The acrylamide market is set for a steady trajectory between 2025 and 2035, a result of the growing need across the sectors of water treatment, paper production, mining, oil recovery, and textiles. The market is predicted to see an increase from USD 3,955.4 million in 2025 to USD 5,911.6 million by 2035, thereby achieving a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period.
Acrylamide is a water-soluble monomer used mainly in the production of polyacrylamide (PAM), which is the major flocculants and thickening agent that is used primarily in wastewater treatment, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), and pulp and paper treatment. The consumption of acrylamide is greatly boosted as the industrial and municipal wastewater treatment is becoming the area of focus increasingly and this is propelled by the stricter environmental regulations and the water scarcity that is being felt.
There are also other areas where its usage will be seen, for example, it plays a significant part in the soil conditioning process, textile processing, and gel electrophoresis in biotechnology that consequently leads to the market boom.
Bio-based acrylamide production breakthroughs have resulted in a range of eco-friendly polymer formulations, and they have led to the development of high-performing flocculants that are primarily responsible for the long-term market growth especially in developing countries where the water treatment infrastructure is evolving rapidly.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 3,955.4 million |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 5,911.6 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.1% |
The water and wastewater treatment sector emerges as the major sector that consumes acrylamide, primarily in the form of polyacrylamide-based flocculants and coagulants. With the increasing threats of water pollution, industrial waste discharge, and stricter environmental regulations, municipalities and industries are often opting for polyacrylamide solutions to help with sludge dewatering, sedimentation, and filtration.
In addition, oil and gas sector widely used acrylamide based polymers in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, where it improves viscosity, reduces water mobility, and oil displacement efficiency is increased. With worldwide energy needs continuing to climb and the oil market now seeking more mature and unconventional, hard-to-retrieve resources, the boom in EOR solutions that use acrylamide-based polymers.
Acrylamide is quite an important substance in the production of paper, where its role is to serve as a retention aid, drainage agent, and a dry-strength additive in paper mills. The rise in the demand for recyclable, lightweight, and high-strength paper products along with the initiatives for sustainability to reduce the use of plastic, all are contributing to the growth of the market.
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Acrylamide is consumed largely in North America mainly through water treatment, oil recovery, and paper processing industries. This is the case of the United States and Canada as they are increasingly adopting polyacrylamide flocculants in wastewater treatment plants, industrial effluent treatment, and oilfield applications.
Also, USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which sets regulations on water safety, chemical discharge, and industrial pollution, are also propelling industries to go green with the use of acrylamide-based eco-friendly solutions.
The search for shale gas and increased oil recovery (EOR), research and improvement in the field is stimulating the demand beside this. The North American paper sector’s decision of making the switch to eco-friendly packaging materials is a reason for polyacrylamide in paper-making and wastewater recycling products.
The acrylamide market in Europe continues to grow along the lines of Germany, France, the UK, and Italy that stress environmental sustainability, and water treatment, and are adherents to industry 4.0 innovations. Environmental regulations of the EU regarding chemicals are the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) these crooked industries to explore such low-poison, bio-based, and easy-to-use are technologies.
Germany as a powerful chemical producing country and an industry player in the water treatment sector carrying is the major in the area of polyacrylamide-based coagulants and adsorbents. On the other hand, France and the UK are practicing responsible mining, and chemicals usage but also, green wastewater management thus they are driving broader adoption of acrylamide.
Asia-Pacific is the planet's fastest-growing territory with China, India, Japan, and South Korea being the leaders in the wastewater treatment sector, textile processing, mining activities, and oil explorations respectively. The rapid industrialization and the rise of environmental regulations of the region, as well as the growing of infrastructure projects, stand behind the demand for cheap acrylamide-based options (solutions).
China is at the top of the list as it is the biggest producer and consumer of acrylamide. The demand for it can be seen mainly in municipal wastewater treatment, petrochemical, and textile dyeing industries. With India's becoming a modern city, the government's Clean Water Program, and the necessity for advanced mining tools, the market is expanding.
Japan and South Korea with their interests in high-performance polymer development, semiconductor wastewater recycling, and bio-based chemical processing expect to see the demand for next-gen acrylamide-based materials grow.
Emerging markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa in the area of acrylamide for oilfield applications, wastewater treatment, and mining are seeing increased demand. The Middle East which has the petrochemical industry's expansion is adding with the success of water desalination systems and a component of industrial filtration is providing remarkable growth possibilities.
Brazil and Mexico in Latin America through investment in sustainable water purification technologies, paper recycling, and environment cleanup activities show an upward trend. In Africa driven by the development of mining and infrastructure polyacrylamide-based solutions are very efficient. The demand for clean water has risen resulting in the focus on polyacrylamide-based project implementations.
Problems Related to Environment and Health
Acrylamide is a substance which is regarded as might be a human carcinogen, so it has raised a number of significant issues related to health and the environment. This is largely due to its presence in industrial wastewater, food processing, as well as polymer applications, which has led to the need for strict regulatory actions, therefore industries need to follow controlled handling, exposure minimization, and safe disposal practices as prescribed. The substance Neurotoxic Effects and suspected origination of cancer have led to global desires to lessen acrylamide in food, drinking water, and industrial effluents.
Public enlightenment and regulatory action are the two main factors that are driving industries to transition to low-toxicity, biodegradable materials. Firms nowadays are more inclined to invest in the studies of non-toxic derivatives of acrylicamide, enzyme-based polymerization methods, and bio-based flocculants that would address environmental and human health risks. On the downside, their scalability, cost-effectiveness, and performance consistency remain major constraints for industry implementation.
Raw material Prices That Shift
Acrylamide production largely utilizes acrylonitrile which is a petroleum chemical derivative, thus the industry becomes extremely vulnerable to crude oil price caps, supply chain interruptions, and geopolitical calmness. The worldwide energy crisis, fluctuating oil stockpiles, and trade prohibitions give rise to the initial phase of trip and flimsy economic conditions which drive raw material pricing insecure thus greatly affecting the production costs and profit margins of acrylamide makers.
The industry's dependency on imported raw materials and regional gaps in the acrylonitrile supply chain worsens the pricing fluctuations. They are searching for alternative feedstock’s, bio-based production processes, and advanced synthesis technologies that would get them out of the petrochemical supply chain. Nevertheless, the shift to renewable or waste-derived raw materials is a sustainable one and presents both technical and financial barriers requiring large-scale R&D funding and regulatory approvals.
Overarching Regulatory Compliance
Governments all over the globe are decisively coming up with benchmarks that belie acrylamide use, particularly in food safety, drinking water treatment, wastewater disposal, and polymeric-based consumer products. Regulatory bodies including the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) have provided strict permissible exposure limits, disposal protocols, and monitoring frameworks to minimize the risk of acrylamide contamination.
Design of Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable Acrylamide Alternatives
Driving of non-toxic and sustainable acrylamide substitutes is a key factor triggering the advance of bio-based polymers, enzyme-catalyzed polyacrylamide synthesis, and degradable flocculants.
Scientists are uniquely focused on green chemistry approaches such as: Polymers based on biobased alternatives derived from starch, cellulose, and chitosan, which have very high water absorption capacity and are excellent flocculants. Enzyme-related polymerization which leads to residual toxic acrylamide, absent and allow analogon the formation ofhigh molecular weight properties for industry to intramolecular add.
Hybrid and modified polyacrylamide formulations, which are preset with two or more monomers, are not only added with bio-based crosslinking agents but also included with nano-particles to considerably improve performance and safety.
As sustainability policies worldwide get tougher and investors in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) feel more commitment, companies that are putting in money to produce it become next-reader acrylamide replacements are however, the cost-effective, scalable. regulatory approval for eco-friendly alternatives is one of the key industry challenges.
The oil and gas industry keeps being a major consumer of acrylamide-based polyacrylamides with their specific application in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), drilling fluid additives, and oil sands processing. Rising in global energy demand, companies have decided to implement complex polymer flooding to enhance oil extraction and to maximize reservoir performance.
