The Global Water-absorbent Polymer Market was valued at USD 9.8 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 14.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This substantial expansion is fueled by rising demand from the hygiene products sector, increasing adoption in water-efficient agriculture, and the development of advanced eco-friendly and biodegradable polymer formulations.

As industries worldwide prioritize sustainability and resource efficiency, the essential role of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in managing water retention and absorption becomes increasingly critical. In this comprehensive analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Water-absorbent Polymer Industry—a collection of chemical giants, specialized manufacturers, and innovation leaders that are defining the future of this dynamic market.

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🔟 1. Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: AQUA KEEP® series SAPs (Powder, Granular, Fiber)

Nippon Shokubai is a global pioneer and one of the largest producers of superabsorbent polymers, with a significant market share. The company’s AQUA KEEP® brand is renowned for its high absorption capacity and is widely used in hygiene products like disposable diapers and adult incontinence products. Their continuous investment in R&D focuses on enhancing performance and environmental compatibility.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of plant-based and biodegradable SAP variants

• Focus on high-performance SAPs for thin-core diapers

• Commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable manufacturing processes

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9️⃣ 2. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: HYGIENIC ADVANCE™, LUQUASORB® SAPs

BASF is a leading chemical company with a formidable presence in the SAP market. Their comprehensive portfolio caters primarily to the hygiene and agriculture sectors. BASF’s SAPs are engineered for superior absorbency under pressure, which is crucial for modern, slim-fit diapers. The company also produces SAPs specifically designed for agricultural water retention to combat drought conditions.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering bio-based SAPs derived from renewable raw materials

• Investment in circular economy principles for SAP production

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8️⃣ 3. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: SUPERABSORBER products for hygiene and technical applications

Evonik is a major global specialty chemicals company with a strong focus on superabsorbent polymers. Their products are essential components in hygiene articles, offering high absorbency and retention. Evonik also develops specialty SAPs for technical applications, including cable water-blocking tapes and construction materials, showcasing the versatility of their polymer technology.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Advanced SAPs for ultra-thin hygiene products

• R&D into sustainable production technologies and raw material sourcing

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7️⃣ 4. Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: AQUACALK®, AQUA-RESERVE® SAPs

Sumitomo Seika is a key Japanese chemical company specializing in functional polymers, including a diverse range of superabsorbent polymers. Their products are used extensively in hygiene, agriculture, and industrial applications. The company is known for its technical expertise and ability to customize SAPs to meet specific customer requirements.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of SAPs with enhanced salt tolerance for agricultural use

• Focus on eco-friendly product lines and manufacturing efficiency

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6️⃣ 5. LG Chemical Ltd.

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Super Absorbent Polymer for hygiene and industrial uses

LG Chemical is a leading petrochemical company in Asia with a significant SAP production capacity. Leveraging its integrated supply chain from raw materials to finished products, LG Chemical provides high-quality SAPs primarily to the hygiene industry. The company is expanding its global footprint and investing in next-generation SAP technologies.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expansion of SAP production capacity to meet growing global demand

• Investment in green chemistry and sustainable product development

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5️⃣ 6. Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.

Headquarters: Kyoto, Japan
Key Offering: SANFRESH® series superabsorbent polymers

Sanyo Chemical is a prominent Japanese chemical manufacturer with a long history in the SAP market. Their SANFRESH® products are well-established in the global hygiene sector. The company has a strong focus on research and development, continuously improving the absorption characteristics and safety profile of its polymers for sensitive applications like baby diapers.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low-dusting and high-permeability SAPs

• Initiatives to reduce environmental impact of production processes

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4️⃣ 7. Formosa Plastics Corporation

Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: Super Absorbent Polymer for diapers and sanitation products

Formosa Plastics Corporation is one of the largest plastic and petrochemical producers globally, with a substantial SAP manufacturing operation. The company benefits from vertical integration, controlling the production process from raw acrylonitrile to finished SAP. This allows for competitive pricing and consistent quality, making them a key supplier in the Asian market and beyond.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Capacity expansions to solidify position in the global SAP market

• Adoption of energy-efficient manufacturing technologies

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3️⃣ 8. Danson Technology

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: SAP for hygiene, agriculture, and industrial applications

Danson Technology is a leading Chinese manufacturer specializing in superabsorbent polymers. The company has grown significantly by catering to the booming domestic hygiene market and expanding its export business. Danson offers a wide range of SAP grades tailored for different applications, from premium diapers to agricultural water retention.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on cost-effective SAP production for mass-market applications

• Expansion into high-value specialty SAP segments

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2️⃣ 9. Quanzhou BLD Science Technology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Quanzhou, China
Key Offering: Polyacrylate-based superabsorbent polymers

Quanzhou BLD Science Technology is a specialized Chinese producer of superabsorbent polymers with a strong focus on the hygiene industry. The company has established itself as a reliable supplier in the competitive Asian market, with growing international presence. Their product development focuses on meeting the specific requirements of global hygiene product manufacturers.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Customized SAP solutions for different hygiene product designs

• Investment in production technology upgrades and quality control

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1️⃣ 10. Shandong Nuoer Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: SAP for baby diapers, adult incontinence, and agriculture

Shandong Nuoer Bio-Tech is a significant player in the Chinese SAP market, with substantial production capacity. The company serves both domestic and international customers, with a product portfolio that spans standard and specialty SAP grades. Their growth strategy includes technological upgrades and capacity expansion to capture a larger share of the global market.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of SAPs with improved absorption speed and capacity

• Focus on operational excellence and cost competitiveness

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Water-absorbent Polymer Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌱 Outlook: The Future of Water-absorbent Polymers Is Sustainable and Multi-functional

The water-absorbent polymer market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional petroleum-based SAPs still dominate, the industry is rapidly advancing toward bio-based alternatives, smart polymers with controlled release properties, and applications beyond hygiene into areas like food packaging and medical devices.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• R&D into biodegradable and compostable SAPs to address environmental concerns

• Growing adoption in water-scarce agricultural regions to improve crop yields

• Increasing demand for adult incontinence products due to aging populations

• Development of specialty SAPs for niche industrial and technical applications

Get Full Report Here:
Water-absorbent Polymer Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only supplying essential materials for everyday products—they are at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for global water management and hygiene challenges.