정제 아크릴산(GAA)
세계 정제 아크릴산(GAA) 시장은 고흡수성 폴리머(SAP), 코팅, 접착제, 각종 성능 향상 화학제품 생산에 중요한 원료로 광범위하게 적용되고 있어 화학 산업에서 중요한 역할을 담당하고 있습니다. 정제된 무수 아크릴산(GAA)은 정제된 무수 아크릴산으로, 반응성과 다양한 산업 분야에서 사용되는 폴리머 및 공중합체를 형성하는 능력으로 유명합니다. 위생용품 부문, 건설 산업 및 수처리 응용 분야 수요 증가로 인해 시장은 꾸준히 성장하고 있습니다. 개인 위생에 대한 인식 증가, 신흥 경제권의 인구 기반 확대, 산업화의 진전은 소비를 더욱 촉진하고 있습니다. 또한, 지속 가능한 고성능 재료로의 전환에 따라 바이오 아크릴산에 대한 연구가 지속적으로 진행되고 있으며, 이는 향후 시장 성장 전망을 더욱 높여주고 있습니다.
수요: 부문별
정제 아크릴산(GAA)에 대한 수요는 크게 두 가지 응용 분야로 나뉩니다. 가교 폴리머와 호모/코/터폴리머입니다. 각 제품은 다양한 최종 사용 산업에서 활용되고 있습니다.
가교 폴리머 중에서는 기저귀, 성인용 요실금 용품, 여성 위생용품 등 고흡수성 폴리머(SAP) 용도가 가장 큰 비중을 차지하고 있습니다. 정제 아크릴산(GAA)으로 생산되는 SAP는 높은 흡수성과 겔 강도를 가지고 있어 위생 제품에 적합합니다. 개발도상국을 중심으로 한 세계 인구 증가, 개인위생에 대한 인식 증가, 생활수준의 향상으로 이 카테고리 수요가 확대되고 있습니다. 선진국의 고령화도 성인용 요실금 용품 시장 확대에 기여하고 있으며, 간접적으로 정제 아크릴산(GAA) 유래 폴리머 수요를 증가시키고 있습니다.
시장 성장 촉진요인
세계 정제 아크릴산(GAA) 시장의 주요 촉진요인은 고흡수성 폴리머(SAP) 수요 증가와 기저귀, 생리대, 요실금 제품 등 위생용품 소비 증가를 꼽을 수 있습니다. 특히 개발도상국에서의 퍼스널케어 부문과 의료 부문의 확대는 여전히 큰 성장 요인입니다. 또한, 도시화의 진행, 가처분 소득 증가, 위생 및 건강에 대한 인식 증가가 지속적인 수요를 뒷받침하고 있습니다.
코팅, 접착제, 실란트에서 정제 아크릴산(GAA)의 사용 증가도 강력한 촉진제이며, 특히 전 세계적으로 확대되고 있는 건설 및 자동차 산업에서 두드러집니다. 수성 코팅에서 그 역할은 환경 친화적인 저휘발성 유기화합물(VOC) 제제로의 전 세계적인 전환과 일치합니다. 또한, 수처리 산업 수요도 증가하고 있으며, 정제 아크릴산(GAA) 기반 폴리머는 수질 및 공정 효율을 개선하는 데 활용되고 있습니다. 재생 가능 자원에서 추출한 바이오 아크릴산에 대한 연구와 상용화의 진전은 새로운 성장 기회를 제공하고, 제조업체들이 지속가능성 목표와 환경 규제를 준수하는 데 기여하고 있습니다.
시장 성장 억제요인
유망한 성장 전망에도 불구하고, 정제 아크릴산(GAA) 시장은 여러 가지 문제에 직면해 있습니다. 주요 억제요인 중 하나는 원자재 가격의 변동성입니다. 석유에서 추출한 프로파일렌이 아크릴산 생산의 주원료이기 때문에 원유 가격의 변동은 생산 비용에 직접적인 영향을 미쳐 수익성과 가격 안정성을 해칠 수 있습니다. 환경 및 안전 문제도 중요한 과제입니다. 아크릴산은 위험하고 휘발성이 높은 화합물이기 때문에 엄격한 취급 및 보관법이 요구됩니다. 유럽의 REACH 규제, 미국 EPA 가이드라인 등 규제 기준을 준수하는 것도 경영비용을 증가시킵니다.
대체품(예: 대체 고흡수성 폴리머 및 바이오 접착제)과의 경쟁으로 인해 특정 부문에서의 성장이 제한될 수 있습니다. 플랜트 설치에 필요한 막대한 자본 투자와 생산 공정의 복잡성은 중소규모의 진입장벽으로 작용하고 있습니다. 또한, 지속가능성에 대한 지속적인 추진으로 인해 제조업체는 바이오 생산 기술에 투자해야 하지만, 이러한 기술은 아직 초기 단계에 있으며 생산 비용이 높기 쉽습니다. 원자재 및 물류 관련 세계 공급망의 혼란도 일시적인 수급 불균형을 초래할 수 있습니다. 이러한 과제에도 불구하고, 기술 혁신, 공정 최적화, 전략적 제휴를 통해 제조업체들은 이러한 제약 요인을 극복하고 세계 정제 아크릴산(GAA) 시장의 장기적인 성장을 유지할 수 있을 것으로 예측됩니다.
세계의 정제 아크릴산(GAA) 시장에 대해 조사 분석했으며, 시장 역학 및 산업 동향, 각 부문별 수요 예측, 제조업체 프로파일 등의 정보를 전해드립니다.
Glacial Acrylic Acid (GAA)-
The global glacial acrylic acid (GAA) market plays a critical role in the chemical industry due to its wide application as a key raw material in the production of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), coatings, adhesives, and various performance-enhancing chemicals. Glacial acrylic acid is a purified, water-free form of acrylic acid, known for its reactivity and ability to form polymers and copolymers used across multiple industries. The market has been witnessing steady growth, driven by rising demand from the hygiene products sector, construction industry, and water treatment applications. Increasing awareness regarding personal hygiene, expanding population bases in emerging economies, and growing industrialization have further stimulated consumption. Moreover, the transition toward sustainable and high-performance materials has led to ongoing research into bio-based acrylic acid, enhancing the future growth prospects of the market.
Demand by Segments
The demand for glacial acrylic acid is majorly categorized into two broad application areas: cross-linked polymers and homo-, co-, and ter-polymers, each serving diverse end-use industries.
Within cross-linked polymers, the largest share is consumed by superabsorbent polymer (SAP) applications such as diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products. SAPs derived from glacial acrylic acid possess high absorbency and gel strength, making them ideal for use in hygiene products. The increasing global population, coupled with growing awareness regarding personal hygiene and improved living standards, particularly in developing regions, has fueled demand in this category. The aging population in developed nations further contributes to the expansion of adult incontinence product markets, which indirectly boosts the demand for GAA-based polymers.
In the homo-, co-, and ter-polymer segment, glacial acrylic acid serves as a fundamental building block for the production of waterborne coatings, detergents, adhesives, dispersants, and specialty esters. In coatings and adhesives, its properties enhance adhesion, durability, and resistance to environmental degradation. The detergents sector uses GAA-derived polymers as dispersing agents to improve washing efficiency and prevent soil redeposition. Specialty esters derived from GAA are also employed in high-performance resins and coatings, catering to the automotive and construction industries. Additionally, in water treatment applications, GAA-based polymers help in preventing scaling and corrosion, thus improving process efficiency in industrial water systems. Together, these applications highlight the chemical's broad industrial utility and its essential role in both consumer and industrial products.
Regional Demand Analysis
The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global glacial acrylic acid market, both in terms of production and consumption. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India are major contributors, driven by strong demand from hygiene products, adhesives, and coatings industries. China is home to several large-scale manufacturers and continues to invest heavily in capacity expansion to meet domestic and export needs. The rapid growth of the population, rising disposable incomes, and increasing awareness of hygiene products such as baby diapers and feminine care items have made the region a focal point for SAP and acrylic acid manufacturers. India's growing manufacturing sector and expanding consumer base are also boosting demand in end-use applications like paints, coatings, and detergents.
North America represents another significant market, supported by a mature hygiene industry, strong demand from the coatings and adhesives sectors, and the presence of major producers. The U.S. leads the regional market with a focus on sustainability, where companies are investing in bio-based glacial acrylic acid to reduce environmental impact. The demand for SAPs in personal care and healthcare products remains steady, while the construction and automotive sectors drive additional consumption through coatings and adhesives.
Europe also holds a notable share of the market, with countries like Germany, France, and the UK focusing on high-performance and environmentally compliant products. Strict environmental regulations regarding VOC emissions and chemical safety have encouraged innovation in water-based coatings and eco-friendly polymer formulations, which use glacial acrylic acid as a critical input.
Emerging regions such as Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually expanding their market presence due to increasing industrialization, rising urbanization, and growing demand for consumer goods. Brazil and Mexico are major contributors within Latin America, particularly in packaging and hygiene applications. In the Middle East, investments in construction and infrastructure are expected to stimulate demand for coatings and adhesives, supporting the regional growth of glacial acrylic acid consumption.
Key Manufacturers
The global glacial acrylic acid market is highly consolidated, with key players focusing on technological innovation, capacity expansion, and integration across the value chain. Major manufacturers include BASF SE, Nippon Shokubai, LG Chemicals, Arkema SA, Formosa Plastics, Mitsubishi Chemicals, Sasol, Evonik Industries, Tasnee, Sinopec, and Dow Chemicals, along with several other regional producers.
BASF SE is one of the world's largest producers, with advanced production facilities and a diversified product portfolio spanning from basic chemicals to high-value polymers. Nippon Shokubai is a leading supplier of superabsorbent polymers and acrylic acid derivatives, with strong integration across its value chain to ensure cost competitiveness and product quality. LG Chemicals and Arkema SA are focusing on expanding their global footprint and developing sustainable, bio-based acrylic acid solutions to meet growing environmental concerns. Formosa Plastics and Sinopec have significant manufacturing bases in Asia, contributing to the region's leading position in global supply. Mitsubishi Chemicals and Evonik Industries have been focusing on research-driven innovations to improve process efficiency and product performance. Tasnee and Sasol serve the Middle Eastern and African markets, respectively, emphasizing downstream diversification. Strategic collaborations, mergers, and capacity expansions among these players are shaping the competitive dynamics of the market.
Market Driver
The key driving forces behind the global glacial acrylic acid market include the growing demand for superabsorbent polymers and the rising consumption of hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary pads, and incontinence items. The expansion of the personal care and healthcare sectors, particularly in developing economies, continues to be a major growth catalyst. Additionally, increasing urbanization, higher disposable incomes, and greater awareness of hygiene and health are contributing to sustained demand.
The rising use of GAA in coatings, adhesives, and sealants is another strong driver, especially with the construction and automotive industries expanding worldwide. Its role in water-based coatings aligns with the global shift toward eco-friendly, low-VOC formulations. Moreover, demand from the water treatment industry is growing, where glacial acrylic acid-based polymers are used to enhance water quality and process efficiency. The ongoing research and commercialization of bio-based acrylic acid derived from renewable resources present new growth opportunities, helping manufacturers align with sustainability goals and environmental regulations.
Market Restraint
Despite promising growth prospects, the glacial acrylic acid market faces several challenges. One of the primary restraints is volatility in raw material prices, as propylene derived from petroleum is the main feedstock used in acrylic acid production. Fluctuations in crude oil prices directly affect production costs, impacting profitability and pricing stability. Environmental and safety concerns also pose significant challenges, as acrylic acid is a hazardous and volatile compound requiring strict handling and storage measures. Compliance with regulatory standards such as REACH in Europe and EPA guidelines in the U.S. adds to operational costs.
Competition from substitute materials, such as alternative superabsorbent polymers or bio-based adhesives, may limit growth in certain segments. The high capital investment required for plant setup and the complexity of production processes further constrain entry for smaller players. Moreover, the ongoing push for sustainability is pressuring producers to invest in bio-based production technologies, which remain in early stages and often come with higher manufacturing costs. Global supply chain disruptions, especially for feedstocks and logistics, can also create temporary imbalances in demand and supply. Despite these challenges, technological innovation, process optimization, and strategic collaboration are expected to help manufacturers overcome these restraints and sustain long-term growth in the global glacial acrylic acid market.
Note: Demand-Supply Analysis has been provided for all major Regions / Countries as mentioned below. The demand-supply (consumption) split by application has been provided for each of the countries/regions in Volume (Kilotons) and Value (USD Million).
Note: CAGR will be calculated for all the derivatives to arrive at the regional/global demand growth for the forecast period (2025 - 2034)
Note: This section includes company information, company financials, manufacturing bases, and operating regions. Company financials have been mentioned only for those companies where financials were available in SEC Filings, annual reports, or company websites. All the reported financials in this report are in U.S. Dollars. Financials reported in other currencies have been converted using average currency conversion rates. Company profiles may include manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.