Super Absorbent Polymers Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Type (Synthetic and Natural), By Application (Personal Care, Healthcare, Agriculture & Horticulture, and other), By Production Method (Oil & Gas, Construction & Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals/Medical, Military & Defense, Firefighting, and others), and Region Forecast 2020-2031  

Super Absorbent Polymers Market size was valued at US$ 20,962 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 31,938 million by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 6.2% from 2025-2031. The market is the market that focuses on the development and distribution of water-absorbing hydrophilic homopolymers, or copolymers otherwise called super absorbent polymers which have an extraordinarily high liquid absorption and retention capacity relative to their own mass. These polymers, sometimes referred to as hydrogels, have the ability to expand and transform into a gel-like material when in contact with water or other liquids. The unique properties of super absorbent polymers make them highly desirable to be used in a wide range of products that require high absorbency such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and medical dressings. The demand for super absorbent polymers is primarily driven by the growing demand for disposable hygiene products brought on by the rise in global population and urbanization.

Moreover, the growing awareness of personal hygiene and health-related issues has led to an increased demand for hygiene products that offer superior performance and comfort further accelerate the development of the market. Furthermore, advancements in super absorbent polymer technology and focus on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions present possibilities for the expansion of the market. However, super absorbent polymers can be relatively expensive compared to other materials due to the higher cost of production and raw materials which can limit their adoption and ultimately restrict the market growth. Key industry players are establishing partnerships and adopting innovative technologies to develop novel and extraordinary solutions to fllllll the needs of the rising population. For example, in July 2019, DIC Corporation initiated a cooperative research project with Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd. (GEI) to develop naturally produced aspartic acid and a biodegradable aspartic acid-based waterborne superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

Key Developments:

• In March 2021, BASF invested in a new Excellence Center at Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium to accelerate the product development for superabsorbent polymers.
• In September 2022, Sanyo Chemical Industries developed an eco-friendly superabsorbent polymer (SAP) made using plant-based biomass as part of its raw materials.