Water-soluble Polymer Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 36.82 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 47.79 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | > 5.00 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Water-soluble Polymer Market Analysis
The Water-soluble Polymer Market size is estimated at USD 36.82 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 47.79 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of greater than 5% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the water-soluble polymer market. Reduced industrial activity, supply chain disruptions, and changes in consumer behavior affected demand for water-soluble polymers in these industries. Many industries utilizing water-soluble polymers, such as water treatment, textiles, personal care, and food processing, experienced slowdowns or temporary shutdowns during the pandemic. However, as economic conditions improved and projects resumed, the demand for polymers used in the abovementioned industries increased.
• The factors driving the market's growth are the growing shale gas industry in North America and the rising demand for water-soluble polymers from the global water treatment industry.
• However, fluctuations in raw material prices are expected to hamper the growth of the water-soluble polymer market during the forecast period.
• The rising demand for bio-based acrylamide and growing applications of water-soluble polymers in the pharmaceutical industry are expected to offer various opportunities for manufacturers during the forecast period.
• Asia-Pacific dominated the global water-soluble polymer market, and it is projected to hold the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Water-soluble Polymer Market Trends
The Water Treatment Industry is Expected to Dominate the Market during the Forecast Period
- Stringent regulations for water quality and environmental protection drive the demand for water treatment solutions. Water-soluble polymers play a crucial role in water treatment processes by aiding in the removal of contaminants, such as organic matter, suspended solids, and heavy metals, from wastewater and drinking water sources to meet regulatory standards.
- Investments in municipal infrastructure, such as sewage treatment plants, and industrial infrastructure, including chemical processing facilities, pulp and paper mills, and textile manufacturing plants, drive the demand for water treatment chemicals, including water-soluble polymers. These polymers are utilized for various purposes, such as sludge dewatering, sedimentation, and thickening, in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment processes.
- Global industrial production, excluding the United States, increased by 0.67 in January 2023, according to the data published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
- The German water treatment market is the largest in Europe. The increasing water treatment activities, primarily in the country's northern region, are boosting the demand for water treatment polymers. According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment and Nature Conservation, the country's water supply and wastewater treatment industries account for about EUR 22 billion ( approximately USD 23.33 billion) annually.
- In January 2024, Gradiant's H+E won a contract in Germany to build a water treatment facility for one of the largest semiconductor fabs. The project is expected to commence soon and be completed in 2025.
- According to the report published by the Ministry of Jal Shakti of the Government of India, 61.5% of the rural population had access to safe and adequate drinking water in their premises through a pipe system during the financial year 2022. In recent years, the number of rural people in India who have access to safe drinking water has increased significantly, from less than 40% in the financial year 2016.
- There is a growing emphasis on sustainable water management practices and the use of eco-friendly chemicals in water treatment processes. Water-soluble polymers that are biodegradable and non-toxic are preferred choices for eco-conscious industries and governments aiming to reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring effective water treatment.
- Due to these factors, the growth in the water treatment industry is anticipated to drive the market over the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific is Expected to Dominate the Market during the Forecast Period
- Asia-Pacific is experiencing rapid industrialization, leading to increased demand for water-soluble polymers across various industries such as water treatment, food processing, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and agriculture.
- Agriculture is a significant industry in many Asia-Pacific countries. Water-soluble polymers are used in agriculture for soil conditioning, erosion control, and improving water retention in arid and semi-arid regions. As agricultural practices modernize and mechanize, the demand for these polymers is expected to rise.
- According to Statistics Indonesia and the Ministry of Agriculture Indonesia, the production volume of palm oil in Indonesia increased from 34.94 million metric tons in 2017 to 45.58 million metric tons in 2022.
- According to the data published by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the production volume of corn in the Philippines reached 8.26 million metric tons in 2022, which increased from 7.22 million metric tons in 2016.
- The Asia-Pacific construction industry is booming, especially in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Water-soluble polymers are extensively used in construction materials such as cementitious systems, mortars, and grouts, contributing to their dominance in the market.
- According to the report released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the total investment in construction in Japan increased from CNY 61.83 trillion (USD 0.41 trillion) in 2018 to CNY 70.32 trillion (USD 0.47 trillion) in 2023.
- Based on the abovementioned factors, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the water-soluble polymer market during the forecast period.
Water-soluble Polymer Industry Overview
The water-soluble polymer market is fragmented in nature. The major players (not in any particular order) include SNF Group, Ashland, DuPont, CP Kelco U.S. Inc., and Arkema.
Water-soluble Polymer Market Leaders
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DuPont
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Ashland
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SNF Group
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CP Kelco U.S., Inc.
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Arkema
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Water-soluble Polymer Market News
- January 2024: SNF Group planned to expand its production capabilities in Oman. The group invested USD 250 million for its expansion plan in the Sultanate of Oman. SNF intends to open a regional SNF Technical Centre in Muscat in 2024, which will serve as an R&D hub for the entire Gulf region. This facility will reinforce SNF's commitment to developing the world's most advanced polymer expertise in support of clients.
- August 2022: In cooperation with Nippon Paint China, the world's largest manufacturer of paints, BASF and Nippon Paint China launched eco-friendly industrial packaging, which Nippon Paint adopted for its dry mixed mortar series. The new packaging material for the construction of Nippon Paint's dry mortar products is commercially available with BASF's water-based acrylic dispersion Joncryl High-Performance Barrier (HPB) as the barrier material.
