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The hydrogel market size is forecast to increase by USD 10.72 billion, at a CAGR of 7.2% between 2023 and 2028. One of the key factors driving market growth is the rising awareness of personal care and hygiene. This awareness has significantly increased demand for hydrogels across various consumer products like baby diapers and paper towels. Hydrogels, with exceptional absorbent properties, are integral in addressing cleanliness and comfort needs. Another factor is their integration into 3D printing, offering transformative possibilities in materials science and manufacturing. Hydrogel-based 3D printing allows precise layer-by-layer deposition, ideal for intricate structures in tissue engineering. The versatility of hydrogels extends to wound dressings, soil conditioners, and contact lenses. Their usage spans industries like the healthcare industry, agriculture industry, and personal care industry, emphasizing their importance in addressing evolving consumer needs and market demands.
Moreover, acrylate polymers, including polyacrylate, are widely used as water retention agents, impacting production costs across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and personal care. Their incorporation enhances product effectiveness, contributing to increased e-commerce sales and bolstering growth in the biomedical sector. Moreover, the utilization of hydrophilic polymers, synthetic polymers, and natural polymers is influenced by external stimuli, further shaping their applications and market dynamics.
The synthetic segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Synthetic segments are derived from chemically synthesized polymers. In addition, the commonly used synthetic materials comprise polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycol. Furthermore, these offer tunable properties, such as swelling behavior and mechanical strength, making them suitable for diverse applications in the medical, agriculture, and personal care industries.
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The synthetic segment was the largest and was valued at USD 10.81 billion in 2018. Moreover, in the medical field, synthetic hydrogels have found extensive use in wound care and drug delivery systems. In addition, their ability to absorb and retain water creates an ideal environment for wound healing, while controlled drug release from synthetic hydrogel matrices enhances therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, the tunable nature of synthetic hydrogels allows researchers to optimize these materials for specific medical requirements, fostering advancements in areas such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment which in turn drives the market growth during the forecast period.
Based on the type, the market has been segmented into semi-crystalline, amorphous, and crystalline. The semi-crystalline segment will account for the largest share of this segment. Semi-crystalline hydrogels segment comprises a molecular structure that combines characteristics of both crystalline and amorphous forms. In addition, unlike amorphous hydrogels, semi-crystalline hydrogels exhibit a partial ordering of polymer chains, contributing to a more organized structure. Furthermore, semi-crystalline hydrogels find application in various fields, including medicine and industry, where a balance between flexibility and structural integrity is essential. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment which in turn drives the market growth during the forecast period.
North America is estimated to contribute 38% to the growth of the global market during the projection period. Technavio's analysts have provided extensive insight into the market forecasting, detailing the regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the projection period.
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North America serves as a major hub in the market, fuelled by the expanding personal care and hygiene, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare sectors in countries such as the US and Canada. In addition, the market in the US is strongly propelled by the flourishing pharmaceutical industry, with several top pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer Inc. and Merck & Co., Inc. driving demand. Moreover, hydrogels play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in drug delivery systems and wound care applications. Furthermore, the country's well-established medical infrastructure, coupled with a robust research and development sector, fuels innovations in hydrogel applications, particularly in wound care and drug delivery systems. Hence, such factors are driving the market growth in North America during the forecast period.
The market is experiencing robust growth driven by the rising awareness of personal care and hygiene, leading to increased demand for hydrogel-based products in various industries. A notable trend in this market is the integration of hydrogels into 3D printing technologies, allowing for the creation of complex structures with precise control over properties such as porosity and mechanical strength. However, a significant challenge facing the industry is the stringent regulatory requirements related to medical products, particularly in applications such as wound dressings and drug delivery systems. Despite this challenge, hydrogels continue to find extensive use in tissue engineering, agriculture, and medicine, serving as soil conditioners, water retention agents, and components of feminine hygiene products. With advancements in biotechnology and the increasing adoption of hydrophilic polymers in the healthcare, agriculture, and personal care industries, the hydrogel market is poised for sustained growth, albeit with challenges related to production cost and regulatory compliance.
One of the key factors driving the market growth is the rising awareness of personal care and hygiene. The increasing awareness of personal care and hygiene has significantly influenced the demand for hydrogels across various consumer products. In addition, hydrogels, with their exceptional absorbent properties, have become integral components in personal care items, responding to a heightened consciousness of cleanliness and comfort among consumers.
