The global biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP) market was worth USD 134.2 million in 2017 and is projected to witness significant growth with a CAGR exceeding 6% over the forecast period. An increasing number of applications of the material in agriculture and construction sectors among others is helping in driving the global biodegradable super absorbent polymers market size.

Super absorbent polymers are cross-linked polyelectrolytes with a very high molecular mass that are capable of absorbing liquid which is 10 times their mass. Thus, super absorbent polymers are used for applications which require high absorption rate such as in baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products among others.

Biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP) is a category of super absorbent polymers which are made from natural sources such as polysaccharide and polypeptide. Growing inclination towards adopting bio-based super absorbent polymers across the globe is propelling the biodegradable super absorbent polymers market size.

The global Biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymers market is expected to develop USD 19.94 billion by 2030, at a compound annual increase in price (CAGR) of 7.5% .

Superabsorbent polymers are a class of polymeric chains that are capable of absorbing large amount of aqueous fluid, particularly body fluids such as urine or blood. They retain a large amount of aqueous fluid which can be as high as 100 times the dry weight of these polymers. Owing to these properties, superabsorbent polymers are largely used for diapers and sanitary napkins. Sodium polyacrylate and polyacrylamide copolymer are among the major polymers applied for making these products. Among biodegradable sources, absorbent polymers are mainly based on saccharides such as starch and cellulose. Owing to disposal issues of traditional superabsorbent polymers, biodegradable polymers are now getting high attention, both from manufacturers, researchers, and consumers.

Personal care and hygiene products were the largest consumers of biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP). Disposable diapers were the largest end-use accounting for over 65% of the global biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP) market share. Demand for biodegradable super absorbent polymers is largely determined by demographic factors such as birth rate and geriatric population. According to the United Nations World Fertility Patterns, the fertility rate around the world is nearly 2.5 children per woman. The fertility rate is highest in African region followed by Asia Pacific. It has been seen that the adoption for diapers has significantly increased in these regions since past few decades. The rise in disposable income, growing literacy rate, and high awareness have led to adoption for diapers and sanitary napkins.

Although baby diapers segment is projected to maintain its dominance in the biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP) market share over the next seven years, adult incontinence products are also projected to witness noteworthy growth in coming years. According to the United Nations study, the global population is increasing by 1.1% per year as compared with 1.24% in the last decade. People aged 60 or above comprised 13% of the global population, rising at 3% every year. Europe has the largest percentage share of the aged population. This is one of the preliminary factors to drive the demand for adult incontinence pads.

Bladder leakage is among the most common health problem among the aged population. Adult incontinence products are specifically designed for this age group to combat these problems. These are some of the key factors to propel the demand for global biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP) market over the forecast period. However, biodegradable super absorbent polymers are relatively a new segment within the global super absorbent polymers (SAP) market. Therefore, awareness for this product is much lower as compared to its counterpart. These are some of the key factors positioned to hinder the global biodegradable super absorbent polymers market size over the forecast period.

Europe alone accounted for the highest consumption at 32.6% of the global biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP) market share in 2017. Stringent regulations regarding disposal of conventional superabsorbent polymers are projected to favor the global biodegradable super absorbent polymers market size. Asia Pacific is projected to witness significant growth in the global biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP) market with revenue CAGR of 7.6% over the forecast period. The growing inclination for usage of personal hygiene products on account of increasing disposable income is projected to augment the super absorbent polymers (SAP) market share. Exotech Bio Solutions Ltd., TryEco LLC, SNF s.a.s, Ma's Group Inc, JRM Chemical, Inc. are examples of some of the players in the global biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP) market.

Biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymers Market Scope

Key segments of the global biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAP) market

Product Type Overview

• Polyvinyl alcohol
• Polysaccharides
• Polyitaconic acid
• Polyacrylamide

End Use Overview

• Disposable diapers
• Adult incontinence products
• Female Hygiene Products
• Agriculture
• Others

Regional Overview

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Rest of North America
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Central & South America
  • Brazil
  • Rest of Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa