Polyacrylamide Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type (Cationic, Anionic, Non-ionic), By End-User Industry (Paper, Water Treatment, Oil & Gas, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The polyacrylamide market is evaluated at US$7.403 billion for 2021, growing at a CAGR of 5.74%, reaching US$10.939 billion by 2028.

The polyacrylamide market is anticipated to grow due to the rising demand for the product across various application sectors, including wastewater treatment, oil recovery, paper-making, and food and beverage. Manufacturers intend to locate their manufacturing facilities in the Asia Pacific due to its high consumption rates, plentiful raw material availability, and affordable labor and land costs.

Expansion of the Oil Recovery Sector

The demand for polyacrylamides has increased due to the expansion of the oil recovery sectors. As per the International Trade Administration data for 2023, the US natural gas gross withdrawals saw an increase from 1,20,306 million cubic feet per day in 2022 to 1,24,609 million cubic feet per day in 2023. This growth will significantly impact the polyacrylamide market during the forecast period. To meet the rising demand, manufacturers are projected to increase product quality and R&D spending while lowering total polyacrylamide costs. In April 2023, Ashland Inc. announced the expansion of its polyacrylamide production capacity in China.

Rising Demand for Wastewater Treatment

To increase the effectiveness of wastewater treatment, polyacrylamide is used for dewatering, flotation, and sedimentation. Cationic organic coagulants can be employed either alone as the primary coagulant in potable water treatment or in conjunction with an inorganic coagulant to increase coagulation efficiency. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, in 2021, 92.90% of the total population in Australia was connected to wastewater treatment plants. In contrast, in Chile, 100% of the population was connected, fueling the polyacrylamide market. Countries like South Africa and Israel are still developing systems to connect more people to wastewater treatment plants.

Government Regulations

The stringent environmental regulations implemented by local regulatory organizations and the government to handle industrial wastewater are another factor that substantially influences the market during the forecast years. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) guidelines and amendments on wastewater treatment are expected to increase demand for water treatment chemicals and spur industrial expansion for polyacrylamide.

Asia-Pacific is Expected to Grow at a Modest Pace Over the Forecast Period. 

The increasing construction and building activities in various developing countries are increasing the demand for polyacrylamide in the region. As per the data from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), OVER 32% OF China’s seven major water systems and around 29% of China’s major basins did not have adequate cleanliness standards. With the increase in industrial activities and construction waste, waste material is being dumped in such water bodies, polluting the water bodies. Additionally, there has been an increase in oil and gas activities by the country. Polyacrylamide usage in China's oil and gas industries is increasing the need for the product in the country. For instance, the Tarim Oilfield, controlled by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), one of the country's largest oil and gas producers, saw a record high production of 33.1 million tons in 2022.

Major Market Player

• BASF strongly emphasizes research and development to create innovative solutions for various industries. The company invests significant resources in developing new products, technologies, and processes that address global challenges and meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Market Developments:

• In June 2023, Kemira announced the acquisition of the polyacrylamide business of Nalco Water. Governor John Bel Edwards and the president of SNF Holding Company, John Pittman, announced in July 2022 that the business will spend an extra $375 million to expand its water-treatment and water-conditioning polymer production facility close to Plaquemine, Louisiana.
• In February 2022, Kemira introduced a bio-derived polyacrylamide polymer with similar technical specs to its conventional counterpart. It offered promising prospects across various industries, including water treatment, energy, and applications requiring strict paper quality.

Polyacrylamide Market Scope:

Market Segmentation:

• By Type
  • Cationic
  • Anionic
  • Non-ionic
• By End-User Industry
  • Paper
  • Water Treatment
  • Oil & Gas
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • UK
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Others