Global Water Soluble Polymers Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Water Soluble Polymers Market Outlook

The global water soluble polymers market size attained a value of USD 42.31 billion in 2023. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% between 2024 and 2032, to reach a value of USD 68.51 billion by 2032.

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Key Trends in the Market

Water soluble polymers are defined as the substances which when dissolved in water, swell or disperse in such a way that they exhibit specific unique properties. These substances have sufficient numbers of electronegative atoms which tend to form hydrogen bonds when dissolved in water. The dissolution rate of water soluble polymers depend upon the molecular weight of the polymer.  

• Increasing application of water soluble polymers across various sectors such as water treatment, pulp and paper, and oil and gas, among others, is surging the global water soluble polymer market size.

• Growing demand for water soluble polymers in water treatment projects as thickeners, stabilisers, flocculants, coagulants, and humectants, etc., is being witnessed. Over the forecast period, the surge in demand for clean water is expected to bolster the demand for water soluble polymers.

• Water soluble polymers are used in oil fields to facilitate various phases of drilling and oil production. In this regard, the anticipated increase in demand for crude oil and petroleum are expected to fuel the oil and gas sector growth, leading to expanded opportunities for the global water soluble polymer market.

Opportunities and Challenges

Water soluble polymers are applied in the manufacturing of household products such as detergents which are likely to witness a heightened demand in the forecast period due to the increasing consciousness about hygiene. In line with this, the increasing disposable income, growing expansion of the e-commerce sector, and rapid urbanisation are anticipated to expand the water soluble polymers market share. 

The anticipated increase in the demand for pulp and paper to manufacture various downstream products such as paper cups, napkins, LCD screens, shoes, and handbags, among others, are likely to generate a steady demand for water soluble polymers in the coming years. However, based on the water soluble polymers market analysis, stringent regulations of governments across emerging economies aimed towards reducing the impact of chemicals on the environment may limit the growth of some types of water soluble polymers. 

Market Analysis

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Based on product type, the market is segmented into polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, guar gum, gelatin, xanthan gum, casein, and polyacrylic acid, among others. On the basis of application, the market is classified into water treatment, household products and detergents, oil and gas, pulp and paper, and pharmaceuticals, among others. The regional markets for water soluble polymers can be divided into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.  

The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global water soluble polymers market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments and expansion plans.

• BASF SE

• SNF Group

• Nutrition & Biosciences (Dupont)

• Arkema S.A.

• Ashland Inc.

• Kuraray Group

• Nuoer Group

• CP Kelco

• Polysciences, Inc.

• Others

Market Share by Product Type

The xanthan gum segment, based on product type, accounts for a healthy share of the water-soluble polymers market. Xanthan gum is a versatile product which is used to treat various health conditions such as diabetes, constipation, and dry eye, among others. The increasing application of xanthan gum across the food and beverage sector to improve the texture, flavour, consistency, shelf life, and appearance of cuisines, is fuelling the segment’s growth. Moreover, it is used as a thickening agent in various household products such as toothpaste. Meanwhile, polyvinyl alcohol is expected to witness a steady growth in the forecast period, due to its increasing demand in the textile, paper, and food packaging sectors. 

Market Share by Application

Based on application, the pharmaceutical segment accounts for a significant share in the water soluble polymers market. Water soluble polymers play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical sector, as they are used as hydrogels, blood compatible materials, viscosity increasing components, eye lubricants in eye drops, and in the creation of hard and soft capsules, among others. Over the forecast period, the anticipated increase in investments in the research and development activities to combat chronic disease prevalence are expected to garner the segment’s growth. Growing innovations and FDA approvals of generic and branded drugs are further escalating the opportunities for the global water soluble polymers market. 

Market Share by Region

In terms of region, Asia Pacific accounts for a significant share in the water soluble polymers market. The growing expansion of major industrial sectors such as pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, and oil and gas, across the emerging economies such as India and China, is driving the market growth in this region. The thriving food and beverage sector is likely to be a crucial driving factor of the market which is expected to propel the demand for water soluble polymers. Furthermore, the presence of local manufacturers is further providing impetus to the water soluble polymers market.

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Competitive Landscape

BASF SE is a multinational chemical manufacturing company which innovates and markets various types of water soluble polymers. The company also provides plastics, crop protection products, and high performance products which cater to the demands of various end use sectors. BASF SE was established in 1865 and is headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

SNF Group is a leading chemical manufacturing company which produces water soluble polymers such as polyacrylamides which are supplied to various end use sectors. The company also produces various specialty chemicals used for preserving water, recycling, and saving energy. It was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Andrezieux-Biutheon, France.   

Nutrition & Biosciences (Dupont) is a bio-based company which produces healthy and sustainable solutions which cater to the demands of the food and pharmaceutical sector. The company also plays a crucial role in the biotech and healthcare sectors. It was founded in the year 1989 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Other market players include Arkema S.A., Ashland Inc., Kuraray Group, Nuoer Group, CP Kelco, and Polysciences, Inc., among others.

Key Highlights of the Report