Polyvalent flocculants based on polyacrylamide attend copper ore processing, tailings dewatering, and solid-liquid separation, thus, being used in the mining sector. The movement towards rare earth metal mining, lithium extraction, and mineral element refining have pushed the demand for polymeric-based separation agents of the highest quality.
The textile and paper industries are on the rise using acrylic acid- based retention aids, drainage aids, and fiber-binding agents to increase the durability of fabric, to strengthen paper, and to increase the production efficiency. The change to environmentally sustainable textile manufacturing and the move to biodegradable paper products is the mind driver for the development of polyacrylamides which are less toxic to the environment.
Comparative Market Analysis
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Compliance with environmental and food safety regulations due to acrylamide’s potential toxicity. |
| Technological Advancements | Development of high-performance polyacrylamides for industrial applications. |
| Industry-Specific Demand | High demand in water treatment, paper manufacturing, and oil & gas sectors. |
| Sustainability & Circular Economy | Focus on reducing acrylamide formation in food processing. |
| Market Growth Drivers | Rising global demand for wastewater treatment and petroleum extraction. |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Stricter global safety standards, increased regulatory oversight, and promotion of bio-based alternatives. |
| Technological Advancements | Integration of AI-driven process optimization and innovations in sustainable production techniques. |
| Industry-Specific Demand | Expansion into biodegradable polymer applications, biomedical research, and green chemistry initiatives. |
| Sustainability & Circular Economy | Increased investment in eco-friendly alternatives and adoption of circular economy practices. |
| Market Growth Drivers | Advancements in sustainable polymer chemistry and increasing government investments in green technologies. |
The United States acronym of acrylamide market is on the way to getting higher, as its water treatment industry is getting broader as well as the increasing usage of it in petroleum recovery and total polymer chemistry. The wastewater treatment plants are driving the need for acrylamide-based polyacrylamides as a result of stringent EPA rules concerning the industrial effluents and potable water standards.
Acrylamide is one of the major raw materials used in the field of oil and gas for the EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) techniques. Polyacrylamides used in EOR improved the viscosity and also the extraction of the crude oil. Furthermore, the paper manufacturing sector within the USA is slowly but steadily being demanded to produce harder papers with the addition of acrylamide-based retention aids and drainage agents.
The profitability of sustainable production of acrylamide, which is bio-based as well, forms a different ground for market parameters. In the face of a considerable intensity of research in polymer applications, and an assured stance of government support for wastewater treatment projects, the USA acrylamide market is looking forward to an uninterrupted increase.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 3.8% |
The UK acrylamide market is on a moderate growth trend, as the country keeps focusing on securing and efficient water management, setting up regulatory policies for the industrial wastewater treatment sector, and the rising demand for paper products. In the framework for stricter ecological sustainability, the UK government is motivating the enterprises to promote the use of polyacrylamide-based flocculants for wastewater treatment. This is a measure that aims to comply with EU-derived clean water directives.
In addition, the use of biodegradable packaging in food and drink shops is one of the main factors causing an increase in the demand for acrylamide-based paper processing agents. As a result of the olecrasování which is currently being promoted in the use of acrylamide for mining and drilling fluids in industrial applications as a lubricant and filter aid, this will also be a factor of market expansion.
Advancements in the field of developing technology in the direction of bio-based acrylamide production are not only affording but also making the UK strategic as a long-lasting and approved market sector in the acrylamide industry
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 3.9% |
The European Union (EU) is a stable both in the production and the consumption of acrylamide products in this market, due to an effective yet strict environmental policy, a high degree of innovation in water recycling technologies, and the growing demand from several sectors such as paper and petroleum industries. The EU's commitment to reach the net-zero emissions and minimize industrial waste, in turn, has hastened the use of acrylamide-based flocculants in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants.
In addition, the wave of trend towards biodegradable and reusable paper packaging in reaction to single-use plastic bans is the force that drives the demand for acrylamide-based retention and drainage aids in the paper industry. The chemical and petroleum industry is also being expanded by the major EU countries such as Germany, France, and Italy thus providing the opportunities for acrylamide-based EOR applications. The EU acrylamide market is planned to remain further growth due to constant stress on the industrial sector's sustainable development and R&D drive on modern polymers.
| Region | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union | 4.0% |
China is the premier consumer and also producer of acrylamide with its enormous demand for water treatment, growing paper production and swift industrialization. The policies of the Chinese government that target the improvement of water quality and the decrease of industrial pollution have brought about direct investments in new plants where the acrylamide-based polyacrylamides are used for flocculation and purification processes.
