The Global Absorbent Polymer Market was valued at USD 8.94 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 12.78 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is primarily fueled by the ever-increasing demand for hygiene products—such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence pads, and feminine hygiene items—alongside the expanding application of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in agriculture for water conservation.

As industries worldwide prioritize sustainability and efficiency, the role of absorbent polymers has become more critical than ever. These advanced materials are at the heart of product innovation, enabling thinner, more effective hygiene products and smarter agricultural practices. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Absorbent Polymer Industry—global chemical giants and specialized manufacturers who are shaping the future of this essential market.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: HySorb® series Superabsorbent Polymers

BASF SE is a global leader in the chemical industry and a major producer of superabsorbent polymers. Its HySorb® product line is renowned for high absorption capacity, gel strength, and permeability, making it a preferred choice for premium hygiene product manufacturers worldwide. The company operates state-of-the-art production facilities across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based SAP derived from renewable raw materials.

• Commitment to carbon-neutral growth by 2030 through its ChemCycling™ project.

• R&D focus on creating thinner, more efficient SAP for next-generation diapers.

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9️⃣ 2. Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: AQUA KEEP® Superabsorbent Polymers

Nippon Shokubai is one of the pioneering inventors of superabsorbent polymer technology and remains a top-tier global supplier. The company’s AQUA KEEP® brand is synonymous with high quality and reliability, serving the hygiene, medical, and agricultural sectors. It maintains a significant market share with production bases in Japan, Indonesia, Belgium, and the United States.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Leadership in producing eco-friendly SAP with reduced environmental impact.

• Strategic expansion of production capacity to meet growing global demand.

• Innovations in SAP for agricultural applications to combat desertification.

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8️⃣ 3. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: Sorbothane® & various specialty absorbent polymers

Evonik Industries is a leading specialty chemicals company with a strong presence in the superabsorbent polymer market. While known for a diverse portfolio, its absorbent polymer solutions are critical for high-performance hygiene and medical products. The company leverages its expertise in chemistry to develop tailored SAP solutions.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Investment in R&D for biodegradable and compostable polymer alternatives.

• Focus on enhancing the sustainability profile of its entire value chain.

• Development of SAP with superior performance under pressure for adult incontinence products.

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7️⃣ 4. Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Sanfresh® Superabsorbent Polymers

Sumitomo Seika is a key Japanese player with advanced technological capabilities in SAP production. Its Sanfresh® polymers are widely used in hygiene products, offering excellent absorption and retention properties. The company has a strong footprint in the Asia-Pacific region and is expanding its global influence.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of salt-tolerant SAP for agricultural use in arid regions.

• Continuous improvement of production processes to reduce energy and water consumption.

• Collaborations with global hygiene brands for custom SAP solutions.

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6️⃣ 5. LG Chem Ltd.

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)

LG Chem, a leading chemical company in South Korea, is a significant force in the global SAP market. It supplies high-quality absorbent polymers to major diaper manufacturers globally. The company’s strong R&D focus ensures its products meet the evolving demands for performance and sustainability.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Ambitious goals to increase the proportion of eco-friendly products in its portfolio.

• Investment in developing SAP from non-fossil fuel-based raw materials.

• Expansion of its SAP production capacity to solidify its global market position.

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5️⃣ 6. Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.

Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan
Key Offering: SANWET® Superabsorbent Polymers

Sanyo Chemical is another major Japanese chemical manufacturer with a long history in the SAP business. Its SANWET® brand is well-established in the global hygiene market. The company is known for its technological expertise and consistent product quality.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Ongoing research into creating more sustainable SAP production methods.

• Development of high-performance SAP for specialized applications beyond hygiene.

• Commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of its manufacturing operations.

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4️⃣ 7. Formosa Plastics Corporation

Headquarters: Taiwan
Key Offering: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)

Formosa Plastics Corporation is one of the largest plastic and chemical producers in Taiwan and a key supplier of superabsorbent polymers in the Asia-Pacific region. Its extensive petrochemical infrastructure provides a competitive advantage in raw material sourcing and production scalability.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Gradual integration of green chemistry principles into its SAP production.

• Focus on operational efficiency to minimize environmental impact.

• Market expansion strategies targeting Southeast Asia and other emerging economies.

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3️⃣ 8. Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Ulsan, South Korea
Key Offering: Specialty chemicals including absorbent polymer additives

Songwon Industrial is a leading producer of specialty chemicals, including additives and components used in the formulation of high-performance absorbent polymers. While not always a direct SAP manufacturer, its products are critical to enhancing the performance of SAPs used by compounders and hygiene product producers.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Strong emphasis on developing sustainable additive solutions.

• Investment in R&D to improve the environmental profile of polymer formulations.

• Global supply chain optimization to better serve international clients.

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2️⃣ 9. Zhejiang Satellite Petro-chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Acrylic acid and Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)

As a major Chinese producer of acrylic acid—the primary raw material for SAP—Zhejiang Satellite Petro-chemical has a vertically integrated position in the market. The company produces a significant volume of SAP, catering predominantly to the massive domestic hygiene market and expanding its exports.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Rapid scaling of production capacity to meet domestic and international demand.

• Focus on cost-competitive manufacturing to serve price-sensitive markets.

• Investments in technology to improve product quality and consistency.

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1️⃣ 10. Quanzhou BLD Science Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Fujian, China
Key Offering: Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)

Quanzhou BLD Science Technology is a prominent Chinese manufacturer specializing in superabsorbent polymers. The company has carved a significant niche by supplying SAP for various applications, including hygiene and agriculture, and is known for its competitive pricing and growing production capabilities.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

• Expansion of manufacturing facilities to increase global market share.

• Development of SAP grades tailored for specific agricultural and industrial uses.

• Focus on improving product performance to compete with established international brands.

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Absorbent Polymers Is Sustainable and Diversified

The absorbent polymer market is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond its traditional stronghold in hygiene products into new, innovative applications. The overarching trend is a powerful push towards sustainability, with manufacturers investing heavily in bio-based raw materials, energy-efficient production, and products designed for a circular economy.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Bio-based and Biodegradable SAP: Intense R&D is focused on developing SAP from renewable sources like corn starch or cellulose to reduce dependency on petroleum-based acrylic acid.

• Ultra-Thin Hygiene Products: Consumer demand for discreet and comfortable diapers and incontinence products is driving innovation in high-performance SAP that allows for thinner core designs.

• Agricultural Growth: SAPs are increasingly used as soil conditioners to improve water retention, reduce irrigation needs, and boost crop yields, particularly in water-scarce regions.

• Geographical Shift: Production and consumption are shifting towards Asia-Pacific, led by China, due to growing populations, rising disposable incomes, and expanding manufacturing bases.

The companies profiled above are not just supplying a commodity; they are engineering the advanced materials that underpin modern hygiene, agriculture, and environmental management. Their continued innovation is essential for a more efficient and sustainable future.

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