Acrylamide Market Size & Share Trends, 2033

Acrylamide Market Overview

The Acrylamide Market size was valued at USD 1445.35 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1902.4 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2033.

The acrylamide market is driven by its wide usage in water treatment, paper manufacturing, textiles, mining, and enhanced oil recovery. In 2024, the largest consumption was recorded in the production of polyacrylamide, which is a key component in flocculants used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. Rapid urbanization and the need for efficient water management systems are significantly boosting demand. Furthermore, the increasing need for high-efficiency wastewater treatment plants across both developed and emerging economies has encouraged the adoption of acrylamide-based polymers due to their strong coagulating and clarifying properties.

Apart from environmental applications, acrylamide is also extensively used in the paper industry to improve paper strength and retention characteristics. It is equally important in oil recovery techniques, where its derivative, partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (PHPA), is used to enhance the viscosity of the injection fluid, thereby improving oil yield. Additionally, textile finishing processes benefit from acrylamide compounds, as they improve fabric durability and elasticity. In the food industry, acrylamide is an unintended byproduct formed in starchy foods during high-temperature cooking. Although regulated, its presence continues to be monitored by global food safety agencies.

The market is affected by regulatory challenges due to the classification of acrylamide as a probable human carcinogen. Despite this, demand remains stable as industries rely on well-established safety protocols and closed systems to minimize exposure. Technological advancements in manufacturing processes are also improving yield efficiency and reducing waste. Moreover, continuous research on acrylamide alternatives and bio-based flocculants is underway, aiming to reduce dependency on synthetic variants. As sustainable water management becomes increasingly critical across industries, the role of acrylamide in treatment formulations will remain indispensable over the next decade.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising demand for polyacrylamide in water treatment and oil recovery operations.

COUNTRY/REGION: Asia-Pacific dominates the market with rapid industrialization and growing water infrastructure.

SEGMENT: Water treatment is the largest and fastest-growing application segment.

Acrylamide Market Trends

The acrylamide market is witnessing a steady shift toward sustainable water management and industrial process efficiency. Key trends include the expanding use of polyacrylamide in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, particularly in emerging economies where regulatory pressure for environmental protection is increasing. There is also a rising interest in acrylamide derivatives for enhanced oil recovery, especially in regions aiming to extract more output from mature oil fields. The use of acrylamide in mining for solid-liquid separation is another notable trend, contributing to higher yield in mineral processing plants. With the increase in demand for pulp and paper, the requirement for acrylamide-based retention and drainage aids is also growing. Additionally, the textile industry is adopting acrylamide for better finishing properties, especially in developing countries with expanding apparel exports. In the food industry, efforts are being made to minimize acrylamide formation during high-heat cooking by modifying ingredients and processing methods. Another trend involves the development of safer manufacturing technologies and continuous monitoring systems to mitigate the risks associated with acrylamide handling. Governments and environmental agencies are driving investments toward modernizing wastewater systems, which directly impacts acrylamide consumption. As industries look for cost-effective and high-performance flocculants and coagulants, polyacrylamide continues to dominate chemical treatment protocols globally. Technological innovation in polymer modification and the rise in demand for bio-polymers are pushing research in hybrid acrylamide solutions that blend performance with safety.

Acrylamide Market Dynamics

The acrylamide market is influenced by growing demand in water treatment, oil recovery, paper manufacturing, and mining. One of the key dynamics is the increasing reliance on polyacrylamide-based formulations for efficient separation and filtration processes. With environmental regulations becoming more stringent, industries are adopting advanced treatment chemicals to ensure compliance, thereby driving acrylamide usage. Rapid urbanization in Asia-Pacific and Africa is increasing the load on municipal water systems, pushing governments and private players to invest in modern water treatment infrastructure, which significantly benefits acrylamide producers. However, the toxicity of acrylamide and its classification as a probable human carcinogen have prompted stricter handling protocols and have driven some regions to explore bio-based or alternative compounds. Despite this, the chemical continues to be used in tightly controlled environments, especially where performance outweighs safety concerns due to engineering controls. Additionally, innovation in acrylamide synthesis has improved yield and reduced environmental impact, making it more acceptable in sensitive applications. The energy sector, particularly in secondary oil recovery, continues to be a significant consumer of acrylamide-based products due to the polymer’s capacity to increase oil mobility in porous rock. The dynamics of the market also include fluctuating raw material prices and transportation logistics, which affect the pricing structure across regions. Meanwhile, ongoing research and development efforts are focused on reducing residual monomer content in final products, a factor that remains critical in food-contact and medical applications.

DRIVER

Increasing use of polyacrylamide in wastewater treatment applications is a primary market driver.

