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, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Polyacrylic Acid (PAA) Market was valued at USD 6277.10 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8128.39 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 2.96% during the forecast period. One of the primary drivers of the global polyacrylic acid market is the rising demand for water treatment solutions. PAA’s high water absorbency and dispersing properties make it an ideal choice for water and wastewater treatment applications. The growing need for effective and efficient water treatment solutions is thus contributing significantly to the market’s expansion. Additionally, the increasing demand for high-quality cosmetic formulations is fueling PAA’s use in the personal care sector. PAA is used extensively as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetic products, which further supports its market growth.

Moreover, the detergent industry is benefiting from PAA’s ability to enhance cleaning efficiency and prevent scale formation. This functionality makes it a sought-after ingredient in various cleaning products, driving its continued demand. PAA also plays a vital role in the paints and coatings industry, where it contributes to the durability and performance of these products. As the global demand for durable and high-performance paints increases, PAA’s usage in this sector is expected to rise steadily.

Key Market Drivers

Growth in Personal Care Industry

The global skin care market is expected to generate a revenue of USD 198.35 billion in 2025. South Korea is at the forefront of this market, known for its innovative and highly effective beauty products. As consumer demand for skin and hair care products continues to rise, Polyacrylic Acid’s role as a critical ingredient has grown in importance. PAA is widely used as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer in various cosmetic and personal care formulations. With the growing emphasis on advanced skincare regimes, anti-aging products, and hair care treatments, Polyacrylic Acid has become essential due to its ability to enhance texture, improve stability, and deliver superior performance in formulations. The increasing popularity of premium and niche skincare products, driven by higher consumer spending and awareness, is further propelling the demand for PAA in the personal care sector.

Another trend driving the growth of the Polyacrylic Acid market is the rising consumer preference for multifunctional personal care products. Carbopol 2984 polymer is a white, cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer, formulated using a toxicologically preferred cosolvent system. As the most highly crosslinked powdered Carbopol polymer, it delivers exceptionally low viscosity at concentrations below 0.2%, and very high viscosity at concentrations exceeding 0.5%. It features short flow properties and a creamy sensory profile, making it an ideal rheology modifier for applications in lotions, creams, and styling gels. Polyacrylic Acid plays a key role in the development of such products by offering multiple benefits in a single formula. For example, it acts as both a thickening agent and a binder, improving the texture and performance of products such as lotions, sunscreens, and hair conditioners. The ability to meet diverse consumer needs in a single product is becoming a significant market driver, making PAA a critical ingredient in product innovation.

Growth in Agriculture Industry

The growth in the agriculture industry has emerged as a significant driver of the global polyacrylic acid market due to the increasing demand for efficient and sustainable agricultural solutions. The gross production value in the agriculture market is forecasted to reach USD 4.82 trillion by 2025. Meanwhile, the import value is expected to total USD 939.5 billion, and the export value is projected to amount to USD 865.2 billion by the same year. Polyacrylic acid, known for its water retention and soil conditioning properties, has found extensive applications in agricultural products such as superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and soil amendments. These applications have gained traction as the agricultural sector seeks to improve water management, enhance crop yields, and address the challenges posed by climate change.

One of the key factors driving polyacrylic acid demand in agriculture is its role in water conservation. With growing concerns over water scarcity and unpredictable weather patterns, especially in regions that experience droughts, polyacrylic acid-based products are increasingly used in the form of soil conditioners and hydrogel products. These materials help retain water in the soil, ensuring that crops receive a consistent supply of moisture, which is vital for their growth and productivity. This not only supports higher agricultural yields but also reduces the need for frequent irrigation, making farming practices more sustainable and resource-efficient.

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Key Market Challenges

Volatility in Raw Material Prices

Volatility in raw material prices represents a significant challenge for the global polyacrylic acid (PAA) market. Acrylic acid, the primary raw material used in the production of polyacrylic acid, is subject to fluctuating prices driven by factors such as global supply-demand imbalances, geopolitical tensions, and disruptions in key production regions. This volatility can lead to increased manufacturing costs, making it difficult for companies to maintain stable profit margins and competitive pricing structures.

The price instability of acrylic acid can create uncertainty in the market, affecting not only manufacturers but also downstream industries that rely on polyacrylic acid as a key ingredient. For instance, industries such as water treatment, personal care, and paints, which are major consumers of PAA, may face higher product costs, potentially leading to price hikes for end consumers. These price increases could, in turn, reduce the overall demand for polyacrylic acid-based products, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

Key Market Trends

Growth in Construction Industry

As the construction industry evolves, there is a growing demand for high-performance materials that offer enhanced durability, efficiency, and sustainability. The Engineering and Construction industry plays a crucial role in shaping the environment, economy, and society. Notably, infrastructure development is responsible for a substantial 79% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, investments in infrastructure aimed at ensuring the continuity of essential services and safeguarding communities from the adverse effects of climate change represent 88% of total climate adaptation expenditures. Polyacrylic Acid plays a critical role in improving the properties of construction products, particularly in the formulation of cement, adhesives, and coatings. PAA is used as a dispersing agent in cement-based formulations, enabling better workability and adhesion while reducing the amount of water required in the mix. As the demand for high-quality and efficient construction materials increases, the need for additives like Polyacrylic Acid is expected to continue to rise, further boosting market growth.

With the advent of smart building technologies, there is an increasing demand for advanced construction materials that can adapt to changing environmental conditions. Polyacrylic Acid’s ability to improve the functionality of materials by enhancing water retention, adhesion, and film formation makes it a valuable component in the development of smart coatings, sealants, and adhesives. The growing adoption of smart technologies in construction—such as self-healing concrete, temperature-responsive materials, and energy-efficient coatings—has opened up new opportunities for Polyacrylic Acid applications, driving further growth in the global market.

Segmental Insights

Sales Channel Insights

Based on Sales Channel, Direct have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the Global Polyacrylic Acid Market in 2024. In the agriculture sector, direct applications of polyacrylic acid are particularly prominent in the form of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) used for soil conditioning and water retention. These products are increasingly adopted by farmers seeking to optimize water usage and improve soil health, especially in regions facing water scarcity. The direct incorporation of polyacrylic acid into hydrogel products that can be directly applied to the soil allows for immediate effectiveness and long-term benefits, which has made it a fast-growing area within the market.

End Use Insights

Based on End Use, Detergents & Cleanings have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the Global Polyacrylic Acid Market during the forecast period. As the global demand for household and industrial cleaning products rises, driven by consumer hygiene awareness and industrial cleanliness standards, polyacrylic acid is increasingly being incorporated into laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and surface cleaners. The growth of the detergents and cleaning segment is also fueled by the increasing shift toward concentrated formulas, where PAA plays a pivotal role in ensuring the stability and uniformity of concentrated products.

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Regional Insights

Based on Region, Asia Pacific have emerged as the dominating region in the Global Polyacrylic Acid Market in 2024. Asia-Pacific, particularly countries like China, India, and Japan, is home to a vast and rapidly growing industrial sector. The region boasts a strong manufacturing base that not only supports the production of polyacrylic acid but also utilizes it across various applications, including personal care, construction, and water treatment. The availability of low-cost raw materials and advanced manufacturing infrastructure in these countries has positioned Asia-Pacific as a cost-effective production hub for PAA.

Recent Development

• In April 2025, Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly oversaw the signing of key contracts for the first phase of the Red Sea Petrochemical Complex, a milestone in Egypt's industrial transformation. These agreements designate the Sino-Egyptian joint venture to lead the basic design of the large-scale project in Ain Sokhna. The collaboration between Red Sea National Petrochemical Company, CNCEC, ENPPI, and Petrojet will help shape the preliminary design and establish the groundwork for producing various petrochemicals, including polyacrylic acid (PAA), which has widespread applications in industries like water treatment and personal care. This project will enhance Egypt's role in the global petrochemical market, particularly in the production of PAA.
• In August 2024, BASF made a strategic shift towards the biotransformation of their (Meth)Acrylate portfolio by transitioning to bio-based Ethyl Acrylate (EA), a key precursor for polyacrylic acid (PAA) production. This transition results in a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) reduction of approximately 30% compared to traditional fossil-based EA. Polyacrylic acid, widely used in applications such as superabsorbents, paints, and coatings, can benefit significantly from this shift as BASF also offers bio-based Ethyl Acrylate BMB ISCC Plus. This variant, with its ISCC Plus certification, maintains a reduced carbon footprint by sourcing the remaining carbon content from fossil-based acrylic acid. By applying BASF’s Biomass Balance (BMB) approach, the bio-based EA version used in PAA production delivers an even further reduced carbon footprint, reinforcing BASF's commitment to sustainability in the polyacrylic acid supply chain.
• In July 2024, ZymoChem, a leading biotechnology firm committed to developing sustainable materials for everyday applications, introduced BAYSE, the world’s first scalable, 100% bio-based, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). This innovative breakthrough is set to disrupt the USD 145 billion global hygiene industry, providing a more sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic SAPs. BAYSE functions as a drop-in replacement for conventional fossil fuel-based SAPs, such as polyacrylic acid (PAA), which is widely used in disposable absorbent hygiene products like infant diapers. While polyacrylic acid, derived from petroleum, has been the standard in SAP applications, BAYSE offers a bio-based, eco-friendly solution that aligns with growing sustainability goals across the industry.
• In September 2024, a research team successfully developed transition-metal sulfide-based lithium batteries by coating iron sulfide cathodes with polymers, including polyacrylic acid. This innovation led to batteries with enhanced stability and safety. After 300 cycles, a lithium carbide iron disulfide pouch cell retained 72.0% of its capacity, with no degradation observed after 100 cycles. Remarkably, one of the fabricated battery pouch cells continued to function even after being folded and severed, highlighting its high safety for practical applications. The team emphasized that polyacrylic acid, as part of the polymer coating, contributed to the stability of the cathode, enhancing its electrochemical performance. Conversion-type transition-metal sulfides (MSx), including those coated with polyacrylic acid, are gaining attention as promising cathodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their low cost, widespread availability, and high energy density.

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

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:

o   Direct

o   Indirect

• Polyacrylic Acid Market, By End Use:

o   Water Treatment

o   Personal Care & Cosmetic

o   Detergents & Cleanings

o   Agriculture

o   Textile & Coatings

o   Others

• Polyacrylic Acid Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Polyacrylic Acid Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Polyacrylic Acid Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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