Middle East & Africa Super Absorbent Polymer Market Forecast to 2030 - Regional Analysis by Type, Category, and Application

The Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market was valued at US$ 523.28 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 758.99 million by 2030; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.8% from 2022 to 2030.

Development of Bio-Based Super Absorbent Polymer Bolsters Middle East & Africa Super Absorbent Polymer Market

Super absorbent polymers have been used in diapers, personal care products, agriculture, and healthcare. Super absorbent polymers are derived from petroleum-based raw materials, contributing to environmental concerns and a reliance on non-renewable resources. In response to these challenges, researchers and companies are actively exploring and advancing the field of bio-based super absorbent polymers. Bio-based super absorbent polymers are derived from renewable resources such as plant starches, cellulose, or biomass. One promising technology involves the utilization of agricultural by-products or waste materials to create these polymers, reducing the environmental impact associated with their production.

This shift toward bio-based alternatives aligns with the global commitment to reducing dependency on fossil fuels and mitigating the ecological footprint of various industries. Scientists are exploring various modification techniques and crosslinking agents to optimize the absorption capacity and gel strength of the bio-based super absorbent polymer. As research progresses and production methods improve, bio-based super absorbent polymers are poised to revolutionize various industries. The development of biodegradable personal care and hygiene products is boosting the demand for bio-based super absorbent polymers.

In May 2023, KNH Enterprise developed a recyclable and eco-friendly sanitary napkin made from bamboo fibers. Rising demand for biodegradable products is prompting market players to invest in research related to bio-based materials. Therefore, the development of bio-based super absorbent polymer is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Middle East & Africa Super Absorbent Polymer Market Overview

According to the Ministry of Health (Saudi Arabia), approximately 290,000 non-critical surgeries were conducted across several regions of Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Health (Saudi Arabia) revealed that the average number of patients added to the waiting list regarding pediatrics and orthopedics in hospitals was approximately 18,000 per month in 2022.

According to a report published by the International Trade Administration in 2022, the government of Kuwait commenced the upgradation of healthcare infrastructure under the National Development Plan with an investment of US$ 104 billion. Adult diapers are widely used by patients experiencing temporary loss of bladder control due to surgical procedures and medical interventions.

The Middle East & Africa faces significant water challenges, with arid and semi-arid regions requiring innovative solutions for water management and crop production. Super absorbent polymers offer promising potential in agriculture due to their ability to retain and release water, improving water use efficiency and drought resilience. The presence of super absorbent polymer manufacturing facilities reduces dependence on imported materials and lowers production costs. Thus, development in healthcare infrastructure, the rising number of patients, and the requirement for water management solutions are expected to create lucrative business opportunities for super absorbent polymer producers.

Middle East & Africa Super Absorbent Polymer Market Segmentation

• The Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market is categorized into type, category, application, and country.
• Based on type, the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market is categorized into polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, sodium polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate, polysaccharides, and others. The sodium polyacrylate segment held the largest market share in 2022.
• In terms of category, the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market is bifurcated into synthetic and biobased. The synthetic segment held a larger market share in 2022.
• By application, the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market is segmented into personal care, agriculture, healthcare, building & construction, and others. The personal care segment held the largest market share in 2022.
• Based on country, the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market is segmented into South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa. The UAE dominated the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market share in 2022.
• LG Chem, Ltd.; BASF SE; Evonik Industries AG; Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd.; and Satellite Chemical Co., Ltd. are some of the leading companies operating in the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market.

Market Highlights

• Based on type, the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market is categorized into polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, sodium polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate, polysaccharides, and others. The sodium polyacrylate segment held 51.7% market share in 2022, amassing US$ 270.44 million. It is projected to garner US$ 407.48 million by 2030 to register 5.3% CAGR during 2022-2030.
• In terms of category, the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market is bifurcated into synthetic and biobased. The synthetic segment held 73.8% share of Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market in 2022, amassing US$ 386.33 million. It is anticipated to garner US$ 549.71 million by 2030 to expand at 4.5% CAGR during 2022-2030.
• The personal care segment held 77.4% share of Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market in 2022, amassing US$ 404.88 million. It is projected to garner US$ 595.55 million by 2030 to expand at 4.9% CAGR from 2022 to 2030.
• This analysis states that the UAE captured 41.9% share of Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market in 2022. It was assessed at US$ 219.49 million in 2022 and is likely to hit US$ 323.46 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.0% during 2022-2030.
• In August 2021, LG Chem claimed in South Korea that it had mass-produced the first "Bio-balanced" SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) in history, which has been certified internationally by International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) Plus and has begun exporting its first product. The ISCC, awarded its ISCC Plus accreditation to SAP. Moreover, it is the first instance of the environmentally friendly integrated brand "LETZero," which LG Chem recently introduced, being used. SAP was transferred from the Yeosu Plant to 'Baby Life,' an LG Chem client in Jordan, where it will be utilized for diaper manufacturing and other purposes.
• In August 2022, Satellite Chemical Co., Ltd. announced the start of operation of the Lianyungang Petrochemical olefin comprehensive utilization project. The company has invested over CNY 33.5 billion in this project. Through this project, the company aims to generate sufficient raw materials that support the construction of new energy, new polymers, and functional chemicals.

Reasons to Buy

• Save and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players, and segments in the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market.
• Highlights key business priorities to assist companies to realign their business strategies.
• The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market, thereby allowing players across the value chain to develop effective long-term strategies.
• Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.
• Scrutinize in-depth Middle East & Africa market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the Middle East & Africa super absorbent polymer market, as well as those hindering it.
• Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to client products, segmentation, pricing, and distribution.