Polyacrylic Acid Market Size & Growth Analysis to 2030

The global polyacrylic acid market size was valued at around USD 4 billion in 2022 and expected to register a significant CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2030. The market is propelled by diverse factors. Growing water treatment demand fuels its use in scale inhibition, chelation, and dispersion. Stringent environmental norms drive its adoption due to its biodegradability. It finds traction in personal care for thickening and stabilizing, while industries use it for coatings, paints, and adhesives due to its dispersing capabilities. Water conservation awareness boosts its presence in superabsorbent polymers. Advances in polymer chemistry expand applications. Urbanization boosts construction material need, aligning with its properties. The shift towards eco-friendly products and investments in R&D further bolster its growth in various industries, substantiating its multifaceted importance.

Market Snapshot:

Market Drivers:

• Growing Demand in Water Treatment: The increased global focus on clean water supply and wastewater management has driven the demand for effective water treatment solutions. Polyacrylic acid is used as a scale inhibitor to prevent mineral scaling in pipes and equipment, as a dispersant to enhance particle separation, and as a chelating agent to bind with heavy metals. Its versatile role in water treatment processes has led to its adoption in municipal and industrial water treatment plants.
• Rising Environmental Concerns: As environmental regulations become stricter, industries are seeking environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional chemicals. Polyacrylic acid is considered less harmful to the environment compared to some other chemicals used for similar purposes. Its biodegradability and low toxicity contribute to its growing popularity, particularly in sensitive applications like water treatment.
• Expanding Personal Care Industry: Polyacrylic acid’s thickening, stabilizing, and water-retention properties make it valuable in the personal care industry. It’s used in formulations of lotions, creams, shampoos, and hair styling products. The personal care industry’s continuous growth and consumers’ demand for effective and safe products have led to an increased incorporation of polyacrylic acid.
• Increasing Industrial Activities: Industries such as textiles, paints, coatings, and adhesives rely on polyacrylic acid’s ability to modify viscosity and disperse particles evenly. In textiles, it aids in dye fixation and color uniformity. The construction industry utilizes polyacrylic acid-based coatings for its anti-corrosion and protective properties. These applications thrive as industrial activities expand globally.
• Rising Awareness of Water Conservation: Water scarcity and the need for efficient water management have driven the demand for superabsorbent polymers, which are used in agriculture to improve soil water retention and in personal care products like diapers and sanitary napkins. Many of these polymers contain polyacrylic acid, contributing to its growth.
• Advancements in Polymer Chemistry: Ongoing research in polymer science has led to the development of innovative polyacrylic acid variants with enhanced properties. These advancements have expanded its application possibilities beyond traditional uses, such as in drug delivery systems and controlled-release formulations.
• Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Rapid urbanization and infrastructure projects require durable and high-performance construction materials. Polyacrylic acid’s role in coatings, paints, and adhesives that offer corrosion resistance, weatherproofing, and improved material bonding aligns with the demands of modern construction practices.
• Shift toward Green and Sustainable Products: Consumer preferences for sustainable and eco-friendly products have influenced manufacturers to explore green alternatives. Polyacrylic acid’s biodegradability and lower environmental impact align with this shift, prompting its use as a sustainable ingredient in various applications.
• Emerging Economies’ Industrialization: As emerging economies industrialize and experience economic growth, the demand for water treatment solutions increases. Industries like chemicals, manufacturing, and power generation require efficient water treatment processes, driving the adoption of polyacrylic acid-based solutions.

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Market Insights:

Market Analysis by Type:

The global polyacrylic acid market is bifurcated into type, grade, form, application, end-use, and geography. Anticipated to secure the largest revenue share in the forecast period, the copolymer segment stands as a pivotal player. Polyacrylic acid copolymers exhibit water solubility, boasting a versatile range of properties and applications. These copolymers can be finely tailored to possess specific attributes, including augmented strength, flexibility, and thermal resilience, rendering them invaluable across industries. Tailoring can extend to niche performance enhancements such as heightened resistance to chemicals, UV radiation, weathering, and superior adhesion. Their multifaceted utility spans roles as thickening agents, emulsion stabilizers, flocculants, and key components in paper and textile processing. Importantly, copolymers can arise from diverse monomers, including acrylic acid, acrylamide, and cationic variants. Their presence is felt significantly in wastewater treatment facilities, enhancing water quality before environmental discharge.