As governments focus on water reuse and contamination reduction, wastewater treatment facilities are being upgraded with advanced flocculation and coagulation systems. Acrylamide-based polyacrylamide is a core chemical in such systems due to its effectiveness in sludge dewatering and particle separation.

RESTRAINT

Health concerns related to acrylamide exposure and regulatory limitations hinder market expansion.

Due to its potential carcinogenic nature, acrylamide use is subject to tight restrictions in food processing and occupational exposure environments. Compliance with regulatory thresholds and safety measures increases operational costs and limits application scope.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of enhanced oil recovery and shale gas production offers growth opportunities.

Acrylamide derivatives such as PHPA are widely used in oilfield applications to improve water viscosity and enhance extraction efficiency. With global focus on maximizing output from existing wells, this trend presents significant potential for long-term market growth.

CHALLENGE

Development of bio-based and safer alternatives poses a competitive challenge to acrylamide use.

Industries are exploring natural flocculants and polymer substitutes that offer similar performance with reduced health risks. This shift may limit future demand for traditional acrylamide if cost-effective and scalable alternatives are successfully commercialized.

Acrylamide Market Segmentation

The acrylamide market is segmented based on type and application, reflecting the compound’s versatile role in industrial processes. By type, acrylamide is available as aqueous solutions and crystalline solids. Aqueous solutions dominate the market due to ease of handling and safer transportation, particularly in large-scale municipal and industrial water treatment projects. Solid or crystalline forms are used in applications requiring precise dosages or longer shelf life, including laboratory synthesis and controlled-release formulations. In terms of application, water treatment remains the leading sector, accounting for a majority share of global consumption, driven by both industrial discharge regulations and growing freshwater scarcity. The second-largest application is enhanced oil recovery, where polyacrylamide variants are injected into wells to improve the efficiency of oil extraction. Acrylamide is also gaining ground in the mining sector for solid-liquid separation and waste management. In the paper industry, it improves retention and drainage during sheet formation, increasing process efficiency. Additionally, the textile industry employs acrylamide compounds for wrinkle resistance and surface finishing. The compound is also used in small quantities in cosmetic formulations and electrophoresis gels in biotechnology. This wide range of applications ensures stable demand, although regulatory limitations in food-related and consumer-facing products influence end-use diversity.

By Type

Acrylamide Aqueous Solution: Acrylamide aqueous solution is a liquid form of acrylamide used primarily in the production of water-soluble polymers. It is favored for its ease of handling, fast reaction time, and suitability in continuous production processes, especially in wastewater treatment and enhanced oil recovery applications requiring consistent dosing and efficiency.
Acrylamide Crystal: Acrylamide crystal is the solid, pure form of acrylamide used as a monomer to produce polyacrylamides. It offers high purity and stability for storage and transport but requires careful handling due to its neurotoxicity. Common in laboratory and industrial polymer synthesis, it supports precise formulations across multiple sectors.

By Application

Water Treatment: In water treatment, acrylamide-based polymers act as flocculants to remove suspended solids, sludge, and contaminants. Used in municipal and industrial systems, they improve water clarity and efficiency in sedimentation processes. Their ability to treat large volumes of water cost-effectively makes them essential in modern filtration operations.
Pulp and Paper Industry: Acrylamide polymers are used in the pulp and paper industry to enhance drainage, retention, and paper strength. They improve the efficiency of paper machines and reduce waste. Their use in both virgin and recycled paper processes contributes to operational productivity and quality control across paper grades.

Regional Outlook of the Acrylamide Market

The acrylamide market exhibits regional variability based on industrial development, environmental regulations, and energy sector dynamics. Asia-Pacific leads the global market in both consumption and production due to rapid urbanization, expanding manufacturing, and rising investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure. North America follows, supported by its robust energy sector and demand for enhanced oil recovery chemicals. Europe emphasizes sustainability and water management, making it a strong market for high-performance, environmentally compliant acrylamide derivatives. Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa are showing growth driven by oil and gas applications and rising urban development, though market penetration remains moderate due to regulatory and infrastructure challenges.

North America

High demand for acrylamide in secondary oil recovery and stringent water treatment regulations drives growth in the U.S. and Canada. Presence of advanced research facilities also supports polymer innovation in this region.

Europe

Europe prioritizes environmental standards and clean technology, supporting growth in paper, water treatment, and bio-polymer development. Germany, France, and the UK are the key contributors to regional consumption and regulatory leadership.

Asia-Pacific

China dominates global acrylamide production, followed by India and Japan, due to extensive wastewater management projects, mining operations, and oilfield investments. Government-backed infrastructure projects continue to support long-term growth.

