Global Acrylic Acid Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

Acrylic Acid Market, Segmentation by Derivative

The Acrylic Acid Market has been segmented by Derivative into Acrylic Esters- Methyl Acrylate, Ethyl Acrylate, Butyl Acrylate, 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate, Other Acrylic Esters, Acrylic Polymers- Water Treatment Polymers, Super Absorbent Polymer, Acrylic Elastomers, Others- Ammonium Polyacrylate, and Polycyanoacrylates.

Acrylic Esters – Methyl Acrylate

Methyl acrylate contributes approximately 15% of the acrylic acid market. Known for its fast-drying and high-gloss properties, it is widely used in paints, adhesives, and coatings.

Acrylic Esters – Ethyl Acrylate

Ethyl acrylate represents around 10% of the market. It offers excellent adhesion and flexibility, making it a preferred choice in textiles, paints, and coatings.

Acrylic Esters – Butyl Acrylate

Butyl acrylate holds approximately 20% of market share. Its weather resistance and impact durability make it ideal for use in sealants, adhesives, and architectural coatings.

Acrylic Esters – 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate

2-Ethylhexyl acrylate accounts for about 10% of the market. It is known for its low glass transition temperature and superior flexibility, making it suitable for pressure-sensitive adhesives and sealants.

Acrylic Esters – Other Acrylic Esters

Other acrylic esters make up approximately 5% of the market. These derivatives serve specialized applications in industrial coatings, textile treatments, and additives.

Acrylic Polymers – Water Treatment Polymers

Water treatment polymers account for about 10% of the market. These acrylic polymers enhance flocculation and water purification efficiency in municipal and industrial water treatment plants.

Acrylic Polymers – Super Absorbent Polymer

Super absorbent polymer represents nearly 20% of market share. Used primarily in diapers, personal care products, and agricultural applications, it offers high absorbency and retention capacity.

Acrylic Polymers – Acrylic Elastomers

Acrylic elastomers contribute around 5% of the market. Known for their heat resistance and weather durability, they are used in automotive seals, gaskets, and hoses.

Others – Ammonium Polyacrylate

Ammonium polyacrylate holds approximately 3% of the market. It is used as a dispersant and thickening agent in paint formulations and industrial processes.

Others – Polycyanoacrylates

Polycyanoacrylates account for about 2% of the market. These materials are primarily used in medical adhesives and industrial bonding applications due to their fast curing properties and strong adhesion.

Acrylic Acid Market, Segmentation by Application

The Acrylic Acid Market has been segmented by Application into Surface Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants, Plastic Additives, Detergents, Textiles, Diapers & Training Pants, Adult Incontinence & Other Personal Care Products, Water Treatment, and Other Applications.

Surface Coatings

Surface coatings account for approximately 25% of the acrylic acid market. Acrylic acid derivatives provide adhesion, durability, and UV resistance in paints and coatings used across industries.

Adhesives & Sealants

Adhesives and sealants contribute about 15% of market share. Acrylic acid-based formulations are valued for their strong bonding, chemical resistance, and flexibility in applications such as construction and automotive manufacturing.

Plastic Additives

Plastic additives represent around 10% of the market. Acrylic acid is used to improve impact resistance, clarity, and durability in polymer blends and plastics.

Detergents

Detergents hold approximately 5% of the market. Acrylic acid derivatives act as dispersants and anti-redeposition agents in laundry detergents and cleaning products.

Textiles

Textile applications represent nearly 5% of market share. Acrylic acid enhances fabric softness, wrinkle resistance, and durability in textile finishes and non-woven materials.

Diapers & Training Pants

Diapers and training pants hold about 20% of the market. Acrylic acid-based super absorbent polymers (SAPs) provide high absorbency and retention capacity in infant care products.

Adult Incontinence & Other Personal Care Products

Adult incontinence products and other personal care applications contribute around 10% of market demand. SAPs derived from acrylic acid deliver effective moisture control and comfort.

Water Treatment

Water treatment represents approximately 5% of the market. Acrylic acid-based polymers act as flocculants and dispersants to improve clarity and processing efficiency in municipal and industrial water treatment systems.

Other Applications

Other applications, including inks, paper coatings, and specialty chemicals, make up the remaining 5% of the market. These sectors benefit from the versatility and functional performance of acrylic acid derivatives.

