Biodegradable Superabsorbent Materials Market - Forecasts from 2022 to 2027

The biodegradable superabsorbent materials market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.71% during the forecast period to reach US$268.222 million by 2027, from US$170.228 million in 2020.

Biodegradable superabsorbent materials are used to absorb water and aqueous solutions in diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and agriculture. The various types of biodegradable superabsorbents are polymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polytechnic acid, polysaccharides, and polypeptides. The use of superabsorbent polymers dynamically changed the diaper industry. The polymer helps in liquid retention in diapers and the swollen gel in polymers holds the liquid in a solid and rubbery form that prevents the liquid from leaking onto baby’s clothing. Wide use of superabsorbent is in personal hygiene products, particularly in feminine hygiene products. It includes feminine sanitary napkins, disposable infant diapers, and adult incontinence. The usage of polymers in the agricultural sector has demonstrated benefits for soil amendments, saving water content, reducing the consumption of soil nutrients, minimizing the negative impacts of dehydration, and moisture stress in crops, and controlling the capacity for several pathogens.

An increase in hygiene products and diapers and growing demand from end-user industries due to the rising population is expected to boost the market for biodegradable superabsorbent materials market

As per World Bank data for population, the population stood at 7.84 billion people in 2021. Personal hygiene products, gel wound dressing, cooling wear, and others are factors that are increasing the demand for biodegradable materials. In feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins, 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 takes years to degrade. The biodegradable diapers contain partially neutralized cross-linked sodium polyacrylate that is not toxic for babies and is environment-friendly. The increase in population is putting pressure on the demand therefore use of biodegradable superabsorbent materials is increasing. For instance, Evonik Industries established and expanded its former Baby Care Business as an independent company in Germany in July 2021 for the expansion of the superabsorbent materials unit.

Key Developments

• Danmier Scientific which is a leading bioplastic company acquired Biodegradable Polymer producer Novomer in July 2021 for US$152 million. The acquisition provided Danmeir to produce low-cost biodegradable products with the help of Novomer’s Technology and provided benefits to the customer.
• Nippon Shokubai obtained ISCC biomass certification in July 2021 for the production of superabsorbent polymers produced by Nippon Shokubai Europe NV, its subsidiary, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050.
• Sanyo Chemicals developed and launched a superabsorbent polymer using biomass and acquired the Biomass Mark certified by the Japan Recycling Association in September 2022. The aim was to address climate change and focus on the production and development of products that are carbon neutral.

During the forecast period, North America is expected to gain a significant market share in the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market.

North America captures a high market share due to the increasing demand for diapers, adult incontinence, and feminine hygiene which led to the growth of biodegradable superabsorbent materials. Furthermore, the presence of renowned industries namely Proctor & Gamble which produces Pampers, the highest manufacturer of diapers in the US is increasing the demand for biodegradable superabsorbent materials. The superabsorbent polymer in the pampers diapers holds thirty times its weight in body fluid. As per P&G corporation’s annual report, net sales for the Baby, Feminine, and Family Care segment increased to 25% in 2021 and 47% of the sales were recorded in North America alone. A rise in the geriatric population in the USA has further increased the demand for adult incontinence products. According to Administration for Community Living USA, more than 16% of people above 65+ years represent the population in the USA. Awareness regarding female hygiene and demand for products such as sanitary napkins and tampons has further increased the demand for biodegradable superabsorbent materials.

COVID-19 Insights

COVID-19 had a significant impact on the biodegradable superabsorbent materials market. The pandemic increased health concerns for people as a prevention from the growing infection which increased the demand for biodegradable absorbent materials market. Safe disposal of infection secretion from patients and disinfecting superabsorbent gels boosted the market for biodegradable superabsorbent materials. The increase in the use of hygiene products for instance alcohol-based sanitizers, soaps, and handwashes further boosted the market demand. The use of polysaccharide which is a type of biodegradable superabsorbent material for drug formulation, adjuvants in vaccines, antioxidants, and immunity-activating supplements increased the demand from pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.

Market Segmentation:

By Product

• Polyvinyl Alchohol (PVA)
• Polyitaconic Acid
• Polysaccharides
• Polypeptide

By Application

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

By Geography

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