Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The biodegradable superabsorbent materials market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.91% from estimated value of US$222.244 million in 2024 to US$296.220 million in 2029.

Biodegradable superabsorbent materials are made of polymers with high absorbent rates. Due to their rich biocontent, they are easily degradable. The applicability of such materials is rising in personal hygiene and medical care products. With the ongoing shift towards sustainability and biocompatible material usage, the demand for such materials is estimated to show an upward market trajectory in the long run.

The use of superabsorbent polymers dynamically changed the hygiene industry as the polymer is used in various products, such as feminine sanitary napkins, disposable infant diapers, and adult incontinence. This is because it helps in liquid retention, thereby preventing its leak. Moreover, besides consumer products, biodegradable superabsorbent materials are also finding their way into the agriculture sector. In this sector, they are applied in horticulture to minimize soil nutrient consumption and water content usage, thereby demonstrating the benefits of soil amendments. Besides horticulture, the materials also reduce moisture stress in crops and control the capacity for several pathogens.

Besides agriculture, other sectors such as wastewater treatment and mining also invest in such material usage, further leading to an upward market trajectory.

Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market Drivers:

• The booming demand for hygiene products due to the rising population is expected to boost the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market.

Personal and feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and superabsorbent polymers are added, which are usually made of cotton that improves the absorption capacity. Green Diapers or bio-degradable diapers are cost-effective and can be degraded easily compared to chemical-made diapers that accumulate in landfills and take years to degrade.

Biodegradable diapers contain partially neutralized cross-linked sodium polyacrylate, which is environment-friendly and not toxic for babies. With the growing trend of promoting sustainable materials in baby care products, the demand for superabsorbent material with rich bio content is also expected to increase. Hence, companies are investing in manufacturing facilities to bolster eco-friendly diapers. For instance, in May 2023, ANDRITZ successfully installed a converting line facility in France to produce baby diapers based on 90% sustainable materials.

Additionally, the increase in population is putting pressure on sustainable material demand, propelling the use of biodegradable superabsorbent materials. For instance, according to the Population Reference Bureau's "World Population Data Sheet -2023", the global population is expected to reach 8,901 million by mid-2035 and 9,796 million by mid-2050.

• Favorable efforts to minimize disposable waste have propelled the market expansion.

Disposable diapers are mainly made of non-recyclable polyethylene. With the growing plastic waste on a global scale, the demand for sustainable alternatives with high bio-content is witnessing significant growth. Hence, various governing authorities, such as UNEP, are implementing new policies and schemes to ban traditional plastic usage in every consumer product, including baby diapers.

Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market Geographical Outlook

• North America is expected to hold a considerable market share during the forecast period.

Based on geography, the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market is analyzed into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. The North American market is set to grow at a constant rate. It will capture a considerable market share fuelled by the increasing demand for eco-friendly personal hygiene products, especially for baby care, followed by favorable efforts to minimize plastic waste.

Furthermore, the well-established presence of major market players, namely DSM and BASF, that share a comprehensive product offering for the major regional economies, namely the US and Canada, has furthered the regional market demand for such materials. Likewise, major baby care products manufacturers such as P&G are implementing such materials usage in their products and the North American region accounts for a major portion of their sales. As per P&G corporation's 2023 annual report, baby & feminine care accounted for 17% of the company's total product sales, with North America and specifically the United States accounting for a major share of the segment sales alone.

A rise in the geriatric population in the USA has further increased the demand for adult incontinence products. According to the Administration for Community Living USA, more than 16% of people over 65 represent the USA's population. Awareness regarding female hygiene and demand for products such as sanitary napkins and tampons have further increased the demand for biodegradable superabsorbent materials.

Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market Players and Products:

• AQUALIC(TM) CA: Nippon Shokubai's "AQUALIC(TM) CA" superabsorbent polymers are produced in an integrated system and aim to lessen the environmental load. The SPA's are used in various applications such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, disposable hands & body warmers, pet sheets, and waste liquid solidifiers, among others.
• HySorb: This SAP provided by BASF is produced by polymerizing acrylic acid and sodium acrylate to form a molecular chain. The product marks the company's commitment to contributing to sustainable development and is mainly used in disposable diapers.
• SANWET: "SANWET" is SPD Global's major superabsorbent polymer brand, including more than 20 SAPs required for varied consumer use. The brand production is based on three major technologies: surface modification (for high liquid permeability), precise polymerization (for fast absorption), and particle shape control (for higher absorbency).
• H-600: The H-600 Superabsorbent polymer provided by JRM Chemicals offers a fast absorption rate, with the product reaching up to 70% of its absorption capacity within twenty seconds. The SAP is used in applications where rapid absorption is required. Against tap water, it holds an absorption capacity of 350 times its weight.

Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market Key Developments

• March 2024: The International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG) formed an agreement with Evonik Industries. With this agreement, the latter would sell its superabsorbent polymers business, which is mainly used in diapers and other hygiene products. The final transfer is scheduled to take place in mid-2024.
• October 2023: LG Chem collaborated with GS Caltex Accelerate to develop environment-friendly material 3HP (Hydroxpropionic Acid). The material would serve the company's commitment to promoting biomaterial with applications ranging from coatings materials to super absorbent polymers.
• February 2023: NAGASE CO. LTD, in collaboration with Hayashibara Co., Ltd., successfully developed a super absorbent polymer with a high biomass content. The commercial launch is planned for the 2025 fiscal year, and mass production and facilities are currently being established.
• September 2022: Sanyo Chemical's subsidiary SDP Global Co. Ltd developed an eco-friendly superabsorbent polymer using plant-based biomass. The development was part of the company's effort to address climate change and contribute to carbon neutrality.

The Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market is segmented and analyzed as follows:

By Product

• Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVC)
• Polyitaconic Acid
• Polysaccharide
• Polypeptide

By Application

• Feminine Hygiene
• Agriculture
• Disposable Diapers
• Medical
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Indonesia
• Taiwan
• Others