Acrylic Acid Market Outlook: Trends, Opportunities, and Growth Forecast

The global formaldehyde market stood at a volume of around 22,780 KT in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.40% from 2025 to 2034, reaching a volume of approximately 30,510 KT by 2032. This growth reflects the rising demand for essential chemical feedstocks, including acrylic acid, which plays a pivotal role in adhesives, paints, coatings, and superabsorbent polymers. This article explores the comprehensive outlook for the acrylic acid market, highlighting its applications, emerging trends, and growth opportunities.

What is Acrylic Acid?

Acrylic acid is a colourless, pungent-smelling organic compound widely used as a precursor in the production of acrylate esters. These esters are essential in the manufacture of adhesives, paints, and coatings. Acrylic acid is also a key ingredient in superabsorbent polymers, which are critical in hygiene products like diapers and adult incontinence pads.

Get a Free Sample Report with Table of Contents@ https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/industry-statistics/acrylic-acid-market/requestsample

Key Market Applications

Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs)

Superabsorbent polymers, derived from acrylic acid, dominate the hygiene sector due to their exceptional water-absorbing capabilities. They are used in products such as diapers, sanitary pads, and adult incontinence products.

Paints and Coatings

Acrylic acid-based esters improve the durability, flexibility, and UV resistance of paints and coatings, making them suitable for automotive, industrial, and architectural applications.

Adhesives and Sealants

The adhesive industry relies heavily on acrylic acid for its excellent bonding properties, which are crucial in packaging, construction, and electronics applications.

Water Treatment Chemicals

Acrylic acid is used in the production of water treatment polymers that prevent scaling and corrosion in pipelines and boilers, ensuring efficient industrial operations.

Market Trends and Drivers

Rising Hygiene Awareness

The increasing awareness of hygiene and sanitation, particularly in emerging economies, has boosted the demand for superabsorbent polymers, driving the acrylic acid market.

Growth in Construction and Automotive Industries

The expanding construction and automotive sectors are propelling the demand for paints, coatings, and adhesives, all of which heavily rely on acrylic acid-based products.

Sustainable Product Development

Manufacturers are focusing on bio-based acrylic acid to reduce carbon emissions and meet stringent environmental regulations. This shift is expected to open new growth avenues.

Increasing Water Treatment Needs

The growing focus on industrial water recycling and treatment is fuelling the demand for acrylic acid-based water treatment chemicals, especially in regions facing water scarcity.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific leads the acrylic acid market, driven by rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and a growing middle-class population. China and India are key contributors, with high demand from the hygiene and construction sectors.

North America

North America is experiencing steady growth due to rising investments in bio-based acrylic acid and the strong presence of end-user industries such as automotive and adhesives.

Europe

Europe’s stringent environmental regulations have accelerated the adoption of sustainable acrylic acid products. The region is also a hub for innovation in coatings and adhesives.

Challenges Facing the Market

Volatility in Raw Material Prices

Acrylic acid production depends on crude oil-derived feedstocks, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations.

Environmental Concerns

The acrylic acid industry faces criticism for its environmental impact, necessitating investment in cleaner production technologies and sustainable alternatives.

Competition from Substitutes

The availability of alternative materials, particularly in adhesives and coatings, poses a potential threat to the acrylic acid market.

Opportunities for Growth

Bio-Based Acrylic Acid

The development of bio-based acrylic acid offers a sustainable alternative, aligning with global decarbonisation goals and increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly products.

Expanding Hygiene Market

The hygiene market’s growth, particularly in Asia and Africa, presents significant opportunities for superabsorbent polymer manufacturers.

Innovations in End-Use Industries

Advancements in adhesive and coating formulations are expected to create new demand for high-performance acrylic acid derivatives.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

BASF’s Bio-Based Acrylic Acid

BASF has made significant strides in developing bio-based acrylic acid, leveraging renewable feedstocks to produce sustainable solutions for hygiene and industrial applications.

Arkema’s Acrylic Acid Expansion

Arkema’s investment in acrylic acid production facilities in Asia-Pacific underscores the region’s growing importance as a demand centre for acrylic acid products.

Future Outlook

The acrylic acid market is set to grow steadily, driven by rising demand from the hygiene, construction, and automotive sectors. The shift towards bio-based alternatives and innovations in end-use applications will be critical in overcoming environmental challenges and sustaining market growth. By addressing current challenges and leveraging emerging opportunities, stakeholders in the acrylic acid market can secure long-term growth and contribute to the development of sustainable industrial solutions.