Acrylic Acid and its Derivatives Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Acrylic Acid, Acrylic Acid Derivatives), By Application (Superabsorbent, Paints & Coating, Adhesives, Textiles, Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Acrylic Acid and its Derivatives Market Overview

The Acrylic Acid and its Derivatives Market size was valued at USD 16139.18 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 12369.34 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3% from 2025 to 2033.

The global acrylic acid and its derivatives market is experiencing consistent growth, driven by rising demand from industries such as personal care, textiles, paints and coatings, and adhesives. Acrylic acid is widely used in the production of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), which are essential in the manufacturing of hygiene products like diapers and adult incontinence items. Additionally, its derivatives such as acrylate esters are key ingredients in paints, coatings, and adhesives, offering excellent weather resistance and durability.

Increased consumption of personal care and home care products across emerging economies has significantly contributed to market expansion. Furthermore, innovations in formulation technology and the shift toward environmentally sustainable products have encouraged manufacturers to invest in research and development of bio-based acrylic acid. The market has also seen growing use of acrylic acid in water treatment applications and textiles, enhancing its industrial footprint. Manufacturers are focusing on expanding production capacity and strengthening distribution networks to cater to the growing demand across multiple regions.

However, the market is not without challenges. Price volatility of raw materials such as propylene, environmental concerns related to acrylic acid production, and regulatory hurdles could affect market dynamics. Nonetheless, the development of bio-acrylic acid and increased focus on green chemistry present significant opportunities for industry players aiming for long-term growth and environmental compliance.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising demand for superabsorbent polymers in personal hygiene products

COUNTRY/REGION: Asia-Pacific dominates due to industrial growth and expanding consumer base

SEGMENT: Acrylate esters are the most widely used derivative due to their application versatility

Acrylic Acid and its Derivatives Market Trends

The acrylic acid and its derivatives market is currently experiencing several notable trends that are influencing its growth and evolution. One significant trend is the shift toward sustainable and bio-based acrylic acid production methods, as companies respond to environmental regulations and consumer preferences for greener alternatives. There is also increasing demand for acrylate esters in the coatings and adhesives industry, driven by rapid urbanization and growth in the construction sector. In addition, personal care and hygiene industries continue to boost the consumption of SAPs, especially in emerging markets where living standards are improving. Technological advancements in production processes are enabling manufacturers to achieve better yield and efficiency, reducing environmental impact and cost. Strategic partnerships and collaborations among key industry players are becoming more frequent, helping companies to expand their geographic reach and product portfolios. The market is also witnessing increased investments in R&D activities aimed at developing new and improved derivatives with enhanced performance characteristics. Moreover, supply chain optimization and digitalization efforts are helping manufacturers streamline operations and respond faster to market demands.

Acrylic Acid and its Derivatives Market Dynamics

The market dynamics of acrylic acid and its derivatives are shaped by a complex interplay of demand trends, supply challenges, innovation, and regulatory pressures. The growing need for SAPs in baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products is one of the primary demand drivers, particularly in regions with increasing birth rates and aging populations. Simultaneously, acrylate esters are gaining traction in architectural and industrial coatings due to their excellent durability and resistance properties. The market benefits from industrial expansion and infrastructural development in emerging economies. However, challenges persist, including volatility in propylene prices, which is a key raw material for acrylic acid. Stringent environmental regulations concerning emissions and waste disposal associated with traditional acrylic acid production methods are pushing manufacturers toward sustainable alternatives. This dynamic is encouraging investments in green chemistry and bio-based production. Despite these hurdles, opportunities abound in developing innovative products, expanding applications in textiles and water treatment, and capitalizing on emerging market growth.

DRIVER

Rising demand for SAPs in hygiene applications propels market growth

Superabsorbent polymers, a major application of acrylic acid, are increasingly used in hygiene products due to their superior moisture absorption. Growing consumer demand for baby diapers, adult incontinence solutions, and feminine hygiene items is a major factor driving the market, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

RESTRAINT

Volatile raw material prices create uncertainty in production costs

The acrylic acid market is heavily dependent on propylene, whose prices are subject to fluctuation based on global crude oil trends. This volatility affects production margins and pricing strategies, making it challenging for manufacturers to maintain stable supply chains and profitability.

