India Super Absorbent Polymer Market Outlook to 2028

India Super Absorbent Polymer Market Overview

The India Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Market was valued at USD 673 million in 2023. The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven by increased demand from the hygiene products segment, including baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products.

Key players in this market include companies like BASF SE, LG Chem Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, and Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd. These companies have established strong footholds in the market through continuous innovation and by expanding their product portfolios to meet the growing demand in various application sectors, such as hygiene, agriculture, and packaging.

InFebruary 2024, the company announced the introduction of Ccycled, a line of sustainable materials produced using advanced recycling technology called Chem Cycling. This initiative is part of BASF's strategy to incorporate more sustainable practices in its operations, aligning with global trends towards eco-friendly products.

Maharashtra is the leading state in this market, due to its large population base, high urbanization rate, and the presence of major manufacturing hubs. The state's well-developed infrastructure and favorable business environment also make it a preferred location for SAP manufacturers and distributors.

India Super Absorbent Polymer Market Segmentation

The India Super Absorbent Polymer Market is segmented into different factors like by product type, by application and region.

By Product Type: The market is segmented by product type into baby diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and others. In 2023, baby diapers held the dominant market share, due to the growing infant population, increased disposable income, and heightened awareness of baby hygiene among parents. Additionally, government initiatives to promote child health and hygiene further bolster this segment's growth.

By Application: The market is segmented by application into hygiene products, agriculture, and industrial applications. Hygiene products dominate the market share in 2023. This dominance is driven by the high demand for disposable hygiene products, such as diapers and sanitary napkins, in both urban and rural areas. The increasing focus on personal hygiene and the adoption of SAP in various hygiene products is expected to maintain this segment's dominance in the coming years.

By Region: The market is segmented by region into north, south, east, and west. In 2023, the Western region was dominating the market due to the concentration of manufacturing facilities, higher urbanization rates, and better access to infrastructure. The region's proximity to raw material suppliers and major consumer markets also contributes to its leading position in the SAP market.

India Super Absorbent Polymer Market Competitive Landscape

Company Name

Establishment Year

Headquarters

BASF SE

1865

Ludwigshafen, Germany

LG Chem Ltd.

1947

Seoul, South Korea

Evonik Industries AG

2007

Essen, Germany

Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co.

1944

Osaka, Japan

Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd.

1949

Kyoto, Japan

Evonik Industries AG: On April 23, 2024, Evonik inaugurated a new office and research hub in Thane, India. This facility spans 100,000 square feet and includes eight application technology labs and a dedicated research and development area. The hub is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, catering to various industries, including pharmaceuticals, personal care, and agriculture. This development underscores Evonik's commitment to sustainability and creating products tailored to the Indian market's specific needs.

Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd.: In April 2024, Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd. entered into a collaboration with Econic Technologies Ltd. to advance CO2-based polyols for sustainable polyurethane production. This partnership aims to reduce the carbon footprint of polyol production by 30% using Econic's innovative technology, which incorporates CO2 into polyols. The development aligns with Sanyo Chemical's commitment to carbon neutrality and enhancing the sustainability of the polyurethane market.

India Super Absorbent Polymer Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

Growing Geriatric Population: The ageing population in India, projected to reach 347 million by 2050, drives the growth of the Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) market. This rise increases demand for healthcare products, especially in adult incontinence and hygiene sectors. India's initiatives in geriatric care and expanding elderly demographics underscore the need for products addressing health and comfort, boosting SAP usage across various applications tailored to the elderly population.

Adoption of SAPs in Agriculture: The use of SAPs in Indian agriculture is gaining momentum, especially in drought-prone areas where water retention is critical. SAP adoption remains a major advancement in agricultural activities due to rising government initiatives promoting water-efficient technologies are encouraging wider use. These efforts support farmers in managing scarce water resources more effectively, making SAPs increasingly essential in regions facing water scarcity.

Increasing Demand for Hygiene Products: The demand for super absorbent polymers in India is largely driven by the growing consumption of hygiene products such as baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene items. This trend is fueled by increasing awareness of health and hygiene, especially in rural areas, where government initiatives are promoting improved menstrual hygiene. The expanding population and rising health consciousness further contribute to the growing demand for these products.

Challenges

Regulatory Hurdles: The industry in India is under increasing pressure from stringent regulations related to product safety and environmental impact. Recent regulatory changes have imposed stricter safety and environmental guidelines, including the need to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in SAP production. These regulations have led to higher production costs, particularly affecting smaller manufacturers who may find it challenging to comply with the new requirements.

Competition from Alternatives: The market in India is facing growing competition from alternative absorbent materials, particularly cellulose-based products that are gaining traction due to their biodegradable properties. Many manufacturers are shifting towards these alternatives to meet the rising consumer demand for sustainable products. This shift presents a significant challenge for SAP manufacturers, who need to innovate and adapt to stay competitive in the evolving market.

Government Initiatives

BPCL: BPCL has set up a demonstration plant with a capacity of 200 tons per annum at the Kochi refinery, which is expected to be followed by a commercial plant with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons by FY 2026. This initiative aims to significantly reduce dependency on imports and enhance domestic production capabilities in India.

Innovative Biodegradable SAPs: In June 2023, researchers at IIT Delhi developed Celligo Bio SAP, a biodegradable super absorbent polymer designed for use in sanitary pads. This innovation aims to address environmental concerns associated with traditional non-biodegradable products and promote sustainable menstruation practices nationwide

India Super Absorbent Polymer Market Future Outlook

The India SAP Market is projected to grow exponentially by 2028, driven by continued growth in the hygiene products sector and the expansion of SAP applications in agriculture and industrial sectors. The market is expected to witness increased competition, with more local players entering the market, thereby driving innovation and potentially lowering costs. Additionally, advancements in biodegradable SAPs are likely to gain traction, aligning with global sustainability trends.

Future Market Trends

Growth in Hygiene Product Consumption: By 2028, the consumption of hygiene products in India is expected to grow significantly over the next five years, driving the demand for SAPs. This growth will be fueled by increasing awareness of hygiene, government initiatives, and the expansion of distribution networks into rural areas. The market for baby diapers and adult incontinence products is likely to see substantial expansion as these factors converge.

Expansion of SAP Applications in Agriculture: The use of SAPs in agriculture is anticipated to expand further, with more farmland likely to adopt this technology by 2028. This growth will be driven by the increasing need for water conservation in drought-prone regions, supported by government subsidies and initiatives. The adoption of SAPs in agriculture is expected to play a critical role in improving crop yields and ensuring sustainable farming practices.
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