Europe Superabsorbent Polymers Market

Europe Superabsorbent Polymers Market Outlook 2031

• The Europe superabsorbent polymers market was valued over US$ 2.1 Bn in 2020
• It is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2021 to 2031
• The Europe superabsorbent polymers market is expected to surpass the value of US$ 3.8 Bn by the end of 2031

Analysts’ Viewpoint on Europe Superabsorbent Polymers Market

Even as global sales order has been altered due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, manufacturers in the Europe superabsorbent polymers market are capitalizing on revenue opportunities through eCommerce and mobile shopping apps to boost essential product sales. Since recycling of superabsorbent polymers from diapers and other feminine hygiene products is challenging, participants in the market should gain proficiency in recovering materials from used consumer products to attenuate their environmental impact. Thus, to achieve this, manufacturers should use recovered superabsorbent materials in water retention application for agriculture in drought-stricken countries. Superabsorbent fabrics on the other hand are creating revenue opportunities for manufacturers in packaging applications.

Wide Application of Superabsorbent Polymers to Boost Market Growth

Companies in the Europe superabsorbent polymers market are making use of sodium polyacrylate to manufacture diapers. Apart from diapers, manufacturers are unlocking revenue opportunities in gardening, forestry, and landscaping as a means of conserving water. Even though superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are gaining prominence in disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products, it is potentially challenging to recycle these materials through open- or closed-loop processes. Hence, participants in the superabsorbent polymers market are focusing on the recovery of materials rather recycling. For instance, the recovered superabsorbent polymers are being explored for enhancing the water retention properties of soil.

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Essential Hygiene Products Keep Manufacturers Financially Afloat amid COVID-19 Crisis

The COVID-19 crisis has altered manufacturing activities in the Europe superabsorbent polymers market. Manufacturers are focusing on positive or limited negative industries such as healthcare, packaging, and agriculture industries to stay financially afloat. The unprecedented demand for essential products including diapers, adult incontinence products, and sanitary products under the hygiene products list is helping manufacturers to keep their economies running.

Companies in the Europe superabsorbent polymers market are strategizing on business activities to adapt to fluctuating demand and supply trends. They are increasing efforts to minimize lead times during the entire production cycle. Participants in the market are offering on-demand products and services to ensure business continuity. Due to a sudden surge in Omicron variant cases amongst individuals, production activities are anticipated to grow at a staggered rate.

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Combination of Natural and Synthetic Polymer Holds Better Agriculture Prospects

The issue of water shortages and droughts in agriculture are fueling demand for superabsorbent polymers that hold potential to retain moisture in soil and reduce irrigation water consumption. As such, natural SAPs such as cellulose, starch, and chitosan are emerging as an alternative to synthetic SAPs. However, natural SAPs are linked with issues in extraction process since this process is relatively complex and tends to cost more than using synthetic polymers. Hence, participants in the market are boosting R&D efforts to innovate in a combination of natural and synthetic SAPs to achieve reduced irrigation water consumption in agriculture.

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Manufacturers Build Diverse Product Portfolio in Superabsorbent Polymers

Manufacturers are boosting output capacities for superabsorbent rolled goods, solution superabsorbents and blood superabsorbents. Superabsorbent rolled goods are gaining prominence in dental, filtration, and labeling applications. Solution superabsorbents, on the other hand, are being used for manufacturing yarns, fabrics, and nonwovens.

Manufacturers in the superabsorbent polymers market are innovating in blood superabsorbents that are being publicized for high absorption, easy to use, and low dust attributes. These superabsorbents can be used for whole blood or blood mixtures, medical waste solidification, and spill control. Manufacturers are increasing the availability of all-purpose superabsorbents that deliver excellent combination of absorption against pressure and capacity.

Superabsorbent Needlepunch Fabrics Become Ideal for Medical and Packaging Applications

The growing demand for superabsorbent fabrics are translating into value-grab opportunities for manufacturers in the superabsorbent polymers market. Companies are developing a wide range of disposable and washable superabsorbent nonwoven fabrics, all containing unique super absorbent fiber technology. These absorbent fabrics are being supplied in roll format and are ideal for a wide range of consumer, industrial, and environmental applications.

Superabsorbent needlepunch fabrics are being extensively used in medical, filtration, and packaging applications. Such trends are contributing to the growth of the global superabsorbent polymers market. Technical felt-like materials offer great strength and integrity due to the nature of mechanical bonding i.e. needling, used during manufacture. Long, superabsorbent fiber grades are typically blended with other synthetic fibers to manufacture needlepunch nonwovens.

