The global super absorbent polymers market size is projected to grow from USD 9.8 billion in 2021 to USD 13.1 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2021 and 2026. Increasing demand for super absorbent polymers from personal & hygiene segments and growing global population is driving the market for super absorbent polymers. However, mature market for diapers in emerging economies are expected to act as a restraint for this market. Rising population and rapid urbanization in emerging economies and development of bio-based super absorbent polymers are expected to offer significant growth opportunities to manufacturers of super absorbent polymers. The major challenge faced by players is the volatile price of raw materials.

In terms of value, the sodium polyacrylate segment is projected to account for the largest share of the super absorbent polymers market, by type, during the forecast period.
Sodium polyacrylate accounted for the largest share of the SAP market in 2018. It is often called the "super slurper" and is widely preferred for its ability to absorb as much as 400–800 times water than its mass. It is also the most commonly used type in personal hygiene products such as baby diapers, adult continence products, sanitary napkins, and agricultural applications.

Personal Hygiene accounts for the largest market share in the SAP market
Personal hygiene is the largest application of SAP. The largest use of SAP is found in personal disposable hygiene products, such as baby diapers, adult protective underwear, and sanitary napkins. Diaper manufacturing is the largest application of SAP worldwide. Due to the increase in birth rate, baby diapers are witnessing rapid growth. Growing population and increased awareness regarding personal hygiene are resulting in the rise in demand for sanitary napkins. Besides baby diapers and sanitary napkins, the demand for adult diapers is also increasing at a higher rate because of the increasing aging population and the growing number of cases of adult incontinence.

The APAC region leads the super absorbent polymers market in terms of value.
APAC is the largest super absorbent polymers market, and this trend is expected to continue until 2026. The region is also projected to grow the fastest during the forecast period. China accounted for the largest market in the region, followed by India, Japan, and South Korea in the year 2020. Much of the growth in demand for SAP in the region is attributed to the growing population and increasing awareness regarding personal hygiene in the region. Penetration of personal hygiene products such as baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and sanitary napkins is relatively low in this region. Thus, there is a huge potential for the growth of this market in APAC.

In-depth interviews were conducted with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), marketing directors, other innovation and technology directors, and executives from various key organizations operating in the super absorbent polymers market, and information was gathered from secondary research to determine and verify the market size of several segments.

  • By Company Type: Tier 1 – 40%, Tier 2 – 35%, and Tier 3 – 25%
  • By Designation: C Level Executives– 35%, Directors – 40%, and Others – 25%
  • By Region: APAC – 40%, Europe – 10%, North America – 25%, the Middle East & Africa – 15%, and South America- 10%


Major players operating in the global super absorbent polymers market include BASF SE (Germany), Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. (Japan), , Evonik Industries AG (Germany), SDP Global Co. Ltd. (Japan), LG Chem Ltd. (South Korea), Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd. (Japan), and Formosa Plastics Co. (Taiwan).

Research Coverage:
This report provides detailed segmentation of the super absorbent polymers market based on type and applications. Based on type, the super absorbent polymers market has been segmented into Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymers, and others. Based on the application, the super absorbent polymers market has been segmented into Personal Hygiene, Agriculture, Medical, Industrial, and others.

Key Benefits of Buying the Report
From an insight perspective, this research report focuses on various levels of analyses ? industry analysis (industry trends), market share ranking of top players, and company profiles, which together comprise and discuss the basic views on the competitive landscape; emerging and high-growth segments of the super absorbent polymers market; high growth regions; and market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges.