Buy Now
Acrylic Acid Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Derivative (Acrylic Esters, Acrylic Polymers, Others), By Application (Surface Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants, Plastic Additives, Detergents), and Regional Analysis, 2025-2032
Pages: 140 | Base Year: 2024 | Release: July 2025 | Author: Versha V.
Acrylic acid is a colorless, corrosive organic compound primarily used as a precursor in polymer production. It readily reacts with alcohols and other compounds to form acrylic esters and polymers.
The market includes a range of derivatives such as acrylic esters, which are widely used in coatings and adhesives due to their flexibility and performance, and acrylic polymers, which are essential in superabsorbent materials and binders. The market covers several applications, including surface coatings, adhesives and sealants, plastic additives, detergents, textiles, and other specialty applications.
The global acrylic acid market size was valued at USD 12.62 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 13.07 billion in 2025 to USD 17.10 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.91% during the forecast period.
Market growth is primarily driven by the growing use of superabsorbent polymers in personal hygiene products such as diapers, adult incontinence items, and sanitary napkins. A notable trend influencing the market is the notable shift toward 100% plant-based acrylic acid, supported by rising demand for sustainable and bio-based raw materials.
Major companies operating in the acrylic acid industry are Milspec Industries, Inc., Dow, SIBUR International GmbH, TOAGOSEI CO., LTD., NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD., SATELLITE CHEMICAL CO., LTD., Evonik Industries AG, BASF, Sasol, Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co. Ltd., Arkema, Chandra Asri Petrochemical, Wacker Chemie AG, LG Chem., and Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation.
Market expansion is propelled by the growing development of ethyl acrylate production using bioethanol, supported by efforts to localize feedstock sourcing and improve process efficiency. This shift allows producers to leverage agricultural outputs such as sugarcane or corn as input materials, creating regional supply advantages and reducing exposure to volatile petrochemical markets.
The use of bioethanol also supports flexible integration into existing production infrastructure, enabling manufacturers to scale operations while adapting to evolving environmental standards and resource availability.
Growing Demand for Superabsorbent Polymers in Personal Hygiene Products
The growth of the acrylic acid market is primarily fueled by the growing demand for superabsorbent polymers used in personal hygiene products. These polymers, synthesized using acrylic acid, are essential in products such as baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and sanitary napkins due to their high liquid absorption capacity.
Rising demand for hygiene products across both developed and emerging economies, supported by lifestyle changes and improved access to healthcare, has significantly increased the consumption of acrylic acid.
Health and Safety Risks in Acrylic Acid Handling and Storage
A key challenge hindering the progress of the acrylic acid market is managing health and safety risks associated with its handling and storage. Acrylic acid is highly corrosive and flammable, posing serious hazards to workers and the environment during transportation, storage, and processing. These risks lead to higher operational costs due to the need for specialized equipment, safety protocols, and compliance with hazardous material regulations.
To address this challenge, companies are enhancing safety training programs, adopting advanced containment systems, and using real-time monitoring technologies to ensure safe handling and minimize accidents.
Shift Toward 100% Plant-Based Acrylic Acid
The acrylic acid market is witnessing a notable shift toward the use of 100% plant-based acrylic acid due to rising demand for sustainable materials. This trend is further supported by growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressure to reduce reliance on fossil-based chemicals.
Plant-based acrylic acid, produced from renewable feedstocks such as sugar or biomass, offers a lower carbon footprint and supports circular economy goals. Companies are investing in bio-based production technologies to reduce environmental impact and support long-term industry transition to cleaner raw material sourcing.
|
Segmentation |
Details |
|
By Derivative |
Acrylic Esters (Methyl Acrylate, Ethyl Acrylate, Butyl Acrylate, 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate, Other Acrylic Esters), Acrylic Polymers (Water Treatment Polymers, Super Absorbent Polymer, Acrylic Elastomers), Others (Acrylic Polyacrylate, Polycyanoacrylates) |
|
By Application |
Surface Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants, Plastic Additives, Detergents, Textiles, Others |
|
By Region |
North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico |
|
Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe |
|
|
Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific |
|
|
Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa |
|
|
South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America |
Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.
Asia Pacific acrylic acid market share stood at 45.00% in 2024, valued at USD 5.68 billion. This dominance is reinforced by the establishment of new production facilities with higher capacity across countries such as China, India, and Indonesia.
These large-scale manufacturing investments have enhanced local supply, reduced dependency on imports, and supported rising demand from the hygiene, coatings, and adhesive industries. The availability of raw materials, favorable government policies, and expanding end-use sectors have reinforced the region’s market dominance.
The North America acrylic acid industry is poised to grow at a CAGR of 3.40% over the forecast period. This growth is fostered by increasing demand for superabsorbent polymers used in personal hygiene products such as baby diapers, adult incontinence items, and feminine hygiene products.
Innovation in absorbent technologies and steady investment in hygiene product manufacturing continue to support acrylic acid consumption. Additionally, regulatory compliance and focus on product quality have prompted manufacturers to adopt high-purity acrylic acid in downstream applications, contributing to regional market growth.
Key players in the acrylic acid industry are focusing on geographic expansion and capacity enhancement to strengthen their market position. Several companies are investing in new production facilities or upgrading existing plants to increase output and meet growing regional demand. These expansions are primarily concentrated in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, where proximity to raw materials and cost advantages offer strategic benefits.
Furthermore, companies are forming joint ventures and partnerships to establish a stronger local presence in emerging markets. This approach enables faster access to end-use industries and improves supply chain efficiency. These strategies reflect a continued focus on long-term scalability and global supply security.
