Water-Soluble Polymers Market - Global Market Share, Trends, Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2032
The global water-soluble polymers market was estimated to be US$ 39.71 Billion in 2022 and is expected grow at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2023 to 2032.
Water-soluble polymers are long-chain molecules that are capable of dissolving in water to form a viscous or gel-like solution. These polymers typically contain functional groups that are hydrophilic or water-loving, which allow them to interact with water molecules and remain in solution.
Water-soluble polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including water treatment, papermaking, textiles, personal care products, and food processing. They can be used as thickening agents, emulsifiers, flocculants, and stabilizers, among other things. Water-soluble polymers are often preferred over other types of polymers because they are biodegradable and do not accumulate in the environment.
Water-Soluble Polymers Market Drivers
Rising demand for enhanced oil recovery in the oil and gas industry is boosting the market growth
Water-soluble polymers are widely used in various industries due to their unique properties and advantages. The global water-soluble polymers market is driven by several factors such as the / from various end-use industries, increasing awareness and emphasis on wastewater treatment, favorable government regulations and policies, rising demand for enhanced oil recovery in the oil and gas industry, and technological advancements and innovations in the production of water-soluble polymers.
In the paper and pulp industry, water-soluble polymers are used as retention aids, drainage aids, and strength agents. They are also widely used in the food industry as thickening agents, stabilizers, and gelling agents. The demand for water-soluble polymers is also increasing in the oil and gas industry for enhanced oil recovery.
Moreover, technological advancements and innovations in the production of water-soluble polymers have resulted in the development of new and improved products, such as the use of nanotechnology to improve the properties of water-soluble polymers.
In addition, there is a greater emphasis on wastewater treatment across the world due to growing concerns over water scarcity and environmental pollution. Water-soluble polymers are used in various wastewater treatment applications, such as sludge dewatering, flocculation, and clarification.
Governments across the world are also implementing various regulations and policies to promote the use of water-soluble polymers in various applications, such as in agriculture and wastewater treatment. Overall, the global water-soluble polymers market is expected to grow in the coming years due to the increasing demand from various end-use industries and the development of new and improved products.
Product segmentation of Global Water-soluble Polymers Market
Xanthan gum is the fastest-growing segment in the market
Based on the product type, the market is segmented into Polyacrylamide, Polyvinyl alcohol, Guar gum, Cellulose ether, Gelatin, Xanthan gum, Casein, Polyacrylic acid, and Other Products.
Among these, the largest segment is polyacrylamide owing to its wide range of applications, including wastewater treatment, paper and pulp, and oil and gas. Polyacrylamide is extensively used in the wastewater treatment industry for sludge dewatering, flocculation, and clarification.
In the paper and pulp industry, it is used as a retention aid, drainage aid, and strength agent. In the oil and gas industry, it is used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes to increase the viscosity of water and displace more oil from reservoirs. Moreover, polyacrylamide is highly effective and cost-efficient, which further drives its demand in various applications.
While the fastest-growing segment is xanthan gum owing to its increasing demand in various applications such as food, pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas. Xanthan gum is widely used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and gelling agent in the food industry.
In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a binder, coating, and controlled-release agent. In the oil and gas industry, it is used in EOR processes to increase the viscosity of water and displace more oil from reservoirs. Moreover, xanthan gum is a natural product that is produced by the fermentation of sugars, which makes it highly sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Application segmentation of Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market
Increasing demand for clean and potable water is driving the market growth
Based on the application, the market is segmented into Water treatment, Food, Personal care & detergents, Oil & gas, Pulp & paper, Pharmaceuticals, and Other Applications.
The water treatment segment is the largest application segment in the water-soluble polymers market. This is mainly due to the increasing demand for clean and potable water, and the stringent regulations and policies implemented by governments to promote water conservation and wastewater treatment.
Water-soluble polymers are widely used in various water treatment applications, such as flocculation, coagulation, and sludge dewatering. The food and beverage segment is also a significant market for water-soluble polymers due to their use as thickeners, stabilizers, and gelling agents.
The oil and gas segment is the fastest-growing application segment in the water-soluble polymers market. This is mainly due to the increasing demand for enhanced oil recovery and drilling fluids in the oil and gas industry.
Water-soluble polymers are used in these applications to reduce friction and enhance viscosity, which improves the efficiency of the drilling and extraction processes. Moreover, the increasing focus on sustainable practices and the implementation of strict environmental regulations in the oil and gas industry are expected to further drive the demand for water-soluble polymers in this segment in the coming years.
Regional trends of the Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market
United States is the largest consumer in North America
Geographically, the global water-soluble polymers market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America.
Following are some of the major trends in these regions –
North America is a significant market for water-soluble polymers, with the United States being the largest consumer in the region. The demand for water-soluble polymers is mainly driven by the increasing demand from various end-use industries, such as water treatment, oil and gas, and food and beverage.
Moreover, the implementation of stringent regulations and policies to promote water conservation and wastewater treatment is expected to further drive the demand for water-soluble polymers in the region. The increasing focus on sustainable practices and the development of new and improved water-soluble polymers with enhanced properties is also expected to drive the growth of the market in North America.
Europe is another significant market for water-soluble polymers, with countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom being the major consumers. The demand for water-soluble polymers in Europe is driven by the increasing demand from various end-use industries, such as water treatment, paper and pulp, and food and beverage.
The implementation of strict regulations and policies to promote sustainable practices and the use of eco-friendly products is also expected to drive the demand for water-soluble polymers in the region. Moreover, the increasing investments in research and development activities to develop new and improved water-soluble polymers with enhanced properties is expected to further drive the growth of the market in Europe.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market for water-soluble polymers, with China and India being the major consumers in the region. The demand for water-soluble polymers in Asia-Pacific is mainly driven by the increasing demand from various end-use industries, such as water treatment, oil and gas, and food and beverage.
The rapid industrialization and urbanization in the region, coupled with the increasing awareness and emphasis on sustainable practices, is expected to further drive the demand for water-soluble polymers in the region.
Moreover, the increasing investments in research and development activities to develop new and improved water-soluble polymers with enhanced properties is also expected to drive the growth of the market in Asia-Pacific.
Key players and market strategies:
Companies operating in the global water-soluble polymers market are adopting various growth strategies to expand their market presence and increase their market share. One of the key growth strategies adopted by companies is mergers and acquisitions.
By acquiring other companies, companies can gain access to new technologies and products, expand their customer base, and increase their market share. For instance, in 2019, Ashland Inc. acquired Clariant's global portfolio of water treatment and oil and gas products, which helped the company to expand its market presence in the water-soluble polymers market.
Another growth strategy adopted by companies is the development of new and innovative products. Companies are investing heavily in research and development activities to develop new and improved water-soluble polymers with enhanced properties. By developing innovative products, companies can differentiate themselves from their competitors and meet the changing needs and preferences of their customers.
For instance, in 2019, Kuraray Group launched a new water-soluble polymer product, Trosifol® TPU-X, which is designed for use in high-performance laminated glass applications. This helped the company to expand its product portfolio and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient products.
Some of the biggest companies operating in the global water-soluble polymers market are AkzoNobel, Arkema SA, Ashland Inc., BASF, CP Kelco, DuPont, Gantrade, Gelita AG, Kemira Oyj, Kuraray Group, Nitta Gelatin Inc., Shandong Polymers Bio-Chemicals Co. Ltd., SNF Group, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Company, The Dow Chemical Company, and many more.
Global Water-soluble Polymers Market Segmentation:
By Product:
- Polyacrylamide
- Polyvinyl alcohol
- Guar gum
- Cellulose ether
- Gelatin
- Xanthan gum
- Casein
- Polyacrylic acid
- Other Products
By Application:
- Water treatment
- Food
- Personal care & detergents
- Oil & gas
- Pulp & paper
- Pharmaceuticals
- Other Applications
By Region
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Rest of North America
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- India
- China
- Australia
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Rest of the Middle East & Africa
- South America
- Brazil
- Rest of South America
- Introduction
- Research Objectives
- Report Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Preface
- Market Definition
- Report Scope and Market Segmentation
- Research Highlights
- Market Synopsis: Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market
- Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market Qualitative Analysis
- Trends
- Market trends
- Technology Trends
- PESTLE Analysis (For 3 prominent countries)
- Market Influencers
- Driving Forces
- Hindering Forces
- Opportunities
- COVID-19 impact
- Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
- Value Chain Analysis
- Trends
- Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market Analysis and Forecast, by Product
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Product, 2019 – 2032
- Polyacrylamide
- Polyvinyl alcohol
- Guar gum
- Cellulose ether
- Gelatin
- Xanthan gum
- Casein
- Polyacrylic acid
- Other Products
- Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market Analysis and Forecast, by Application
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Application, 2019 – 2032
- Water treatment
- Food
- Personal care & detergents
- Oil & gas
- Pulp & paper
- Pharmaceuticals
- Other Applications
- Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market Analysis and Forecast, by Region