Middle East & Africa

Rising water scarcity and ongoing oil exploration initiatives are stimulating demand for polyacrylamide in select Gulf and North African countries. However, limited industrial regulation and capacity present growth constraints.

List of Top Acrylamide Companies

SNF Group
Kemira Oyj
BASF SE
Ashland Inc.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
INEOS
Beijing Hengju Chemical Group Corporation
Black Rose Industries Ltd.
Zibo Xinye Chemical Co., Ltd.
Dia-Nitrix Co., Ltd.

SNF Group:SNF Group is a global leader in water-soluble polymers, offering a broad range of acrylamide and polyacrylamide products. The company serves municipal, industrial, and oilfield markets, with advanced manufacturing and application support across more than 40 countries.

Kemira Oyj: Kemira specializes in chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, including high-performance acrylamide-based polymers for water treatment, pulp and paper, and oilfield applications. The company is known for sustainability-driven innovations and extensive R&D capabilities.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the acrylamide market is being directed toward capacity expansion, sustainable product innovation, and regional manufacturing hubs. With the growth of water treatment infrastructure in emerging economies, companies are establishing local production units to reduce logistics costs and enhance service efficiency. In oil-rich regions, investments are focusing on enhanced oil recovery chemicals where acrylamide-based polymers are integral. R&D funding is also increasing for low-residual acrylamide content and green flocculants to meet evolving environmental and safety regulations. Additionally, companies are exploring process intensification technologies to improve synthesis yield and reduce energy consumption. Public and private stakeholders are investing in integrated water management and zero-liquid discharge systems, directly impacting demand. New opportunities are emerging in biotechnology and advanced materials sectors where controlled-use acrylamide is gaining acceptance. Partnerships between chemical producers and environmental engineering firms are expanding access to treatment solutions tailored for region-specific challenges. Furthermore, circular economy initiatives are encouraging the recycling and safe degradation of acrylamide-based polymers, opening new avenues for environmentally aligned innovation. Strategic investments are also targeting automation and digitization in manufacturing processes to enhance quality control, production scalability, and regulatory compliance.

New Product Development

New product development in the acrylamide market focuses on improving performance, safety, and sustainability. Manufacturers are introducing low-monomer residual polyacrylamides to meet stringent regulatory requirements in sensitive applications. Bio-based flocculants and hybrid formulations combining synthetic and natural polymers are being developed to reduce health and environmental concerns. Technological advancements are enabling the production of temperature- and shear-resistant acrylamide polymers, which are gaining popularity in extreme oilfield conditions. Product lines are being diversified to cater to niche industries such as biotechnology, where acrylamide is used in electrophoresis gels. Companies are also working on enhanced delivery mechanisms such as controlled-release tablets for precision treatment in water processing. Innovations in encapsulation technology are allowing safer handling of acrylamide in powder form. Customized formulations are being created for regional water chemistries, improving treatment efficiency and reducing operational costs. Sustainability-focused R&D is pushing the use of renewable feedstocks and green synthesis methods. New products are also integrating digital dosing and monitoring systems, enabling users to optimize chemical usage in real time. These developments are setting the stage for a more flexible, high-performance, and environmentally responsible acrylamide market.

Five Recent Developments

SNF Group announced expansion of its acrylamide plant in India to meet rising Asia-Pacific demand.
Kemira introduced a new line of low-residual acrylamide polymers for food-contact safe water treatment.
BASF developed a temperature-resistant polyacrylamide for use in enhanced oil recovery.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation invested in new biopolymer R&D to reduce acrylamide dependency.
Black Rose Industries commissioned a new plant in Gujarat to increase solid acrylamide output.

Report Coverage of Acrylamide Market

The report on the acrylamide market provides a detailed assessment of global trends, regional demand patterns, and industrial dynamics. It segments the market by type, including aqueous and solid acrylamide forms, and by application, covering water treatment, oil recovery, mining, paper manufacturing, and textiles. The report includes regional insights across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, highlighting local production capacity, consumption drivers, and regulatory influence. Market dynamics are analyzed through sections on drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges, supported by quantitative data and real-world examples. Leading companies are profiled, with focus on production capabilities, R&D efforts, and recent innovations. Investment trends are explored across infrastructure, sustainability, and raw material sourcing. The report also examines new product development in areas such as bio-based alternatives, high-performance polymers, and advanced delivery systems. Five recent developments provide a snapshot of market momentum and technological progress. This comprehensive report offers actionable insights for manufacturers, investors, and decision-makers involved in the supply chain, enabling strategic planning and competitive positioning in the global acrylamide market.