The acrylic acid market plays a vital role in various industrial sectors due to its versatile applications. Acrylic acid is a key raw material in the production of super absorbent polymers (SAPs), which are widely used in personal care products like diapers, sanitary napkins, and incontinence products. Besides personal care, acrylic acid finds extensive use in paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants, especially in construction and infrastructure development. Its broad usability in hygiene and industrial applications makes it a fundamental chemical in the global market, driving sustained demand and innovation.
Insights on Acrylic Acid Market
Delving into expert market research reveals the acrylic acid market is set for transformative growth, fueled by innovation and expanding applications. Specialists highlight how advancements in super absorbent polymers (SAPs) and eco-friendly acrylic acid variants are reshaping industry dynamics. Rising demand in personal care products, combined with increased infrastructure development, drives this momentum globally. Research also underscores the strategic shift towards sustainable production methods, which not only reduce environmental impact but also open new commercial avenues. These expert insights confirm that the acrylic acid market’s future lies in balancing cutting-edge technology with evolving consumer and regulatory demands, ensuring robust and sustainable expansion.
Acrylic Acid Market Size
The acrylic acid market size reached approximately 8.44 million metric tons (MMT) in 2024, reflecting its vital role as a key chemical raw material. This substantial volume underscores the widespread industrial reliance on acrylic acid, especially in sectors like personal care, construction, and manufacturing. A significant portion of this demand is driven by super absorbent polymers (SAPs), used in products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products. The growth in personal hygiene awareness worldwide, particularly in emerging economies, has pushed SAP consumption and, consequently, acrylic acid demand. Additionally, the construction and infrastructure sectors contribute heavily to the market size by using acrylic acid-based paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. Regional markets like Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe dominate due to rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and rising consumer spending. The size of the market also benefits from continuous innovations that improve product efficiency and environmental sustainability. This broad-based demand establishes acrylic acid as a critical industrial chemical, with its market size reflecting the strong global economic activities and consumer trends influencing its growth trajectory.
Acrylic Acid Market Trends
The acrylic acid market is currently influenced by several key trends shaping its growth and evolution. Foremost is the rising demand for super absorbent polymers (SAPs) in personal care products, driven by increasing hygiene awareness and population growth, particularly in developing countries. Innovations in SAP technology have enhanced absorption capacity and biodegradability, making acrylic acid-based products more appealing. Sustainability has emerged as a critical trend, prompting manufacturers to develop bio-based and environmentally friendly acrylic acid alternatives. In parallel, the construction industry continues to expand globally, increasing the demand for acrylic acid-based paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants that provide durability and resistance. Digitization and Industry 4.0 technologies are also being adopted in production processes, leading to improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced environmental footprint. Furthermore, shifts in raw material sourcing and supply chain optimization are impacting pricing and availability, influencing market dynamics. These evolving trends emphasize a market moving towards innovation, sustainability, and broadening application scope, setting the stage for steady long-term growth.
Acrylic Acid Market Opportunities and Challenges
The market offers significant opportunities due to rising demand for personal care products and infrastructure development in emerging economies. Increasing urban populations and improving healthcare awareness create scope for SAPs and hygiene product expansion. However, challenges include the volatility of raw material prices, environmental regulations on chemical manufacturing, and fluctuating supply chains. Balancing cost-efficiency with sustainability remains a critical challenge. Nonetheless, ongoing research and development efforts to produce bio-based acrylic acid and improve process efficiency promise to mitigate these challenges and expand market potential.
Acrylic Acid Market Segmentation
Breakup by Application
- Acrylate Esters
- Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)
- Glacial Acrylic Acid
- Others
Breakup by End-Use
- Surfactants and Surface Coatings
- Organic Chemicals
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Textiles
- Water Treatment
- Personal Care Products (Superabsorbent diapers, etc.)