OPPORTUNITY

Adoption of bio-based acrylic acid opens new avenues for growth

Environmental regulations and growing consumer awareness have spurred research into renewable and bio-based acrylic acid production. These eco-friendly alternatives provide long-term growth potential by reducing dependence on petroleum-derived feedstocks and improving the market’s sustainability profile.

CHALLENGE

Stringent environmental and safety regulations restrict expansion

Acrylic acid production involves emissions and waste that are subject to strict environmental controls, especially in North America and Europe. Compliance with these regulations increases operational costs and complicates plant expansion or establishment in some regions.

Acrylic Acid and its Derivatives Market Segmentation

The acrylic acid and its derivatives market is segmented based on type and application. By type, the market includes acrylate esters and superabsorbent polymers. Acrylate esters are widely utilized in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and textiles, owing to their excellent weather resistance and binding properties. Superabsorbent polymers are largely consumed in the hygiene products industry for their ability to retain and absorb large quantities of liquid. By application, the market is categorized into personal care and paints & coatings. In the personal care segment, products such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence items dominate, particularly in regions with growing health awareness and aging populations. In the paints & coatings segment, the demand for high-performance architectural and industrial coatings is fueling the need for acrylate esters. These segmentation categories allow manufacturers to tailor their product lines and marketing strategies to diverse industrial and consumer needs.

By Type

• Acrylic Acid: Acrylic acid is a reactive organic compound primarily used as a building block for various polymers. Its properties, such as excellent adhesion and water absorbency, make it essential in producing coatings, adhesives, sealants, and superabsorbent materials. Demand is driven by construction, hygiene products, and industrial applications worldwide.
• Acrylic Acid Derivatives: Acrylic acid derivatives, such as acrylates and polyacrylic acid, are widely used in manufacturing paints, adhesives, textiles, and hygiene products. These derivatives offer flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental stress. Innovation in water-based and eco-friendly formulations continues to expand their applications in both consumer and industrial sectors.

By Application

• Superabsorbent: Superabsorbent polymers, primarily made from acrylic acid derivatives, can absorb and retain large amounts of liquid. Widely used in personal hygiene products like diapers and sanitary pads, they also serve in agriculture and medical fields. This segment is driven by population growth and rising demand for disposable hygiene products.
• Paints & Coating: Acrylic-based paints and coatings use acrylic acid and its derivatives for their excellent durability, weather resistance, and color retention. They are applied in automotive, architectural, and industrial sectors. With a growing shift toward low-VOC and waterborne formulations, acrylics play a crucial role in sustainable and high-performance coating technologies.

Regional Outlook of the Acrylic Acid and its Derivatives Market

The regional outlook of the acrylic acid and its derivatives market reveals Asia‑Pacific as the powerhouse, commanding approximately 40–50% of the global share in 2023–24, fueled by rapid industrialization, urbanization, growing construction and automotive industries, widespread use in hygiene products, and increasing production capacity across China, India, and Southeast Asia—backed by favorable government policies and rising disposable incomes . North America follows, representing around 27–38% of the market, driven by an established chemical production base, high usage of superabsorbent polymers in personal care, and strong demand from coatings, adhesives, and green material innovations, supported by investment in production technology and bio‑based derivatives . Europe holds roughly 25–30%, anchored by sustainability mandates, stringent environmental regulations, and extensive consumption of acrylic-based coatings, adhesives, and hygiene products—reinforced by a shift toward bio‑based solutions in Germany, France, and the UK . The Middle East & Africa and Latin America together account for around 12–15%, characterized by steady growth driven by urbanization, infrastructure expansion, and rising demand in personal care and construction segments in countries like Brazil, South Africa, and GCC nations—with increasing local production capacities helping reduce import dependency .

• North America

North America is a mature market driven by established end-user industries and a focus on innovation. Growth is also supported by stringent regulatory frameworks encouraging bio-based product adoption and the presence of major multinational manufacturers.

