers within the competitive Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market, impacting margins and strategic sourcing decisions.
Sustainability and Bio-Based Innovations Reshape the Competitive Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Market
A powerful wave of innovation is centered on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Market leaders are pioneering bio-based alternatives to traditional petroleum-derived products. In February 2025, BASF launched HySorb® B 6610 ZeroPCF. This product is the industry’s first SAP with a product carbon footprint of zero. The remarkable achievement is made possible through the use of renewable energy and a biomass balance approach. In a related development, ZymoChem announced a major milestone in February 2025. The company successfully scaled up production of a key biopolymer ingredient for its biodegradable SAP, BAYSE™.
The successful production run was conducted at a 45,000-liter scale, confirming industrial-scale viability. This advancement enables the production of thousands of metric tons of BAYSE™ annually. ZymoChem’s progress was bolstered by a significant infusion of capital. The company raised $21 million in Series A funding in January 2024 to accelerate its bio-based solutions. Separately, in February 2025, LG Chem commenced prototype production of 100% plant-based acrylic acid. The initial capacity is set at 100 metric tons per year, derived from microbial fermentation. The product secured the US$A Certified Biobased Product label in 2024, verifying its 100% bio-based content and signaling a major shift in the industry.
Technical Specifications and High Absorption Rates Define Baby Diaper Segment Dominance in the Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Market
The baby diapers segment remains the largest consumer of super absorbent polymers. Product performance is dictated by precise technical specifications. On average, a single baby diaper contains between 12 and 15 grams of SAP. The remarkable efficacy of these polymers is evident in their absorption capacity. SAP used in diapers can absorb between 500 and 1,000 times its own weight in water. Certain commercial diaper polymer grades can even absorb up to 800 times their weight in pure water, providing exceptional dryness and comfort.
Further technical metrics underscore the quality required for this application. The retention capacity of a specific high-grade diaper SAP, after centrifugation, is 30.8 grams per gram. Critically for safety and quality, the residual monomer of acrylic acid in this grade is extremely low, at just 230 parts per million. Additionally, the pH value of a typical diaper-grade SAP is carefully controlled to be between 5.5 and 6.5. These stringent specifications are essential for ensuring both high performance and consumer safety in the massive baby diaper market.
Demographic Shifts Power Exceptional Growth in the Adult Incontinence Products In Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Market
The adult incontinence sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by significant global demographic trends. The world’s population of individuals aged 60 and over is projected to double by 2050, reaching an estimated 2.1 billion people. Even more dramatically, the number of people aged 80 or older is expected to triple from 2020 levels, reaching 426 million by 2050. These figures point to a sustained and growing consumer base for adult hygiene products. In 2023, over 21% of the European Union’s population was already aged 65 or older.
These demographic realities translate directly into market demand. Globally, an estimated 200 million people are affected by urinary incontinence. In the United States alone, approximately 25 million people experience this condition. The growing importance of this consumer segment is gaining political recognition as well. On June 16, 2024, the American Medical Association advocated for the elimination of sales tax on adult diapers in 36 states. This action reflects the increasing necessity of these products and supports the expansion of the adult incontinence Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market.
Advanced Performance Metrics Are Critical for Feminine Hygiene Product Efficacy
In the feminine hygiene segment, the technical performance of SAP is paramount. Innovation focuses on enhancing absorbency, comfort, and user health. A 2024 study showcased a newly developed SAP designed specifically for sanitary napkins. It demonstrated a free swelling capacity of 102.22 grams per gram in tap water. The absorption capacity of this advanced polymer under a load of 0.7 psi was an impressive 25.13 grams per gram. Over an extended period of 8 to 24 hours, its absorption capacity ranged from 14.84 to 132.41 grams per gram.
Beyond simple absorption, performance metrics for this application are highly specialized in the Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market. The new SAP developed in 2024 helps maintain a pH level of 3.02. A lower pH is beneficial for vaginal health during menstruation. Other key performance indicators for feminine hygiene SAPs include fast suction of blood and high gel strength to prevent leakage. The target retention capacity after centrifugation for this grade is between 20 and 35 grams per gram. Furthermore, the absorbent rate is typically between 60 and 90 seconds, ensuring rapid fluid uptake and a dry feel for the user.
Agricultural Sector Adoption of SAP Drives Water Efficiency and Crop Yields
The agricultural sector represents a significant growth area for super absorbent polymers. These materials are increasingly used to improve soil water retention and boost crop productivity. Agricultural-grade SAPs can absorb water up to 400-500 times their own weight. A 2024 study provided clear evidence of their effectiveness. The application of SAP at 0.4% weight by weight improved the water holding capacity of loamy sand soil by a remarkable 36.5%. The same study also documented a 28% increase in soil porosity following the application of SAP.
These improvements in soil characteristics translate into tangible benefits for crop cultivation across the global Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market. The study found that the permanent wilting point of the soil was delayed by 7 to 10 days with the use of SAPs. Overall, the application of these polymers in agriculture can increase water use efficiency by an estimated 15-25%. Recognizing this potential, Sumitomo Seika has set a goal to be recycling about 5,000 tonnes of used disposable diapers annually by 2030. A key objective of this initiative is to explore applications for the recovered SAP in agricultural contexts, creating a circular economy within the Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market.
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Niche Industrial and Construction Applications Showcase SAPs’ Unique Material Properties
Beyond hygiene and agriculture, SAPs offer unique functionalities in specialized industrial applications, particularly in construction. A 2024 study investigated the use of SAPs in lightweight concrete. In the study, SAPs were incorporated at 7% by weight of ordinary Portland cement. The inclusion of SAPs altered the concrete’s mechanical properties. The 28-day compressive strength decreased from 7.04 to 4.59 MPa. However, the flexural strength saw a significant increase, rising from 3.89 to 6.72 MPa with the combined addition of SAPs and glass fibers.
The study also revealed SAPs’ impact on water absorption dynamics in concrete across the global Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market. The initial rate of water absorption increased from 2.48 × 10−1 mm/sec0.5 to 5.45 × 10−1 mm/sec0.5 with certain formulations. Further research in 2024 highlighted the “internal curing” potential of SAPs. They can absorb and store mixing water, then release it back into the concrete matrix as humidity levels drop. One 2024 study found that a specific wet SAP could release 96.7% of its absorbed water within 24 hours under specific environmental conditions, demonstrating its
Super Absorbent Polymer Market Major Players:
- Acuro Organics Limited
- BASF SE
- Evonik Industries AG
- Formosa Plastics Group (Taiwan Plastics Company )
- LG Chem Ltd.
- Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
- Quan Zhou Banglida Technology Industry Co., Ltd
- Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd. (SDP Global)
- SATELLITE CHEMICAL CO.,LTD.
- Shenghong Holding Group
- Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Company, Ltd.
- Wanhua Chemical Group Co.,Ltd
- Yixing Danson Technology
- Taiwan Plastics
- Other Prominent Players
Key Market Segmentation:
By Product
- Natural
- Sodium Polyacrylate
- Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymer
- Ethylene Maleic Anhydride Copolymer
- Others
- Synthetic
- Polysaccharides
- Polypeptides
- Polyvinyl Alcohol
- Others
By Method
- Solution Polymerization
- Suspension Polymerization
- Gel Polymerization
By Application
- Personal Hygiene
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Civil Engineering/ Construction
- Industrial
- Packaging
- Oil & Gas
- Others
By Sales Channel
- Direct
- Indirect
By Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- South America
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