Polyacrylic Acid Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Sales Channel (Direct, Indirect), By End Use (Water Treatment, Personal Care & Cosmetic, Detergents & Cleanings, Agriculture, Textile & Coatings, Others), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.43 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	3.34%
Fastest Growing Segment	Agriculture
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 7.83 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Polyacrylic Acid Market is projected to grow from USD 6.43 Billion in 2025 to USD 7.83 Billion by 2031 at a 3.34% CAGR. Polyacrylic Acid (PAA) is a synthetic, high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid, primarily utilized as a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in personal hygiene products and as a thickening or dispersing agent in paints, coatings, and water treatment systems. The market is fundamentally supported by the rising global demand for disposable hygiene items, such as diapers and adult incontinence products, driven by aging populations in developed nations and increasing urbanization in emerging economies. Additionally, the robust expansion of the construction and automotive sectors further fuels the consumption of PAA-based formulations in high-performance adhesives and surface coatings.

Despite these strong drivers, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the volatility of raw material prices, particularly for propylene, which creates cost instability and squeezes manufacturer margins. This economic pressure complicates supply chain management and can hinder investment in capacity. Illustrating the scale of the sector most affected by these dynamics, according to EDANA, in 2024, the hygiene market, which serves as the primary application for superabsorbent polyacrylic acid, accounted for 797,300 tonnes of nonwovens deliveries in Greater Europe.

Key Market Drivers

The escalating demand for Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) in personal hygiene products serves as the primary catalyst for the Global Polyacrylic Acid Market. Polyacrylic acid is the foundational backbone for manufacturing SAPs, which are utilized extensively in disposable diapers, adult incontinence items, and feminine hygiene products. As urbanization accelerates and aging populations in developed regions require advanced care solutions, chemical manufacturers are aggressively expanding production capabilities to secure supply chains. Illustrating this expansion, according to Nippon Shokubai, July 2024, the company formalized a decision to construct a new SAP plant in Indonesia with an annual production capacity of 50,000 metric tons to align with surging consumption in high-growth markets. This direct link between critical hygiene necessities and polymer consumption underscores the market's heavy reliance on the personal care sector for sustained volume growth.

Simultaneously, the rising necessity for industrial water treatment and scale inhibition acts as a vital industrial driver. In sectors such as power generation and chemical processing, polyacrylic acid serves as a highly effective dispersant and antiscalant, preventing mineral deposits that compromise equipment efficiency. Stringent environmental regulations regarding wastewater discharge further compel industries to adopt these advanced chemical treatments to maintain operational compliance. Highlighting the scale of this segment, according to Kurita Water Industries, October 2025, in the 'MD&A and Consolidated Financial Statements', the General Industry segment, which encompasses water treatment chemicals, achieved net sales of ¥227,693 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. To support such downstream applications, upstream infrastructure remains robust; according to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, April 2024, their Kochi Refinery operates a massive Acrylic Acid plant with a capacity of 160 KTPA, ensuring consistent raw material availability for these diverse market needs.

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Key Market Challenges

The volatility of raw material prices, particularly for propylene, stands as a primary obstacle directly hampering the growth of the Global Polyacrylic Acid Market. Since polyacrylic acid is synthesized from acrylic acid—a downstream derivative of propylene—any fluctuation in petrochemical costs creates immediate financial instability for manufacturers. This unpredictability forces producers to operate with squeezed profit margins and complicates the pricing strategies required to remain competitive in cost-sensitive sectors like personal hygiene and construction. Consequently, manufacturers often delay capacity expansions or reduce operational output to mitigate financial risk, which restricts the supply of superabsorbent polymers despite rising global demand.

This uncertain cost environment negatively impacts the broader chemical manufacturing landscape, stalling investment and production momentum. When feedstock prices spike, the inability to forecast expenses accurately disrupts supply chain management and deter capital allocation for new infrastructure. The severity of this impact is reflected in recent industry performance data. According to the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), in the first half of 2025, chemical output in the European Union contracted by 2.4% compared to the same period in the prior year. This decline highlights how persistent input cost volatility and economic pressure are actively constraining production volumes and impeding overall market expansion.

Key Market Trends

The Emergence of Bio-based Polyacrylic Acid Production is reshaping the supply chain by addressing the critical challenge of petrochemical volatility. Manufacturers are increasingly commercializing sustainable production routes using renewable feedstocks to meet the environmental standards of downstream buyers, decoupling production costs from fluctuating oil prices. According to LG Chem, February 2025, in a corporate press release, the company accelerated the commercial production of 100% bio-acrylic acid derived from 3-hydroxypropionic acid with an initial annual capacity of 100 metric tons. This pivot allows producers to offer carbon-neutral alternatives that maintain high-performance absorbency while mitigating the financial risks of fossil-fuel dependence.