Concurrently, the homopolymer segment is poised to chart rapid revenue growth during the forecast. Homopolymers—polymers composed of identical monomers—are projected to experience swift traction. They shine as adhesives’ binding agents, fortifying adhesive durability and strength. Moreover, homopolymers exhibit prowess in elevating viscosity, toughness, and elasticity within adhesives, with practical applications in realms such as construction, automotive, and packaging. The realm of cosmetics witnesses their influence too, offering thickening, emulsifying, and binding attributes. Their aptitude in crafting stable emulsions—blends of oil and water resistant to separation—aligns with products like lotions and creams. Functionality extends further: homopolymers operate as protective skin barriers and binders in pressed powders. Examples like carbomers in cosmetics as thickening agents and acrylates as film-forming agents exemplify their reach.

Copolymer Polyacrylic Acid: This type consists of polymer chains composed of two different monomers. Copolymers often exhibit enhanced properties compared to homopolymers due to the combination of characteristics from both monomers. In the context of polyacrylic acid, copolymers offer tailored attributes suitable for various applications, such as water treatment, coatings, and personal care products.

Homopolymer Polyacrylic Acid: Homopolymers consist of identical monomers linked together in the polymer chain. In the case of polyacrylic acid, homopolymers offer consistent properties and behavior. They find application in areas like water treatment as scale inhibitors and dispersants, where their uniform structure contributes to predictable performance.

Terpolymer Polyacrylic Acid: Terpolymers contain three distinct monomers in their polymer chains. This type offers a combination of attributes from all three monomers, resulting in versatile properties. Terpolymer polyacrylic acids are utilized in situations where a specific combination of characteristics is required, such as in formulations for adhesives, coatings, or specialized industrial applications.

Market Analysis by End-Use:

On the basis of end-use industry, the polyacrylic acid market is further segmented into wastewater treatment, personal care, detergents and cleaners, and others. The dominant position in the market is held by the wastewater treatment segment. This sector’s prominence arises from polyacrylic acid’s pivotal role in improving water quality before discharge. With heightened environmental regulations and the increasing need for efficient water management, the demand for effective water treatment solutions has grown substantially. Polyacrylic acid’s unique properties, including scale inhibition, dispersion, and chelation, play a critical role in enhancing the quality of water in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. Its ability to address water treatment challenges positions the wastewater treatment segment as the driving force in the market.

Wastewater Treatment: The wastewater treatment sector emerges as a pivotal end-user, relying on polyacrylic acid’s efficacy in scale inhibition, dispersion, and chelation. Its role enhances water quality before discharge, finding application in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. Polyacrylic acid aids in maintaining efficient and environmentally responsible water treatment processes.

Personal Care: The personal care industry prominently utilizes polyacrylic acid for its thickening, stabilizing, and water-retention properties. Shampoos, lotions, creams, and cosmetics benefit from its ability to enhance product texture, appearance, and consistency. Polyacrylic acid contributes to improved formulations that meet consumers’ preferences for effective and aesthetically pleasing personal care products.

Detergents and Cleaners: In the detergents and cleaners sector, polyacrylic acid serves as a multifunctional ingredient. Its dispersing properties prevent soil redeposition on surfaces, while its scale inhibition attributes minimize the buildup of mineral deposits in washing machines and appliances. These benefits contribute to the effectiveness and longevity of cleaning products.

Others: Beyond the primary sectors, polyacrylic acid’s versatility extends to various other applications. In textiles, it aids dye fixation and color uniformity. The construction industry benefits from its inclusion in coatings, paints, and adhesives for enhanced properties. Industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics utilize its unique attributes for specific applications.

The polyacrylic acid market research report presents the analysis of each segment from 2020 to 2030 considering 2022 as the base year for the research. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for each respective segment is calculated for the forecast period from 2023 to 2030.