- Others
Breakup by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Acrylic Acid Market Growth
The acrylic acid market is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years, primarily driven by its expanding applications and increasing global demand. The super absorbent polymers (SAPs) segment is a major growth engine, as rising consumer awareness about hygiene and health fuels demand for diapers, sanitary products, and adult incontinence solutions. Industrial sectors such as construction and automotive also contribute significantly to growth by utilizing acrylic acid derivatives in coatings, adhesives, and sealants. Emerging economies, especially in the Asia Pacific region, represent substantial growth opportunities due to rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and rising disposable incomes. Additionally, technological advancements in acrylic acid production and product formulations are enabling manufacturers to meet evolving customer needs while complying with stricter environmental regulations. Innovations in bio-based acrylic acid and sustainable manufacturing methods further support market expansion. These factors combined forecast a positive growth outlook, positioning acrylic acid as a key chemical in both consumer and industrial sectors. The growth trajectory also reflects ongoing investments in capacity expansions and research initiatives by major industry players.
Acrylic Acid Market Forecast
Between 2025 and 2034, the global acrylic acid market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.10%, increasing from around 8.44 million metric tons (MMT) in 2024 to about 13.88 MMT by 2034. This forecast reflects robust demand across diverse end-use industries, particularly in personal care and construction sectors, which are expected to maintain strong consumption of acrylic acid-based products. The super absorbent polymers segment, in particular, will continue to drive market volume due to increasing population, rising hygiene standards, and product innovations. The construction industry’s ongoing expansion globally, including emerging markets, will further support growth through heightened demand for acrylic acid in paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. Regional markets such as Asia Pacific are anticipated to witness accelerated growth owing to rapid urbanization and industrial development. Additionally, sustainability trends will influence the market, with increasing adoption of bio-based acrylic acid and greener production processes shaping the future. The forecasted growth underscores the acrylic acid market’s resilience and its adaptability to evolving market dynamics and consumer preferences over the next decade.
Acrylic Acid Market Competitor Analysis
The acrylic acid market is highly competitive with several multinational chemical companies leading the industry. Key players include BASF SE, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., and The Dow Chemical Company, known for their extensive production capacities and global distribution networks. Other notable companies are Arkema Group, LG Chem Ltd., Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co., Ltd, Evonik Industries AG, and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. These firms compete on innovation, production efficiency, and sustainability initiatives to strengthen their market presence and meet growing demand globally.
Key Players
BASF SE: Global leader known for innovative chemical solutions and broad acrylic acid production capabilities.
Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd.: Pioneering manufacturer specializing in super absorbent polymers and acrylic acid derivatives.
The Dow Chemical Company: Major multinational chemical company with extensive acrylic acid production and distribution networks.
Arkema Group: French chemical company focusing on sustainable acrylic acid products and industrial coatings.
LG Chem Ltd.: South Korean conglomerate with diversified chemical manufacturing, including acrylic acid and related polymers.
Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co., Ltd: Leading Chinese manufacturer specializing in acrylic acid and esters production.
Evonik Industries AG: German specialty chemicals company emphasizing advanced acrylic acid formulations and applications.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation: Japanese firm with strong R&D focus in acrylic acid and polymer chemistry.
SIBUR International GmbH: Russian petrochemical company expanding acrylic acid production capacity and technology.
Satellite Chemical Co., Ltd.: China-based acrylic acid producer with growing export footprint.
Wanhua Petrochemical (Yantai) Co., Ltd.: Significant player in acrylic acid with advanced production technology.
Toagosei Co., Ltd: Specialty chemicals firm focusing on high-purity acrylic acid derivatives.
China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec): Major state-owned enterprise with integrated acrylic acid production.
Vigon International, LLC.: Producer focused on specialty chemicals, including acrylic acid compounds.
SMC: Regional chemical company with increasing market share in acrylic acid production.
Sinopec: One of China’s largest chemical producers with extensive acrylic acid manufacturing infrastructure.
Formosa Plastics Corporation: Taiwanese chemical manufacturer with diversified acrylic acid applications.
Sasol: South African chemical company investing in acrylic acid and polymer innovations.
