North America Super Absorbent Polymer Market Forecast to 2030 - Regional Analysis by Type, Category, and Application

The North America super absorbent polymer market was valued at US$ 1.94 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 2.94 billion by 2030; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.3% from 2022 to 2030.

Rising Demand for Hygiene and Incontinence Products Fuels North America Super Absorbent Polymer Market

The rising demand for super absorbent polymers in the personal care industry, owing to their exceptional water-absorbing capacity, favors the market growth. These polymers are commonly used in products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products. Their ability to absorb and retain large amounts of liquid enhances the performance of these products, providing improved comfort and efficiency. The demand for super absorbent polymer rises as consumer preferences incline toward advanced and comfortable personal care products. The growing aging population directly translates to a more extensive customer base for adult diapers. Incontinence can significantly impact an individual's sense of independence.

Adult diapers enable individuals to engage in social interactions, travel, and participate in various activities without fear of accidents or leakage. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people in the world will be 60 years and above, by 2030. The share of the population aged 60 years and above is projected to grow from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030. The world's population aged 60 years and above is projected to double, reaching 2.1 billion. The number of people aged 80 years and above is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 to reach 426 million. The rising utilization of adult incontinence prompted several key companies to launch adult diapers.

Super absorbent polymers are also used in the production of sanitary napkins due to their absorbent properties. The consumer expectations for hygiene and comfort rise continuously, thereby encouraging manufacturers to prioritize the utilization of advanced materials such as super absorbent polymers. Further, improved accessibility to sanitary napkins driven by both governmental and non-governmental efforts has made these products readily available to a large population. Therefore, high demand for hygiene and incontinence products such as diapers and sanitary products positively influences the super absorbent polymer market.

North America Super Absorbent Polymer Market Overview

In North America, the utilization of super absorbent polymer is influenced by the rising demand for baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products. The emphasis on convenience, comfort, and improved absorbency in personal care products has fueled the demand for high-performance super absorbent polymers. According to the National Association for Continence, more than 25 million adults experience urinary incontinence annually in the US. Patients with incontinence and mobility issues require adult diapers, pads, and underpads for absorption of body fluids.

In the healthcare sector, the use of super absorbent polymers in wound care, surgical applications, and incontinence products has also contributed to the expansion of the market. The rising focus on advanced healthcare solutions and innovative materials aligns with the versatile applications of super absorbent polymers in addressing fluid management challenges.

The data published by the Canadian Institute for Health Information revealed that cases of pressure ulcers or bedsores in Canada increased from 3,109 in 2017-2018 to 4,440 for the year ending March 2022. Pressure ulcers are prone to exudate, the fluid discharged from wounds. Super absorbent polymers retain significant amounts of exudate, reducing the frequency of dressing changes. Thus, rising incontinence issues and wound care requirement is expected to drive the demand for super absorbent polymer in the region.

North America Super Absorbent Polymer Market Segmentation

• The North America super absorbent polymer market is categorized into type, category, application, and country.
• Based on type, the North America 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 North America super absorbent polymer market is bifurcated into synthetic and biobased. The synthetic segment held a larger market share in 2022.
• By application, the North America 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 North America super absorbent polymer market is segmented into the US, Canada, and Mexico. The US dominated the North America super absorbent polymer market share in 2022.
• Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd; LG Chem, Ltd.; BASF SE; Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd.; Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.; Evonik Industries AG; Chase Corp; Songwon Industrial Co Ltd; and Satellite Chemical Co., Ltd. are some of the leading companies operating in the North America super absorbent polymer market.

Market Highlights

• Based on type, the North America super absorbent polymer market is categorized into polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, sodium polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate, polysaccharides, and others. The sodium polyacrylate segment held 41.2% market share in 2022, amassing US$ 800.29 million. It is projected to garner US$ 1.27 billion by 2030 to register 6.0% CAGR during 2022-2030.
• In terms of category, the North America super absorbent polymer market is bifurcated into synthetic and biobased. The synthetic segment held 63.2% share of North America super absorbent polymer market in 2022, amassing US$ 1.22 billion. It is anticipated to garner US$ 1.82 billion by 2030 to expand at 5.1% CAGR during 2022-2030.
• The personal care segment held 70.8% share of North America super absorbent polymer market in 2022, amassing US$ 1.37 billion. It is projected to garner US$ 2.11 billion by 2030 to expand at 5.8% CAGR from 2022 to 2030.
• This analysis states that the US captured 83.9% share of North America super absorbent polymer market in 2022. It was assessed at US$ 1.63 billion in 2022 and is likely to hit US$ 2.48 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.4% during 2022-2030.
• 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.
• In July 2023, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals was awarded ISCC PLUS for their use of biomass-derived super absorbent polymer (SAP) in disposable diapers. This environmentally friendly material, primarily made from acrylic acid and caustic soda, contributes to reducing the environmental impact of disposable diapers. The company's commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction is commendable.

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