Acrylic polymer market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The acrylic polymer market deals with the production, distribution, and trade of acrylic polymers, synthetic materials made from acrylic acid or its derivatives. These versatile materials have various applications in industries such as paints, coatings, adhesives, textiles, building materials, paper, automotive components, medical devices, and consumer goods. The global market growth is driven by the growing adoption of eco-friendly chemicals in the paints & coating industry.

Market Dynamics

Growing Demand for Acrylic Polymers in End-Use Industries

The growing industries such as construction, automobiles, consumer electronics, and packaging which are the key consumers of acrylic polymers are a key factor driving the global acrylic polymers market. Therefore, leading manufacturers are investing in the expansion of their production capacity to meet future demand from end-user industries. For instance, in March 2023, BASF announced intentions to increase its polymer dispersions manufacturing capacity by constructing a second line at its Daya Bay Petrochemical Industrial Park facility in Guangdong, China. The new line is slated to commence operations in early 2024. The Daya Bay facility is strategically located near key customers in South China and manufactures a wide range of products, including acrylics and styrene butadiene-containing dispersions, for industries such as construction, architectural coatings, paper, and adhesives, as well as new market segments such as lithium-ion batteries. 

Development of Alternative Materials

The acrylic polymer market has become highly saturated owing to the increasing number of manufacturers, the market shift towards alternate materials, and the decreasing scope for development in acrylic polymer in terms of sustainability, which is expected to negatively impact the market growth. For instance, Vinavil 4550 is a VeoVa-based copolymer emulsion for interior, exterior, and masonry coating applications. The formulated paint offers an alternate technology to the acrylic technology that has dominated the North American market for decades. This cost-effective technology is effective for many applications.

Market Segmentation

• Based on type, the market is segmented into polymethyl methacrylate, sodium polyacrylate, and others (polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylamide).

• Based on the solution, the market is bifurcated into water-borne, and solvent-borne.

• Based on application, the market is segmented into coatings, binders, and adhesives.

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) is Projected to Emerge as the Largest Segment

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) is expected to dominate the acrylic polymer market due to its versatility, desirable properties, and broad range of applications. PMMA is transparent, durable, lightweight, and easy to process, making it ideal for various industries. Its applications include construction, signage, automotive, consumer goods, and medical devices. PMMA's established market presence and growth potential make it a competitive choice for manufacturers. 

Water-Borne Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

Water-borne acrylics hold the market due to their lower VOC emissions, compliance with environmental regulations, comparatively high performance in many applications, and cost-effectiveness. While solvent-borne acrylics may still hold a niche in certain applications, their environmental concerns and regulatory landscape make water-borne acrylics well-positioned to capture a significant market share.

Regional Outlook

The global acrylic polymer market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

North America Holds Major Market Share in Acrylic Polymer Market

North-America region holds the largest market share of the acrylic polymer market owing to its strong industrialization and infrastructure base. The high investment by regional companies in developing sustainable polymer-based materials with growing demand from end-user industries such as construction, automobiles, and consumer electronics is another contributor to the regional market growth. For instance, in May 2024, the US National Science Foundation announced a $9.5 million research funding opportunity in collaboration with BASF, Dow, IBM, PepsiCo Inc., and Procter & Gamble Co. Sustainable Polymers Enabled by Emerging Data Analytics (SPEED) is part of the National Science Foundation's Molecular Foundations for Sustainability program, which aims to accelerate the discovery and production of superior and sustainable polymers to improve national competitiveness and address global challenges such as plastic waste. The National Science Foundation will provide $7 million, while the five industrial partners will contribute $2.5 million in money and in-kind gifts.

Global Acrylic Polymer Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

Asia-Pacific is the Fastest Growing Acrylic Polymer Market

• The regional growth is attributed to increasing investment by chemical companies to expand manufacturing facilities in the region owing to its favorable production scenario in terms of cost and policies.

• Asia-Pacific also holds a dominant position in terms of production, consumption, and export of acrylic polymers owing to rapid industrialization, and the growing export market of acrylic polymers in China, and South Korea.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.  

The major companies serving the global acrylic polymer market include BASF SE, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., and Dupont de Nemours, Inc. among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive. For instance, in July 2021, The University of Nottingham (UoN) and the University of St Andrews are working with Mitsubishi Chemical in the UK (MC UK) on a $4.7 million UK Research and Innovation 'Prosperity Partnership' to decarbonize acrylic-based materials. The alliance, led by MC UK, is part of a long-term strategy to improve the sustainability of the acrylics sector, with PMMA, the most prevalent acrylic polymer, expected to top $8.0 billion by 2025. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global acrylic polymer market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.