• Europe

Europe emphasizes sustainability and regulation compliance. Government incentives for green chemistry and high hygiene product penetration rates support steady market growth. The region is also a hub for R&D in bio-acrylic acid technologies.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the market with growing industrial activities and rising demand for hygiene and construction materials. Countries like China, India, and Japan are major contributors, backed by expanding population and urbanization.

• Middle East & Africa

This region offers emerging opportunities in construction and hygiene applications. Growth is driven by improving living standards and infrastructure projects, although production capacity and regulatory support remain in early stages.

List of Top Acrylic Acid and its Derivatives Market Companies

• BASF SE
• Arkema Group
• Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
• LG Chem Ltd.
• The Dow Chemical Company
• Formosa Plastics Corporation
• Sasol Limited
• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
• Evonik Industries AG
• Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co., Ltd.

BASF SE: BASF SE is one of the leading producers of acrylic acid and its derivatives, with a strong global footprint and a diversified portfolio that spans personal care, coatings, and adhesives sectors. The company focuses on innovation and sustainability.

Arkema Group: Arkema offers a comprehensive range of acrylic monomers and has a robust R&D infrastructure. It focuses on specialty chemicals and is investing in bio-acrylic acid to address environmental concerns and expand its sustainable product line.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The acrylic acid and its derivatives market presents robust investment opportunities fueled by the expansion of end-use industries and the shift toward sustainable solutions. Investments are focused on increasing production capacities, especially in Asia-Pacific, where demand for hygiene and construction materials is high. Strategic partnerships and joint ventures are helping companies access new markets and strengthen supply chains. Greenfield projects and acquisitions are also rising as players aim to broaden their product offerings and technological capabilities. The growing interest in bio-based acrylic acid is attracting investments in R&D and pilot-scale production facilities. Government incentives for eco-friendly chemicals and rising environmental awareness among consumers are making sustainable production an attractive investment area. Companies are also leveraging automation and digital platforms to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. As industries modernize and new applications emerge, particularly in water treatment and electronics, the market remains ripe for further capital inflow and innovation.

New Product Development

New product development in the acrylic acid market is being driven by the demand for environmentally friendly and high-performance solutions. Key innovations include the development of bio-based acrylic acid derived from renewable feedstocks, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Manufacturers are introducing derivatives with enhanced bonding, flexibility, and weather resistance to meet evolving application requirements in paints, adhesives, and hygiene sectors. Companies are also experimenting with nano-enhanced polymers to improve functionality and material efficiency. Collaborative projects with universities and research institutions are exploring novel uses of acrylic acid in smart materials and sustainable packaging. Additionally, modular production systems and advanced catalytic technologies are being developed to improve process efficiency and reduce waste. These initiatives are not only enabling product diversification but also enhancing competitiveness in a regulation-driven market landscape.

Five Recent Developments

• BASF expanded its acrylic acid capacity in China to meet growing Asia-Pacific demand.
• Arkema announced the development of a bio-acrylic acid pilot plant in France.
• Nippon Shokubai launched a new grade of SAP with improved absorbency.
• LG Chem signed a strategic partnership for sustainable acrylic acid R&D.
• Dow Chemical introduced new acrylic ester grades for high-performance coatings.

Report Coverage of Acrylic Acid and its Derivatives Market

This report comprehensively covers the acrylic acid and its derivatives market, providing detailed insights into market size forecasts, growth drivers, challenges, and opportunities from 2024 to 2033. It analyzes key segments by type and application and offers regional breakdowns across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. The report includes competitive analysis of leading players and examines recent developments, product innovations, and sustainability strategies. It addresses investment prospects, market dynamics, regulatory impacts, and evolving trends influencing demand. Emphasis is placed on technological advancements and the shift toward bio-based production. Strategic initiatives like partnerships, expansions, and M&A activities are highlighted to provide a holistic view of the competitive landscape. The study serves as a valuable guide for stakeholders seeking to understand market structure, growth pathways, and strategic decision-making in the global acrylic acid and its derivatives market.

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