Global Water Soluble Polymers Market: Snapshot

Water soluble polymers consists a wide variety of mineral polymers that are either of natural or synthetic origin, and are mainly used for facilitating the separation process of materials in suspension in an aqueous medium. They have wide applications in chemical processes such as thickening, dispersion, gelling, flocculation, coagulation, and rheology modification. The growing number of wastewater treatment processes in various industrial activities world over is a key factor propelling the application of water soluble polymers in various industries.

A burgeoning shale oil production to address a growing demand for natural gas in various parts of the world has spurred the demand for these polymers in a variety of applications in the petroleum industry. In addition, a number of emerging specialized applications of water soluble polymers, such as in the pharmaceutical industry, is further likely to accentuate the market. The global water soluble polymers market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2013 to 2019. Expanding at this pace, the market is projected to reach US$29.63 billion by the end of the forecast period.

Application of Synthetic Water Soluble Polymers to Reign Supreme

On the basis of the raw material used in making water soluble polymers, the market is segmented into synthetic, natural, and semi-synthetic materials. Of these, the synthetic segment is projected to be the dominant segment and accounts for more than 50% of the market in 2012. Synthetic polymers coagulants and flocculants have gained traction across various effluent water treatment processes. They are extensively used to dewater sludge in treating various types of wastewater.

On the other hand, natural-based water soluble proteins, particularly casein and gelatin, is expected to provide lucrative avenues for market players. This is attributed to the high cost of the materials and hence are suitable for high-value markets. The advent of lower-priced synthetic substitutes may hinder their industrial uses to an extent.

Polyacrylamide to Witness Widespread Demand in Coming Years

Based on product type, the water soluble polymers market is segmented into guar gum, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, casein, polyacrylic acid, PEG, polysaccharides, PVP, polyamines, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Among these, polyacrylamides has emerged as the leading segment in terms of consumption and is projected to rise at the major CAGR of 7.4% from 2013 to 2019. The growth is expected to be driven by their extensive application in wastewater treatment plants and in the petroleum industry. Guar gum is a prominent segment which is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 5.5%, from 2013 to 2019. A large chunk of production of guar gum is expected to come from several economies of Asia Pacific, notably China and India. Other product types are predicted to lose some share in the coming years.

Wastewater Treatment Poised to be Leading Application Segment

The major application segments of the water soluble polymers market comprise water treatment, detergent and household products, petroleum, paper making, agriculture, food, and pharmaceuticals. Of these, the water treatment segment led the overall market in 2012 and is projected to witness wide application of water soluble polymers. Meanwhile, the detergents and household products segment is projected to rise at a healthy 5.6% CAGR during 2013 - 2019. The substantial application is attributed to rapid advances made in the FMCG sector. Furthermore, the vastly rising demand for water soluble polymers in numerous petroleum applications, including in enhanced oil recoveries and drag reduction, is fueled by increasing shale gas drilling activities. Water soluble polymers also find wide applications in paper making.

Asia Pacific to Provide Abundant Growth Avenues

Based on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Of these, Asia Pacific led the global market in 2012 accounting for 40% of the total volume. The regional market is poised to lead throughout the forecast period and is projected to rise at the leading CAGR during the forecast period. This regional market is trailed by the Europe market and is forecast to remain so until 2019. Both, Europe and North America are considered mature markets for water soluble polymers.

On the other hand, North America and the Rest of the World segment combined accounted for a substantial share of the global market.