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Region, 2019 – 2032
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- South America
- North America Water-Soluble Polymers Market Analysis and Forecast
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- North America Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Product, 2019 – 2032
- Polyacrylamide
- Polyvinyl alcohol
- Guar gum
- Cellulose ether
- Gelatin
- Xanthan gum
- Casein
- Polyacrylic acid
- Other Products
- North America Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Application, 2019 – 2032
- Water treatment
- Food
- Personal care & detergents
- Oil & gas
- Pulp & paper
- Pharmaceuticals
- Other Applications
- North America Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Country, 2019 – 2032
- United States
- Canada
- Rest of North America
- Europe Water-Soluble Polymers Market Analysis and Forecast
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Europe Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Product, 2019 – 2032
- Polyacrylamide
- Polyvinyl alcohol
- Guar gum
- Cellulose ether
- Gelatin
- Xanthan gum
- Casein
- Polyacrylic acid
- Other Products
- Europe Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Application, 2019 – 2032
- Water treatment
- Food
- Personal care & detergents
- Oil & gas
- Pulp & paper
- Pharmaceuticals
- Other Applications
- Europe Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Country, 2019 – 2032
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific Water-Soluble Polymers Market Analysis and Forecast
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Asia Pacific Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Product, 2019 – 2032
- Polyacrylamide
- Polyvinyl alcohol
- Guar gum
- Cellulose ether
- Gelatin
- Xanthan gum
- Casein
- Polyacrylic acid
- Other Products
- Asia Pacific Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Application, 2019 – 2032
- Water treatment
- Food
- Personal care & detergents
- Oil & gas
- Pulp & paper
- Pharmaceuticals
- Other Applications
- Asia Pacific Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Country, 2019 – 2032
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- Australia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa Water-Soluble Polymers Market Analysis and Forecast
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- Middle East & Africa Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Product, 2019 – 2032
- Polyacrylamide
- Polyvinyl alcohol
- Guar gum
- Cellulose ether
- Gelatin
- Xanthan gum
- Casein
- Polyacrylic acid
- Other Products
- Middle East & Africa Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Application, 2019 – 2032
- Water treatment
- Food
- Personal care & detergents
- Oil & gas
- Pulp & paper
- Pharmaceuticals
- Other Applications
- Middle East & Africa Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Country, 2019 – 2032
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Rest of MEA
- South America Water-Soluble Polymers Market Analysis and Forecast
- Overview and definitions
- Key segment analysis
- South America Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Product, 2019 – 2032
- Polyacrylamide
- Polyvinyl alcohol
- Guar gum
- Cellulose ether
- Gelatin
- Xanthan gum
- Casein
- Polyacrylic acid
- Other Products
- South America Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Application, 2019 – 2032
- Water treatment
- Food
- Personal care & detergents
- Oil & gas
- Pulp & paper
- Pharmaceuticals
- Other Applications
- South America Water-Soluble Polymers Market Estimates (US$ Mn), by Country, 2019 – 2032
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of South America
- Competition Analysis – Global Water-Soluble Polymers Market
- Market Composition
- Market Share Analysis (%), by Supplier (2022)
- Company Profiles
- AkzoNobel
- Business overview
- Geographic presence
- Product portfolio
- Financial facts
- Relevant news and strategic view
- Arkema SA
- Ashland Inc.
- BASF
- CP Kelco
- DuPont
- Gantrade
- Gelita AG
- Kemira Oyj
- Kuraray Group
- Nitta Gelatin Inc.
- Shandong Polymers Bio-Chemicals Co. Ltd.
- SNF Group
- Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Company
- The Dow Chemical Company
- AkzoNobel
- Conclusion & Recommendations
Frequently asked questions about this report
How big is the water-soluble polymers market?
The water-soluble polymers market was valued at US$ 39.71 billion in 2022.
What is the water-soluble polymers market growth?
The water-soluble polymers market is expected grow at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2023 to 2032.
What are the factors driving the water-soluble polymers market?
The global water-soluble polymers market is driven by several factors such as the growing demand from various end-use industries, increasing awareness and emphasis on wastewater treatment, favorable government regulations and policies, rising demand for enhanced oil recovery in the oil and gas industry.
Which country is the largest consumer of water-soluble polymers market in North America?
The United States is the largest consumer of water-soluble polymers market in North America.
Which are leading players in the water-soluble polymers market?
AkzoNobel, Arkema SA, Ashland Inc., BASF, CP Kelco, DuPont, Gantrade, Gelita AG, Kemira Oyj, Kuraray Group, Nitta Gelatin Inc., Shandong Polymers Bio-Chemicals Co. Ltd., SNF Group, Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Company, The Dow Chemical Company among others, are the leading players in this water-soluble polymers market.
Which product type is the fastest-growing in the water-soluble polymers market?
The fastest-growing segment is xanthan gum owing to its increasing demand in various applications such as food, pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas.
What are some of the uses of water-soluble polymers?
Water-soluble polymers are largely used in the Water treatment, Food, Personal care & detergents, Oil & gas, Pulp & paper, Pharmaceuticals, and other industry.