Moreover, one notable application is in diapers, where hydrogels enhance absorbency, keeping infants dry and preventing skin irritation. In addition, in adult incontinence products, hydrogels provide efficient moisture absorption, ensuring user comfort and maintaining skin health. Furthermore, in feminine hygiene products, such as sanitary pads and tampons, hydrogels play a vital role in enhancing absorbency and leakage prevention. Hence, such factors are driving the market growth during the forecast period.
A key factor shaping the market growth is the integration of hydrogels into 3D printing technologies. Hydrogel-based 3D printing constitutes a transformative trend at the intersection of materials science and additive manufacturing. In addition, this emerging technology involves the use of hydrogel materials that can be precisely deposited layer by layer to create intricate three-dimensional structures. Furthermore, the versatility of hydrogels allows for the fabrication of complex geometries with tunable mechanical properties, making them ideal for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Moreover, in the realm of bioprinting, hydrogels serve as bioinks, providing a supportive matrix for the deposition of living cells. In addition, this innovation enables the creation of artificial tissues and organs with the potential for transplantation or drug testing. Furthermore, the hydrogel's biocompatibility and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix contribute to the success of this 3D printing approach in creating biomimetic structures. Hence, such factors are driving the market growth during the forecast period.
Stringent regulatory requirements related to medical products are one of the key challenges hindering market growth. In the medical sector, where hydrogels are significantly utilized for wound care and drug delivery, stringent regulations govern product safety, efficacy, and quality standards. In addition, obtaining regulatory approvals, such as those from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA), can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process.
Moreover, the need for compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks adds complexity, negatively impacting the speed at which new hydrogel-based products can enter the market. For example, in the development of hydrogel-based medical devices, meeting the requirements for biocompatibility, sterilization, and clinical efficacy is crucial. Furthermore, the intricate nature of these regulations can lead to delays in product launches and increased development costs. Hence, such factors are hindering the market growth during the forecast period.
Companies are implementing various market growth and forecasting strategies by analyzing factors such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product or service launches to enhance their presence in the market.
3M Co: The company offers hydrogel such as 3M Tegaderm Hydrogel Wound Filler. It is easy to apply and available in convenient 15 and 25 gram sizes.
The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including Alliqua Biomedical Inc., Ashland Inc., B.Braun SE, Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Cardinal Health Inc., Coloplast AS, Dow Chemical Co., Essity AB, Evonik Industries AG, Integra Lifesciences Corp., Johnson and Johnson, Koninklijke DSM NV, Medline Industries LP, Medtronic Plc, Paul Hartmann AG, Procyon Corp., Smith and Nephew plc, The Cooper Companies Inc., and Axelgaard Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Billion" for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments.
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The Hydrogel Market is witnessing rapid growth driven by advancements in biotechnology and technological advancements across various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and personal care. Hydrogels, with their hydrophilic structure and high water absorption capacity, find extensive applications in health care items, such as wound dressings and medication delivery systems. These versatile materials are also used in biomedical applications, acting as biomolecular release matrices and regenerative medicine structures. With the rising demand for eco-friendly goods, natural hydrogels and edible polymer hydrogels are gaining traction, offering recyclability and reducing pollution.
Further, in the medical sciences, hydrogels play a crucial role in wound dressing and tissue engineering applications, promoting proliferation and aiding in the curing and treatment process. The market encompasses a wide range of hydrogel formulations, including synthetic hydrogels like polyethylene glycol hydrogels and semi-crystalline hydrogels. Furthermore, hydrogel films & matrices are utilized in physiologically interfaced devices and anti-adhesive membranes, while hydrogel sheets are effective in treating various types of wounds, including ulcers, burns, and infected wounds. With their applications spanning multiple industries, hydrogels continue to be at the forefront of innovation and research and development efforts.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
165 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018 - 2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.2% |
Market Growth 2024-2028 |
USD 10.72 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
6.9 |
Regional analysis |
North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
North America at 38% |
Key countries |
US, China, Japan, Germany, and France |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
3M Co., Alliqua Biomedical Inc., Ashland Inc., B.Braun SE, Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Cardinal Health Inc., Coloplast AS, Dow Chemical Co., Essity AB, Evonik Industries AG, Integra Lifesciences Corp., Johnson and Johnson, Koninklijke DSM NV, Medline Industries LP, Medtronic Plc, Paul Hartmann AG, Procyon Corp., Smith and Nephew plc, The Cooper Companies Inc., and Axelgaard Manufacturing Co. Ltd. |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, Market growth and Forecasting, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Material
7 Market Segmentation by Type
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
11 Vendor Landscape
12 Vendor Analysis
13 Appendix
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