The newly minted demand for the paper products of various kinds which among others now include packaging materials is adding to the consumption escalation for acrylamide-based retention and strengthening agents for the pulp and paper industry. Oil and gas developments in the Country Champion have embraced a wider potential oil recovery mechanism using the acrylamide-based formulations for better extraction levels.
By way of constant improvement in the production capacity, along with the recently introduced environmentally friendly polymer chemistry, China is on the way to keeping its position as the largest acrylamide market worldwide.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| China | 4.6% |
The market for acrylamide in Japan is exemplary by technology-oriented innovations, strict environmental rules, and the vast application in wastewater treatment and specialty chemicals. The strict water quality standards of the country and its focus on industrial emission reduction have been the major drivers behind the considerable inflow of money for the development of advanced flocculation and filtration solutions with the help of acrylamide-based polymers.
Besides, the paper and packaging sector of Japan has been addressing the issues of acrylamide-based additives to the processing efficiency of materials and the enhancement of the durability of the biodegradable packaging materials.
The pharmaceuticals and electronics sectors in Japan as well employ acrylamide derivatives in the process of precision chemical synthesis and microfabrication. The expected shift towards biopolymer alternatives and research in nanotechnology are projected to help the Japanese scaling up of acrylamide-based applications in the technical sectors further.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 3.7% |
The market scenario of acrylamide in South Korea is bright primarily because of the fast expansion of the industrial sector, new technology in water treatment, and the steadily rising demand from the petrochemical and packaging industries. The government's operating strategies that emphasize ecological site remediation and green manufacturing have quickened the transformation of the water treatment process with carton saponification.
Staying in oil, the holistic techniques based on the method of acrylamide, are coming out to be one of the leading technique of enhanced oil recovery and this way they make the whole process of resource extraction more effective. South Korea's high-tech electronics and semiconductor manufactures also put to use acrylamide-based chemical processes for the production of materials on the atomic level.
With smart manufacturing technology on the rise and material research enhancer development, South Korea shall not only hold its trajectory but be at the forefront of the acrylamide market, dealing economically and environmentally with innovation in industry.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 4.2% |
Water Treatment Sector Drives Major Demand for Acrylamide
Water treatment is the most significant factor behind acrylamide demand being primarily applied in polyacrylamide flocculants and coagulants. These chemicals are responsible for scrubbing impurities, suspended solids and contaminants from wastewater thus, are a must in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities.
Worldwide, Governments are issuing stringent environmental rules on water purification processes which in turn add an extra demand for acrylamide in water treatment plants. The water treatment sector, which is recognized as the main contributor, will further support the acrylamide development in the water treatment sector, in regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Oil and Gas Industry Expands Acrylamide Usage in Enhanced Oil Recovery
The oil and gas industry is another major consumer of acrylamide, especially for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. Polyacrylamide is mainly used to increase the extraction of oil by decreasing the water mobility and boosting the viscosity in the oil reservoirs. As the worldwide energy demand keeps increasing and the conventional oil reserves are on the verge of exhaustion, the EOR techniques are getting more popular, particularly in the Middle East, North America, and Russia.
Furthermore, the unconventional oil sources like shale gas are trending now and increasing the acrylamide consumption in drilling and fracturing fluids. The high dependence of the oil and gas sector on acrylamide-based polymers remains since the field is permanently driven to search for better extraction solutions.
Paper and Pulp Industry Benefits from Acrylamide-Based Strengthening Agents
The other important application of acrylamide is in the paper and pulp industry where it is used as a paper-strengthening agent and retention aid. Polyacrylamide-based materials are known to have a very positive effect on the quality of the paper by better dehydration and minimize water use costs during the paper manufacturing process.
As the market for green and high-performance paper is on the rise, the advantages of strengthening agents are also scaling up. With the increasing paper and pulp manufacturing base in North America, Europe, and China, the demand for acrylamide-sourced additives keeps expanding. Besides, the eco-friendly paper manufacturers who are forced by laws to reduce harmful emissions also take part in the market growth, as they bring in newer chemical solutions.
The Acrylamide market is experiencing steady growth, primarily driven by its increasing applications in water treatment, paper manufacturing, oil recovery, and the textile industry. The demand for acrylamide-based polymers is rising due to stringent water treatment regulations and the need for enhanced oil recovery techniques. Leading market players focus on sustainable production methods, technological advancements, and expanding their supply chain networks to meet global demand efficiently.
Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on reducing the environmental impact of acrylamide production by adopting greener chemical processes and exploring bio-based alternatives. Government regulations, particularly in regions like North America and Europe, are shaping the market by enforcing strict guidelines on acrylamide usage, handling, and waste management.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| BASF SE | 18-22% |
| SNF Group | 15-18% |
| Kemira Oyj | 10-14% |
| Ashland Global Holdings Inc. | 8-12% |
| Beijing Hengju Chemical Group | 5-9% |
| Other Companies (combined) | 30-40% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| BASF SE | Produces high-quality acrylamide and polyacrylamide used in water treatment, enhanced oil recovery, and paper manufacturing. Focuses on R&D investments to drive product innovation and sustainability. |
| SNF Group | Specializes in acrylamide-based polymers, leading the market in water treatment chemicals and flocculants. The company is expanding its manufacturing footprint globally to meet rising demand. |
| Kemira Oyj | Focuses on sustainable and high-performance acrylamide solutions for municipal and industrial water treatment applications. Strong emphasis on environmental compliance and innovation. |
| Ashland Global Holdings Inc. | Develops specialty chemicals, including acrylamide derivatives for the paper, coatings, and textile industries. Committed to producing high-quality chemicals with minimal ecological impact. |
| Beijing Hengju Chemical Group | Manufactures a broad range of acrylamide and polyacrylamide products, catering primarily to Asian markets. Focuses on cost-effective production and strategic partnerships. |
Key Company Insights
BASF SE
As a world leader in the production of acrylamide and polyacrylamide, BASF SE delivers high-quality solutions for a variety of industries, such as water treatment and enhanced oil recovery. It emphasizes sustainable manufacturing practices as well as ongoing investments in research and development to improve the performance of its products. In light of sustainability objectives and reducing BASF's ecological footprint, BASF is also in the process of developing bio-based variants of acrylamide.
SNF Group
With flocculants and water treatment chemicals at the core of its business, SNF Group is a major player in the acrylamide market. With the demand for eco-friendly polymers increasing, the company has a strong international footprint and is actively investing in enhancing its production capabilities. SNFs also work with regulatory agencies to ensure their products meet the most up to date environmental standards.
Kemira Oyj
With flocculants and water treatment chemicals at the core of its business, SNF Group is a major player in the acrylamide market. With the demand for eco-friendly polymers increasing, the company has a strong international footprint and is actively investing in enhancing its production capabilities. SNFs also work with regulatory agencies to ensure their products meet the most up to date environmental standards.
Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
Ashland Global Holdings Inc. manufactures specialty chemicals, including acrylamide-based derivatives, for paper manufacturing, coatings and textiles. The company differentiates itself in the marketplace through its focus on high-value specialty chemicals. Ashland is also studying advanced polymer modifications to improve the efficiency and safety of acrylamide-based solutions.
Beijing Hengju Chemical Group
Beijing Hengju Chemical Group is one of the leading producers of acrylamide and polyacrylamide products, mainly catering to Asian markets. The company's emphasis is on low-cost production and increasing market penetration by forming strategic alliances. Beijing Hengju is also looking into newer methods of lowering emission from the production process and enhancing the overall sustainability of its operations.
The overall market size for Acrylamide was USD 3,799.7 million in 2024.
The market is expected to reach USD 3,955.4 million in 2025.
Higher adoption hydraulic fracturing for fossil fuels is driving the market.
The Acrylamide Market is projected to reach USD 5,911.6 million by 2035.
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