Water-soluble Polymer - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Water-soluble Polymer Market size is estimated at USD 38.66 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 49.34 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of greater than 5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the water-soluble polymer market. Reduced industrial activity, supply chain disruptions, and changes in consumer behavior affected demand for water-soluble polymers in these industries. Many industries utilizing water-soluble polymers, such as water treatment, textiles, personal care, and food processing, experienced slowdowns or temporary shutdowns during the pandemic. However, as economic conditions improved and projects resumed, the demand for polymers used in the abovementioned industries increased.

The factors driving the market's growth are the growing shale gas industry in North America and the rising demand for water-soluble polymers from the global water treatment industry.

However, fluctuations in raw material prices are expected to hamper the growth of the water-soluble polymer market during the forecast period.

The rising demand for bio-based acrylamide and growing applications of water-soluble polymers in the pharmaceutical industry are expected to offer various opportunities for manufacturers during the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific dominated the global water-soluble polymer market, and it is projected to hold the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Water-soluble Polymer Market Trends

The Water Treatment Industry is Expected to Dominate the Market during the Forecast Period

• Stringent regulations for water quality and environmental protection drive the demand for water treatment solutions. Water-soluble polymers play a crucial role in water treatment processes by aiding in the removal of contaminants, such as organic matter, suspended solids, and heavy metals, from wastewater and drinking water sources to meet regulatory standards.
• Investments in municipal infrastructure, such as sewage treatment plants, and industrial infrastructure, including chemical processing facilities, pulp and paper mills, and textile manufacturing plants, drive the demand for water treatment chemicals, including water-soluble polymers. These polymers are utilized for various purposes, such as sludge dewatering, sedimentation, and thickening, in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment processes.
• Global industrial production, excluding the United States, increased by 0.67 in January 2023, according to the data published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
• The German water treatment market is the largest in Europe. The increasing water treatment activities, primarily in the country's northern region, are boosting the demand for water treatment polymers. According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment and Nature Conservation, the country's water supply and wastewater treatment industries account for about EUR 22 billion ( approximately USD 23.33 billion) annually.
• In January 2024, Gradiant's H+E won a contract in Germany to build a water treatment facility for one of the largest semiconductor fabs. The project is expected to commence soon and be completed in 2025.
• According to the report published by the Ministry of Jal Shakti of the Government of India, 61.5% of the rural population had access to safe and adequate drinking water in their premises through a pipe system during the financial year 2022. In recent years, the number of rural people in India who have access to safe drinking water has increased significantly, from less than 40% in the financial year 2016.
• There is a growing emphasis on sustainable water management practices and the use of eco-friendly chemicals in water treatment processes. Water-soluble polymers that are biodegradable and non-toxic are preferred choices for eco-conscious industries and governments aiming to reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring effective water treatment.
• Due to these factors, the growth in the water treatment industry is anticipated to drive the market over the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific is Expected to Dominate the Market during the Forecast Period

• Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid industrialization, leading to increased demand for water-soluble polymers across various industries such as water treatment, food processing, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and agriculture.
• Agriculture is a significant industry in many Asia-Pacific countries. Water-soluble polymers are used in agriculture for soil conditioning, erosion control, and improving water retention in arid and semi-arid regions. As agricultural practices modernize and mechanize, the demand for these polymers is expected to rise.
• According to Statistics Indonesia and the Ministry of Agriculture Indonesia, the production volume of palm oil in Indonesia increased from 34.94 million metric tons in 2017 to 45.58 million metric tons in 2022.
• According to the data published by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the production volume of corn in the Philippines reached 8.26 million metric tons in 2022, which increased from 7.22 million metric tons in 2016.
• The Asia-Pacific construction industry is booming, especially in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Water-soluble polymers are extensively used in construction materials such as cementitious systems, mortars, and grouts, contributing to their dominance in the market.
• According to the report released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the total investment in construction in Japan increased from CNY 61.83 trillion (USD 0.41 trillion) in 2018 to CNY 70.32 trillion (USD 0.47 trillion) in 2023.
• Based on the abovementioned factors, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the water-soluble polymer market during the forecast period.

Water-soluble Polymer Industry Overview

The water-soluble polymer market is fragmented in nature. The major players (not in any particular order) include SNF Group, Ashland, DuPont, CP Kelco U.S. Inc., and Arkema.

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