Simultaneously, the Rise of Eco-friendly and Clean Label Cosmetic Formulations is driving the development of biodegradable polyacrylic acid derivatives. Consumer demand for "clean beauty" compels brands to replace conventional synthetic thickeners with polymers offering superior rheology and improved environmental profiles. This trend forces suppliers to innovate functionalized carbomers that deliver suspension stability without contributing to microplastic pollution. According to Lubrizol, December 2025, in the '2025 Innovations' report, the company released the Carbopol BioSense Polymer, a readily biodegradable rheology modifier sourced from eucalyptus. Such innovations enable cosmetic manufacturers to maintain premium product texture while adhering to sustainability mandates, creating a high-value growth avenue distinct from the commodity hygiene market.

Segmental Insights

The Agriculture segment is currently positioning itself as the fastest-growing category within the Global Polyacrylic Acid Market due to the rising application of superabsorbent polymers for soil conditioning. Polyacrylic acid is utilized to create hydrogels that significantly enhance moisture retention, addressing critical challenges related to water scarcity and irrigation efficiency. Furthermore, the material functions as an essential dispersing agent in liquid fertilizers, facilitating the uniform distribution of nutrients to crops. This increased reliance on advanced soil management solutions to secure crop yields in changing climatic conditions is driving the rapid expansion of this segment.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific maintains a dominant position in the Global Polyacrylic Acid Market, primarily driven by rapid industrialization in China and India. The region exhibits a strong requirement for water treatment chemicals to address wastewater challenges from expanding manufacturing bases. Additionally, the growing personal care and detergent sectors significantly boost product consumption. Regulatory pressures regarding water quality, monitored by institutions like China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, necessitate the use of effective scale inhibitors and dispersants, thereby reinforcing the high demand for polyacrylic acid throughout the region.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, SNF Group signed a definitive agreement to acquire the oil and gas division of Syensqo, a move valued at an enterprise value of €135 million. This strategic acquisition was designed to enhance the company's portfolio of water-soluble polymers, which are critical for applications in stimulation, cementing, and enhanced oil recovery. By integrating these new assets, the company aimed to consolidate its position as a global leader in polyacrylamide and polyacrylic acid-based chemistries. The transaction allowed the firm to expand its technical capabilities and customer base within the energy sector, ensuring a more robust supply chain for its specialty chemical solutions.
• In February 2025, LG Chem commenced the prototype production of a novel bio-acrylic acid at its facilities in South Korea. The company successfully developed a proprietary process to produce this material using 3-hydroxypropionic acid derived from the microbial fermentation of plant-based raw materials such as corn. This development marked a significant breakthrough in the industry, as the new bio-acrylic acid possesses the same molecular structure and properties as conventional petroleum-based versions but with a substantially reduced carbon footprint. The company announced plans to supply this sustainable monomer for the manufacturing of superabsorbent polymers, paints, and adhesives, targeting eco-conscious markets in North America and Europe.
• In August 2024, Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. formalized a decision to expand its production capabilities by constructing a new superabsorbent polymer plant in Indonesia. The facility, projected to have an annual capacity of 50,000 metric tons, represented an investment of approximately 110 million US dollars and was scheduled for mechanical completion by 2027. This expansion was aimed at strengthening the company’s global supply network and capitalizing on the rising demand for superabsorbent polymers in the Asian market. The project also highlighted the company's strategy to leverage its vertically integrated production system, ensuring a stable supply of acrylic acid, the key raw material for these polymers, from its existing local operations.
• In April 2024, Lubrizol Life Science Beauty announced the launch of a new sustainable polymer technology known as Carbopol Fusion S-20. This innovative product was introduced as the first inherently biodegradable rheology modifier in the company's portfolio, specifically designed to align with the twelve principles of green chemistry. The polymer provides thickening and suspension properties similar to traditional acrylates copolymers but is derived from starch and offers a high natural origin content. This launch underscored the company's strategic commitment to developing eco-friendly ingredients for the personal care sector, addressing growing consumer demand for biodegradable and sustainable formulation solutions without compromising on performance or sensory experience.

Key Market Players

• BASF SE
• The Dow Chemical Company
• Lubrizol Corporation
• Arkema SA
• NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.
• Evonik Industries AG
• Ashland Inc.
• TOAGOSEI CO., LTD.
• SNF Group
• Kao Corporation

By Sales Channel	By End Use	By Region
Direct Indirect	Water Treatment Personal Care & Cosmetic Detergents & Cleanings Agriculture Textile & Coatings Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Polyacrylic Acid Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Polyacrylic Acid Market, By Sales Channel:

• Direct
• Indirect

• Polyacrylic Acid Market, By End Use:

• Water Treatment
• Personal Care & Cosmetic
• Detergents & Cleanings
• Agriculture
• Textile & Coatings
• Others

• Polyacrylic Acid Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE