Polyacrylamide Market by Product (Cationic, Anionic, and Non-ionic), Application (Water Treatment, Oil & Gas, and Paper Making), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Polyacrylamide Overview

The term polyacrylamide market describes the industry devoted to the manufacture, sale, and consumption of polyacrylamide, an artificial polymer derived from acrylamide monomers.  Polyacrylamide is mostly utilized in the wastewater treatment, mining, papermaking, and oil and gas industries as a flocculant, thickener, or coagulant. Polyacrylamide aids in the separation and removal of suspended solids and pollutants during the treatment of wastewater, resulting in cleaner water. It facilitates the dewatering and solid-liquid separation processes in the mining industry.

Polyacrylamide is also used as a soil conditioner in agriculture, to improve paper quality, and to increase oil recovery. The market is expanding as a result of the rising demand for wastewater treatment solutions, the development of the industrial sector, and the expansion of important end-use industries.

Global Polyacrylamide Market Analysis

The global polyacrylamide market size was $5.6 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6.7%, by generating a revenue of $10.4 billion by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Polyacrylamide Market

The global polyacrylamide market has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic. A lack of raw materials and finished goods resulted from the closure or reduction in the capacity of several manufacturing plants. Orders were postponed or cancelled as a result of this shortage and shipping logistical issues, which affected the market's overall growth.

Another key end-user of polyacrylamide, the oil and gas sector, experienced a severe slowdown as a result of decreased global energy demand and falling oil prices. Reduced drilling and production operations led to a decrease in the market for goods made of polyacrylamide, such as friction reducers and oil recovery agents. The demand for paper products, such as packing materials and office supplies, fell as a result of firm closures and a shift towards remote working, which harmed the paper manufacturing industry. The demand for polyacrylamide, a retention and drainage aid used in the production of paper, was subsequently impacted by this. The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial influence on the polyacrylamide market, mainly because the supply chain was disrupted and demand from important businesses decreased. However, the market is anticipated to regain its lost market share as the global economy strengthens, propelled by several factors like rising water treatment demand, infrastructural growth, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Increasing Demand for Polyacrylamide Market from Multiple Industries to Drive Multiple Growth

The market for polyacrylamide has been expanding rapidly due to a confluence of factors that have boosted demand for the material across numerous sectors. The global need for water treatment solutions is one of the main motivators. The demand for clean, potable water has increased along with urbanization and industrialization, which has led to the use of polyacrylamide as a crucial element in effective water purification and treatment procedures. Additionally, the growing emphasis on wastewater management due to environmental conservation has increased the market for products made of polyacrylamide. Because of its success in improving soil quality and reducing erosion, polyacrylamide has seen tremendous growth in the agricultural industry. The use of polyacrylamide to improve soil structure and prevent erosion has emerged as a critical technique in modern farming practices that prioritize yield optimization and minimizing soil degradation. The market for polyacrylamide is expected to continue expanding due to this tendency. Additionally, the substantial growth of the oil and gas sector is a major factor in boosting the need for polyacrylamide. The viscosity of drilling fluids is frequently improved by the use of polyacrylamide in enhanced oil recovery procedures, which rely on cutting-edge drilling and extraction processes. Its market has expanded in part due to polyacrylamide's adaptability in a variety of industrial applications, such as the production of paper, textiles, and personal care products. It is a key component in many production processes due to its capacity to alter rheological properties, boost adhesion, and improve product performance.

Environmental Concerns to Restrain the Market Growth

Polyacrylamide has seen tremendous expansion in recent years. The rise of the market has been constrained by environmental concerns, which have emerged as a hurdle to its growth. If introduced into water bodies, the synthetic polymer polyacrylamide may be harmful to aquatic life. Products made with polyacrylamide may cause environmental pollution if handled, stored, or disposed of improperly. Regulations and standards for the usage of polyacrylamide have become more stringent as a result of these concerns among regulatory agencies and environmental organizations. The usage of polyacrylamide in the food business has raised certain concerns. While polyacrylamide has several uses in the food processing industry, notably as a thickening and clarifying agent, concerns have been raised concerning its potential health dangers. According to certain research, polyacrylamide exposure may increase the risk of developing certain diseases like cancer and renal impairment. Due to these worries, polyacrylamide use in food applications is now subject to more scrutiny and regulations, which could impede the substance's commercial expansion. Future sustainable growth of the polyacrylamide market will depend on addressing these issues through more research, the creation of safer substitutes, and adherence to strict regulations.

Advancements in Technology to Drive Excellent Opportunities

The market for polyacrylamide is poised to benefit greatly from technological advancements. Due to its outstanding water-absorbing and retention qualities, polyacrylamide, a polymer compound, is widely used in many sectors. New technical innovations are anticipated to improve the characteristics and functionality of polyacrylamide, hence broadening its uses. The creation of modified and functionalized polyacrylamide is one area of exploration. To fulfil the needs of various sectors, scientists and engineers are attempting to develop customized variants of polyacrylamide that have certain properties. These changed versions might be more viscous, thermally stable, have superior flocculation abilities, or be more chemically resistant. Microfluidics, continuous flow synthesis, and emulsion polymerization are a few of the novel methods being used to create polyacrylamide with accurate molecular weights and customized architectures. These developments make it possible for producers to create polyacrylamide of excellent quality and consistency, satisfying the demanding needs of end users. Modified polyacrylamide, nanocomposites, and environmentally friendly substitutes will give industry participants fantastic opportunities to fulfil the changing needs of diverse sectors and profit from the rising demand for sophisticated polymeric materials.

Global Polyacrylamide Market Share, by Product, 2022

The anionic sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. In water treatment procedures, anionic polyacrylamide, which has a negative charge, is very effective at flocculating and settling suspended particles. It is frequently used in municipal and commercial wastewater treatment facilities to filter out pollutants, organic debris, and solid particles from water. Anionic polyacrylamide is used in the mining sector for mineral separation and tailings management. By gathering tiny particles, making their separation from the water easier, and lessening the environmental impact of mining activities, it helps with the dewatering process. Another industry that uses anionic polyacrylamide is agriculture. It functions as an erosion control and soil conditioner. Enhancing soil structure increases water infiltration, lowers soil erosion, and boosts the soil's water-holding capacity, which boosts crop output and promotes sustainable farming practices. Through the provision of efficient solutions for water treatment, mining, petroleum, and agriculture, the anionic section of the polyacrylamide market plays a significant role in several industries. Because of its negative charge, it can effectively flocculate suspended particles, improve oil recovery, and boost soil quality.

Global Polyacrylamide Market Share, by Application, 2022

The water treatment sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Water's purity and quality are enhanced by the removal of suspended particles, organic debris, and other pollutants. Smaller particles can be easily removed from the water by sedimentation or filtration after the polymer aggregates them into giant flocs. Its use in the water treatment industry has been accelerated by ongoing developments in polyacrylamide formulations, such as the creation of environmentally friendly and bio-based variations. While maintaining high performance, these improvements seek to lessen the environmental impact of water treatment procedures. Overall, the market's demand for polyacrylamide is significantly influenced by the water treatment industry. The usage of polyacrylamide in water treatment is anticipated to keep growing in the upcoming years due to rising awareness of water scarcity and pollution, as well as strict restrictions.

Global Polyacrylamide Market Share, by Region, 2022

The North American polyacrylamide market generated the highest revenue in 2022. North America has become a significant market for polyacrylamide products because of its robust industrial base, technological improvements, and rising demand for water treatment and enhanced oil recovery applications. One of the key factors driving the North American market for polyacrylamide is the region's water treatment industry. Effective water treatment solutions are required as a result of rapid urbanization, population increase, and stringent environmental restrictions. In wastewater treatment procedures, polyacrylamide is frequently utilized as a flocculant to help remove pollutants and particles. To meet the varied needs of sectors like water treatment, oil & gas, and mining, businesses are concentrating on creating novel products with enhanced performance characteristics. In conclusion, the North American region dominates the polyacrylamide market due to the rising demand for water treatment products and the development of the oil and gas sector. The polyacrylamide market is anticipated to continue expanding significantly in North America over the next few years thanks to its favorable market circumstances and technological improvements.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Polyacrylamide Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. One of the leading market players in the industry is Kemira. In February 2022, Kemira declared that it has begun the first full-scale production of bio-based polyacrylamide in the entire globe. At its manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama, Kemira finished setting up the production facilities for emulsion polymers and bio acrylamide monomers in June 2021. In Ulsan, South Korea, Kemira opened the dry polymer production facility in May 2021, producing dry polyacrylamide (DPAM) products. SNF will continue to make investments in February 2021 to increase the Plaquemine Plant in Louisiana's capacity for producing powder-grade polyacrylamide. At its wholly owned facility in Nanjing, China, BASF successfully ramped up commercial production of its new polyacrylamide powder production line in April 2019.

Some of the leading polyacrylamide market players are Anhui Jucheng Fine Chemical Co, Ltd. (CJCC), Ashland Inc., BASF SE, Kemira, SNF Group, Black Rose Industries Ltd., Shandong Polymer Bio-Chemicals Co., Ltd., Xitao Polymer Co., Ltd., ZL EOR Chemicals Ltd., and Dongying Kechuang Biochemical Industrial Co., Ltd.