Drivers:

• Increasing Demand from Acrylic Esters Production
• Growth in Construction and Infrastructure Projects

• Rising Adoption in Water Treatment Applications: The global acrylic acid market is witnessing a significant surge in its utilization for water treatment purposes, attributed to its versatile characteristics and effectiveness in tackling water purification issues. Acrylic acid and its derivatives are pivotal in various water treatment processes, offering solutions for disinfection, pH regulation, and scale inhibition. Its capacity to create stable complexes with metal ions renders it suitable for eliminating contaminants and enhancing water quality in both industrial and municipal water treatment plants.

  Polymeric compounds derived from acrylic acid, such as polyacrylic acid (PAA), are extensively employed in water treatment applications owing to their remarkable chelating and flocculating attributes. These polymers aid in eliminating heavy metals, organic pollutants, and suspended solids from water, thereby augmenting its clarity and purity levels. Furthermore, acrylic acid-based polymers demonstrate high efficacy in controlling scale build-up and averting corrosion within water distribution systems, thereby prolonging infrastructure longevity and mitigating maintenance expenses.

  The escalating demand for clean and potable water, coupled with stringent regulations governing wastewater discharge and water quality standards, is propelling the adoption of acrylic acid-based solutions in water treatment operations. As industries and municipalities prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, acrylic acid emerges as a critical component in addressing water treatment challenges. With ongoing innovations in acrylic acid-based formulations and treatment methodologies, the global acrylic acid market is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring access to clean water and fostering sustainable water management practices on a global scale.

Restraints:

• Volatility in Feedstock Prices
• Environmental and Regulatory Constraints

• Competition from Alternative Chemicals: Competition from alternative chemicals presents a significant challenge in the Global Acrylic Acid Market, reshaping market dynamics and demand trends. Traditional substitutes like methacrylic acid and maleic anhydride closely mimic acrylic acid's properties and applications. Methacrylic acid, for instance, shares numerous characteristics with acrylic acid and is utilized across diverse industries, including coatings, adhesives, and personal care products. Similarly, maleic anhydride competes directly with acrylic acid in adhesive formulations and surface coatings, particularly in sectors like construction, automotive, and packaging.

  Emerging alternatives, such as bio-based and renewable chemicals, are gaining momentum, posing a competitive threat to acrylic acid. These alternatives offer environmental benefits and sustainability advantages over petrochemical-derived acrylic acid. For instance, bio-based succinic acid, derived from renewable feedstocks like biomass, emerges as a promising alternative in applications ranging from polymers to coatings. Similarly, renewable chemicals sourced from plant-based materials or fermentation processes are increasingly explored as substitutes for acrylic acid in various sectors, including adhesives, sealants, and plastic additives.

  Acrylic acid manufacturers are prioritizing innovation, product differentiation, and sustainability initiatives. They are directing investments towards research and development to enhance acrylic acid formulations, optimize production processes, and explore bio-based pathways for acrylic acid synthesis. Additionally, strategic collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions are pursued to bolster market presence and diversify product portfolios. By emphasizing sustainability, performance enhancements, and cost competitiveness, acrylic acid producers aim to sustain their market position amid evolving industry dynamics and the emergence of alternative chemicals.

Opportunities:

• Expansion of Acrylic Acid Derivatives Market
• Growth in Personal Care and Cosmetics Industry

• Increasing Demand for Water-based Paints and Coatings: The global acrylic acid market is experiencing heightened demand, primarily fueled by the increasing preference for water-based paints and coatings. This trend is particularly evident across diverse industries like construction, automotive, furniture, and packaging, where water-based formulations are favored for their environmental advantages and superior performance attributes. Acrylic acid, a vital raw material in the production of water-based paints and coatings, contributes to enhancing adhesion, durability, and weather resistance in the final products.

  The growing focus on sustainability and regulations promoting low-VOC products are propelling the uptake of water-based paints and coatings. Acrylic acid-derived polymers facilitate the creation of low-VOC formulations, meeting strict environmental standards while ensuring exceptional performance and longevity. Additionally, the ease of application, quick drying times, and reduced odor of water-based coatings make them ideal for interior and exterior architectural coatings, as well as protective coatings for infrastructure and industrial applications.

  In the automotive industry, the demand for water-based paints and coatings is on the rise to adhere to regulatory mandates and meet consumer expectations for eco-friendly and durable finishes. Acrylic acid-based polymers play a crucial role in developing automotive coatings with superior color retention, UV resistance, and scratch resistance, ensuring prolonged protection and aesthetic appeal. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness, the adoption of water-based acrylic coatings is expected to continue expanding in the automotive sector, thereby driving the demand for acrylic acid globally.