- February 2022: Kemira Oyj started the first global full-scale production of its newly developed polyacrylamide polymer. It is based on bio-based feedstock. The first commercial volumes of polyacrylamide polymers were shipped to the Helsinki Region Environmental Services (HSY) wastewater treatment plants for trials.
Water-soluble Polymer Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Drivers
4.1.1 Growing Shale Gas Industry in North America
4.1.2 Surging Water Treatment Industry in Asia-Pacific
4.2 Restraints
4.2.1 Fluctuating Prices of Raw Materials
4.2.2 Other Restraints
4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products and Services
4.4.5 Degree of Competition
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size in Value)
5.1 Type
5.1.1 Polyacrylamide
5.1.2 Polyvinyl Alcohol
5.1.3 Guar Gum
5.1.4 Gelatin
5.1.5 Xanthan Gum
5.1.6 Polyacrylic Acid
5.1.7 Polyethylene Glycol
5.1.8 Other Types (Cellulose Ethers, Pectin, and Starch)
5.2 End-user Industry
5.2.1 Water Treatment
5.2.2 Food and Beverage
5.2.3 Personal Care and Hygiene
5.2.4 Oil and Gas
5.2.5 Pulp and Paper
5.2.6 Pharmaceutical
5.2.7 Other End-user Industries (Agrochemicals)
5.3 Geography
5.3.1 Asia-Pacific
5.3.1.1 China
5.3.1.2 India
5.3.1.3 Japan
5.3.1.4 South Korea
5.3.1.5 Indonesia
5.3.1.6 Malaysia
5.3.1.7 Thailand
5.3.1.8 Vietnam
5.3.1.9 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.3.2 North America
5.3.2.1 United States
5.3.2.2 Canada
5.3.2.3 Mexico
5.3.3 Europe
5.3.3.1 Germany
5.3.3.2 United Kingdom
5.3.3.3 France
5.3.3.4 Italy
5.3.3.5 Spain
5.3.3.6 Turkey
5.3.3.7 Russia
5.3.3.8 NORDIC
5.3.3.9 Rest of Europe
5.3.4 South America
5.3.4.1 Brazil
5.3.4.2 Argentina
5.3.4.3 Colombia
5.3.4.4 Rest of South America
5.3.5 Middle East and Africa
5.3.5.1 Saudi Arabia
5.3.5.2 South Africa
5.3.5.3 Nigeria
5.3.5.4 Egypt
5.3.5.5 Qatar
5.3.5.6 United Arab Emirates
5.3.5.7 Rest of Middle East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
6.2 Market Share(%)**/Ranking Analysis
6.3 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players
6.4 Company Profiles
6.4.1 Arkema
6.4.2 Ashland
6.4.3 BASF SE
6.4.4 CP Kelco U.S. Inc.
6.4.5 DuPont
6.4.6 Gantrade Corporation
6.4.7 Kemira
6.4.8 Kuraray Co. Ltd
6.4.9 Merck KGaA
6.4.10 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
6.4.11 Nouryon
6.4.12 Polysciences Inc.
6.4.13 SNF Group
6.4.14 Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co. Ltd
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
7.1 Increasing Demand for Bio-based Acrylamide
7.2 Growing Application in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Water-soluble Polymer Industry Segmentation
Water-soluble polymers are large molecules composed of repeating units that can dissolve or disperse in water. These polymers possess hydrophilic groups or side chains that interact with water molecules, allowing them to dissolve and form solutions or colloidal suspensions. They can range from natural polymers like cellulose derivatives, starch, and proteins to synthetic polymers. Water-soluble polymers have extensive use in various industries because they can modify the properties of water, enhance product performance, and facilitate processes such as thickening, stabilization, adhesion, and drug delivery.
The water-soluble polymer market is segmented by type, end-user industry, and geography. By type, the market is segmented into polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, guar gum, gelatin, xanthan gum, polyacrylic acid, polyethylene glycol, and other types (cellulose ethers, pectin, and starch). Based on the end-user industry, the market is segmented into water treatment, food and beverage, personal care and hygiene, oil and gas, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, and other end-user industries (agrochemicals). The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the water-soluble polymer market in 27 countries across the major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on value (USD).
| Type | |
| Polyacrylamide | |
| Polyvinyl Alcohol | |
| Guar Gum | |
| Gelatin | |
| Xanthan Gum | |
| Polyacrylic Acid | |
| Polyethylene Glycol | |
| Other Types (Cellulose Ethers, Pectin, and Starch) |
| End-user Industry | |
| Water Treatment | |
| Food and Beverage | |
| Personal Care and Hygiene | |
| Oil and Gas | |
| Pulp and Paper | |
| Pharmaceutical | |
| Other End-user Industries (Agrochemicals) |
| Geography | |||||||||||
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Water-soluble Polymer Market Research FAQs
How big is the Water-soluble Polymer Market?
The Water-soluble Polymer Market size is expected to reach USD 36.82 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of greater than 5% to reach USD 47.79 billion by 2029.
What is the current Water-soluble Polymer Market size?
In 2024, the Water-soluble Polymer Market size is expected to reach USD 36.82 billion.
Who are the key players in Water-soluble Polymer Market?
DuPont, Ashland, SNF Group, CP Kelco U.S., Inc. and Arkema are the major companies operating in the Water-soluble Polymer Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Water-soluble Polymer Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Water-soluble Polymer Market?
In 2024, the Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Water-soluble Polymer Market.
What years does this Water-soluble Polymer Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Water-soluble Polymer Market size was estimated at USD 34.98 billion. The report covers the Water-soluble Polymer Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Water-soluble Polymer Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Water-soluble Polymer Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Water-soluble Polymer market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Water-soluble Polymer analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