Europe Superabsorbent Polymers Market: Overview

• According to Transparency Market Research’s latest research report on the superabsorbent polymers market for Europe region for the base year 2020 and the forecast period 2020 to 2031, rise in demand for disposable baby diapers and increase in demand for wound management products are expected to boost the superabsorbent polymers market during the forecast period
• Superabsorbent polymer is primarily used in the manufacture of hygienic products such as baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products

Diverse Applications of Superabsorbent Polymers: Key Driver of Europe Superabsorbent Polymers Market

• Superabsorbent polymers are capable of absorbing up to 100 times their own weight of liquid and forming a gel that locks fluids. In addition to baby diapers, superabsorbent polymers are widely used in sanitary napkins and adult hygiene products. Superabsorbent polymers are added in the form of an absorbent layer at the core of the diaper, which helps them absorb the liquid that is then converted into gel. This protects the baby from rashes. Furthermore, increase in population has led to a rise in birth rates. This has contributed to growth in usage of baby diapers. In turn, this is expected to boost the demand for superabsorbent polymers across the globe.
• Non-profit organizations organize various awareness programs regarding hygiene in rural areas in developing countries. This boosts the demand for superabsorbent polymers. Furthermore, growth in metropolitan population and improvement in diaper quality are propelling the demand for superabsorbent polymers. Rise in spending capacity of average-earning individuals is augmenting the emphasis on hygienic products. This is driving the demand for superabsorbent polymers.
• Increase in wound care management also a key driver factor; wound care products provide a physical barrier between the injury site and the outside environment, thus preventing further infection of the skin. Rise in incidence of diseases such as diabetic ulcer, pressure ulcer, and venous stasis ulcer has boosted the demand for advanced injury care products such as superabsorbent polymer-based products. Europe has a wide consumer base for wound dressings due to the rise in geriatric population, growth in incidence of chronic wounds, and increase in preference for high-quality health care products in the region. According to a news release published by the Euro stat, population of Europe stood at almost 448 million in 2020. The geriatric population accounted for 20.6% of the total population in Europe in the same year.
• Increase in need for reliable and high-performance products; rise in number of surgeries; and growth in awareness about health among the people are key factors boosting the demand for superabsorbent polymers

Major Challenges of Europe Superabsorbent Polymers Market

• Volatile prices of raw materials is a key restraint of the Europe superabsorbent polymers market. Acrylic acid, which is manufactured from propylene, is the key raw material used for the production of superabsorbent polymers. Fluctuation in raw material prices is a major point of concern for manufacturers of superabsorbent polymers, as the price of acrylic acid is susceptible to fluctuations in crude oil prices.
• Tightening supply of acrylic acid led by fluctuations in supply as well as prices of raw materials has affected the Europe superabsorbent polymers market adversely. For instance, in May 2018, Evonik Industries AG raised prices of superabsorbent polymers by 15% in Europe as well as the U.S., due to high prices of raw materials in these geographies.
• Outbreak of COVID-19 is also one of the major challenges faced by the market. Prices of crude oil have dropped drastically due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Demand for crude oil is so low at the moment that oil-producing countries are running out of space to store crude oil. They may have to opt for further production cuts if the demand outlook does not improve.

Development of Bio-based Superabsorbent Polymers Offers Lucrative Opportunities for Europe Superabsorbent Polymers Market

• Increase in consumer focus on sustainability and rise in environment-related awareness have augmented the demand for alternatives for petroleum-based polymers. Bio-based superabsorbent polymers limit the level of harmful emissions in the atmosphere and ensure pollution-free environment. A large number of superabsorbent polymer manufacturers are expected to enter the Europe bio-based superabsorbent polymers market, due to rising environment-related concerns about petroleum-based products and regulatory support to their bio-based alternatives.
• Raw materials used in the production of bio-based SAPs include cellulose, chitin, starch, and natural gums. Demand for these materials is high. This has prompted several companies to develop processes to produce bio acrylic acid. In September 2019, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), a U.S.-based provider of agricultural processors and food ingredients, and LG Chem Ltd, a South Korea-based manufacturer, announced a joint development agreement (JDA) to develop bio-based acrylic acid, a foundational element required in the manufacture of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) used in a range of hygiene products, including diapers. As customers are focusing more on sustainable alternatives, ADM and LG Chem Ltd are looking for new methods to diversify their product mix.

Europe Superabsorbent Polymers Market: Competition Landscape

• The Europe superabsorbent polymers market was highly fragmented in 2020, with the presence of leading manufacturers such as BASF SE, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, LG Chem Ltd., and Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd. These accounted for nearly 68% share of the superabsorbent polymers market in Europe in 2020.
• Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. and Evonik Industries AG accounted for 16.3% and 15.5% market share, respectively, in 2020
• Other notable players in superabsorbent polymers market include Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd and Sanyo Chemical Industries. In May 2017, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd expanded its production facilities of superabsorbent polymers at Sumitomo Seika Polymers Korea Co., Ltd.

Europe Superabsorbent Polymers Market Snapshot

Europe Superabsorbent Polymers Market – Segmentation

TMR’s research study assesses the superabsorbent polymers market in Europe in terms of resin, application, and region. This report presents extensive market dynamics and trends associated with different segments of the market and how they are influencing growth prospects for the superabsorbent polymers market.