Historical & Forecast Period

• 2020-21 – Historical Year
• 2022 – Base Year
• 2023-2030 – Forecast Period

Market Segmentation:

By Type:

• CoPolymer
• HomoPolymer
• TerPolymer

By Grade:

• Industrial Grade
• Cosmetic Grade
• Pharmaceutical Grade

By Form:

• Liquid
• Powder

By Application:

• Thickeners
• Dispersing Agents
• Conditioners
• Emulsifiers
• Anti-Scaling
• Ion-Exchangers
• Clarifying Agents
• Others

By End-Use Industry:

• Wastewater Treatment
• Personal Care
• Detergents and Cleaners
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Regional Analysis:

Geographically, the dominant region in the global polyacrylic acid market is Asia-Pacific; the region is experiencing significant growth and influence in the market due to a convergence of compelling factors. The dynamic economies of this region, particularly China and India, have undergone rapid industrialization and urbanization, creating an amplified demand for effective water treatment solutions. In this context, polyacrylic acid’s role in scale inhibition, dispersion, and chelation has become crucial in enhancing water quality for both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. Moreover, the thriving personal care and cosmetics industry in Asia-Pacific has driven the demand for polyacrylic acid as a key ingredient. It’s thickening and stabilizing properties make it essential for formulating a wide range of personal care products, from shampoos to lotions, catering to the diverse preferences of the region’s burgeoning consumer base.

Asia-Pacific’s robust manufacturing base further propels the utilization of polyacrylic acid. The construction and automotive sectors, integral to the region’s growth, benefit from polyacrylic acid’s contributions in coatings, paints, adhesives, and textiles. As these industries expand, the demand for materials that enhance performance and longevity amplifies the need for polyacrylic acid-based solutions. Additionally, the region’s densely populated countries and rising disposable incomes have fueled a heightened demand for efficient cleaning and hygiene products. Polyacrylic acid’s role in detergents and cleaners aligns seamlessly with this trend, driving its application in various household and commercial products that cater to the region’s cleanliness-conscious consumers.

Competitive Landscape:

Some of the prominent market players operating in the global polyacrylic acid market are BASF SE, Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, Kemira Oyj, and SNF Group. Companies are exploring markets through expansion, new investment, the introduction of new services, and collaboration as their preferred strategies. Players are exploring new geography through expansion and acquisition to gain a competitive advantage through joint synergy.

Recent Development:

• In 2022, Lubrizol announced the launch of its new line of polyacrylic acid products for the water treatment market. These products are designed to improve the performance of water treatment systems by providing enhanced flocculation, clarification, and filtration properties.
• In 2021, Dow announced plans to expand its polyacrylic acid production capacity by 100,000 metric tons per year. This expansion is expected to be completed by 2024 and will help Dow meet the growing demand for polyacrylic acid in the global market.
• In 2020, Tinci Materials opened a new production facility in China. This facility is expected to produce 100,000 metric tons of polyacrylic acid per year and will help Tinci Materials meet the growing demand for polyacrylic acid in the Chinese market.
• In 2019, BASF formed a joint venture with Nippon Shokubai to produce polyacrylic acid in China. This joint venture is expected to help BASF and Nippon Shokubai expand their market share in the Chinese market.
• In 2018, Ashland acquired Albemarle’s polyacrylic acid business. This acquisition expanded Ashland’s product portfolio and market reach in the polyacrylic acid market.

Key Companies:

• BASF SE
• Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
• Evonik Industries AG
• Kemira Oyj
• SNF Group
• Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
• Arkema S.A.
• Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.
• LG Chem
• Dow Chemical Company

Key Questions Answered by Polyacrylic Acid Market Report

• Global polyacrylic acid market forecasts from 2023-2030
• Regional market forecasts from 2023-2030 covering Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America
• Country-level forecasts from 2023-2030 covering 15 major countries from the regions as mentioned above
• Polyacrylic acid submarket forecasts from 2023-2030 covering the market by type, application, end-use, and geography
• Various industry models such as SWOT analysis, Value Chain Analysis about the market
• Analysis of the key factors driving and restraining the growth of the global, regional, and country-level polyacrylic acid markets from 2023-2030
• Competitive Landscape and market positioning of top 10 players operating in the market