Polymer Gel Market Analysis, By Application (Personal Care, Agriculture, Construction, Drug Delivery System, Waste Treatment), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global polymer gel market size was estimated at 2,126.2 kilo tons in 2016. Globally increasing consumption of personal care products is expected to be a key factor driving the growth. Moreover, rising demand from the agriculture sector is also anticipated to fuel the growth.

They contain a three dimensional cross linkage, which delivers significant deformation properties to the gel. It is a synthetic water-soluble polymer that has been the key ingredient that is utilized in the formulation of various end-use industries. The key end-use industries include personal care, construction, agriculture, drug delivery system, and waste treatment. Major players are investing in the research and development to expand the scope of end-use products.

U.S. polymer gel market volume by application, 2014 - 2025 (Kilo Tons)

Polymer based biodegradable products are extensively used in agricultural activities in order to save water for irrigation purposes. Application of these products on farms saves irrigation costs, thereby proving itself as an effective cost saver. Moreover, its application saves 40 to 70 percent of water used for irrigation purposes. It also reduces the amount of fertilizer applied onto the fields as it binds the fertilizer to the root and thus reduces the leaching of fertilizers. It is highly beneficial in water scarce regions as it helps crops to retain water for longer periods. It also has huge growth opportunities across areas witnessing unpredictable rains.

Farmers across the world are adopting smart farming techniques. Rising demand for food coupled with increasing government’s support for adopting modern agricultural techniques is supplementing demand for smart farming in the global market. Farmers are also implementing advanced technologies in order to expand their marginal profits and attain economies of scale. The adoption of smart farming techniques is anticipated to expand in upcoming years thus supplementing demand for polymer gels in irrigation activities.

Polymer gels are widely used in the cosmetics industry also. These materials vary in nature depending upon the degree of the cross-linked, gel content, structure of elastomer, and amount of carrier used. The products can be used in hair care, sun products, skincare, clear gels, facial masks, mascaras, and cuticle coats. They are low tack and non-oily. They also deliver a softer feel to the skin during the application procedure.

Development of newer technologies along with constant improvements in the formulations of finished products based on the preferences and changing regulatory trends are steering industry growth. One of the major technological advancements in the recent past include the usage of PHASE transition, which is anticipated to gain prominence in the upcoming years. The global manufacturing industry is constantly evolving with continuous altering regulatory norms and increasing R&D expenditure.

The market has witnessed strong growth in the past on account of growing biodegradable product demand. Emerging economies, especially in Asia Pacific will play a significant role in pushing the demand, owing to increasing requirement from various application industries. The industrial growth is further expected to propel the demand over the forecast period.

Application Insights

The global demand has seen a paradigm shift due to rising awareness among consumers regarding the benefits of the product. Personal care emerged as the largest application segment and accounted for over 84% of the total revenue generated in 2016.

Global polymer gel market volume by application, 2016 (%)

The market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years on account of increasing product requirement in application areas such as personal care. Personal care held the largest share in 2016 and this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. Polymer gel is widely used in personal care products as they act as an effective absorbent for water and other aqueous solutions. They include baby & adult diapers and female hygiene products.

Agricultural applications are anticipated to witness a lucrative growth rate over the forecast period. It is economical and saves costs, thus it is witnessing augmented demand. Moreover, rising implementation of smart farming techniques in urban areas is also supplementing the market growth. Lack of vacant land areas in urban regions is acting as a major driver pushing farmers to adopt smart farming techniques.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the global market in 2016 and this trend is anticipated to continue over the forecast period. The presence of various potential markets in the region such as Japan, China, South Korea, and India is fueling the demand for personal care products. Numerous factors are playing a vital role in the growth of the personal care industry in Asia Pacific such as increasing awareness pertaining to skincare, consumer spending, and aging demography. Moreover, anti-pollution, carbonated skincare, halal beauty, and TMC-based products are expected to propel the personal care industry over the forecast period.

In North America, huge penetration and marketing of personal care products through digital forces are changing the lifestyles of consumer. In addition, luxurious personal care products are more accessible to the ordinary consumer especially millennials are further fueling the demand for personal care products in this region. Changing consumer lifestyles and priorities are the key drivers fueling the demand for personal skincare products, which in turn demand for polymer gel

Competitive Insights

Key participants include Saudi Arabian Amiantit Company, Enduro Composites, Inc., Ma’s Group Inc., FIMA Group Ltd., Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd, Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., LG Chemicals Ltd., Evonik Industries, BASF Corporation, Dow Chemicals, and Chemxtex Speciality Limited. Overall competition is expected to remain high over the next eight years owing to the rising demand for biodegradable products. A large number of key players are focusing on the expansion of application areas with a high focus on the research and development in order to strengthen their competitive strength.

Report Scope

Segments covered in the report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global polymer gel market on the basis of application and region:

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Personal Care

  • Agriculture

  • Construction

  • Drug Delivery System

  • Waste Treatment

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

  • Europe

    • The U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa