Polyacrylamide Market Overview

The polyacrylamide market is witnessing significant growth, primarily driven by rising demand for water treatment solutions, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), and applications in the paper, mining, and textile industries. Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a synthetic polymer widely used as a flocculant, thickener, binder, and lubricant. It is available in various forms, including anionic, cationic, and non-ionic, to suit diverse industrial needs.

Market Growth and Trends

Escalating Demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment
Polyacrylamide is extensively used in municipal and industrial water treatment to remove suspended particles, reduce sludge, and improve water quality. With growing global water scarcity and tightening environmental regulations, the demand for efficient water treatment chemicals like PAM is surging.

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in Oil & Gas Industry
Anionic polyacrylamide is used in tertiary oil recovery processes to increase crude extraction from mature reservoirs. As oil companies focus on maximizing production from existing fields, the EOR segment remains a major driver for PAM consumption.

Rising Use in the Paper and Pulp Industry
Polyacrylamide improves paper retention and drainage during manufacturing. With the packaging and hygiene paper sector growing rapidly, particularly in Asia-Pacific, demand for PAM in paper processing is rising.

Mining and Mineral Processing Applications
PAM helps in separating minerals from ores and reduces tailing losses. The mining sector increasingly uses polyacrylamide-based flocculants to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact.

Growth in Agriculture and Soil Conditioning
In agriculture, polyacrylamide is used for soil erosion control, water retention, and seed coating. Its use is expanding in regions prone to drought and poor soil health.

Key Companies in the Polyacrylamide Market

  • SNF Group

  • BASF SE

  • Kemira Oyj

  • Anhui Tianrun Chemicals Co., Ltd.

  • Solenis LLC

  • Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

  • Shandong Polymer Bio-Chemicals Co., Ltd.

  • Chinafloc Chemical Co., Ltd.

  • Xitao Polymer Co., Ltd.

  • ZL EOR Chemicals Ltd.

Market Segmentation
● Type: Anionic, cationic, non-ionic, and others
● Form: Powder, liquid, emulsion
● Application: Water treatment, oil & gas, paper making, mining, agriculture, textiles
● Region: Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific dominates the polyacrylamide market due to strong industrial activity, rising population, and water treatment needs. China and India are leading markets in the region.

North America sees growing demand from the oil & gas and mining industries.

Europe benefits from regulatory pressure to adopt efficient water treatment technologies, driving PAM usage.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets with expanding infrastructure and industrial development requiring effective flocculant solutions.