Synthetic Hydrogels Market Size (2023 – 2030)

The Global Synthetic Hydrogels Market was estimated to be worth USD 23.80 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 37.93 Billion by 2030, growing at a fast CAGR of 6% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The three-dimensional network of polymer chains in synthetic hydrogels, a subclass of polymer-based materials can absorb and retain enormous amounts of water. They are produced using a variety of chemical procedures and have many applications, including soft robotics, tissue engineering, medication delivery, and dressing for wounds. Because of the hydrophilic (water-loving) groups that are present within their polymer chains, these hydrogels can both receive and hold onto water. These groups allow the polymer strands to enlarge and create a three-dimensional network structure that can bind water molecules. They typically consist of a polymer backbone connected to side chains that have hydrophilic functional groups, like hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amine groups. Due to the rising use of hydrogels in the farming industry, the market for synthetic hydrogels is also growing. In order to improve the effectiveness of water consumption in agriculture, synthetic hydrogels have been used as soil conditioners and water retention agents. The rise in food demand brought on by population growth has led to the adoption of sustainable farming practices, which include the use of hydrogels to boost crop yields. 

Global Synthetic Hydrogels Market Drivers:

Increasing demand for wound dressings and drug delivery systems is driving global synthetic hydrogels market sales.

The rising demand for medication delivery systems and wound dressings is among the key factors driving the synthetic hydrogels market. Given their high water content, biocompatibility, and capacity for regulated drug release, synthetic hydrogels are widely used in the medical industry. There has been a substantial demand for hydrogel-based wound dressings and drug-delivery devices due to the rise in chronic diseases and injuries. In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, synthetic hydrogels can offer an environment that is conducive to cell development and proliferation. The demand for hydrogels in the medical industry is anticipated to increase going forward as the field of research and development advances and new uses for manufactured hydrogels are discovered.

Growing demand for sustainable agriculture practices is boosting market growth.

The expanding demand for safe agricultural methods is another key factor propelling the market for synthetic hydrogels. Due to their capacity to increase agricultural yields and water efficiency, synthetic hydrogels are being used more frequently in agriculture. Synthetic hydrogels are used as water-retention agents and soil conditioners to enhance soil structure and increase agricultural water availability. The desire for food is anticipated to rise as the world's population expands. Sustainable farming methods are therefore required in order to increase crop yields while lowering environmental impact. Future sustainable agricultural practises are anticipated to heavily rely on synthetic hydrogels, which have been identified as a possible remedy for this issue.

Global Synthetic Hydrogels Market Challenges:

The issue of biocompatibility and toxicity is one of the biggest issues the synthetic hydrogels industry is currently confronting on a global scale. Synthetic hydrogels have a number of benefits in addition to their high water content, biocompatibility, and capacity to release medications under regulated conditions. Concerns exist, though, regarding their possible toxicity and detrimental impacts on living things. Some manufactured hydrogels have the potential to trigger immunological or inflammatory reactions in the body, which could have a detrimental effect on a person's health. The industry's challenge is to create hydrogels that are practical and distinctive while also being safe and non-toxic. To overcome this obstacle and realise the full potential of manufactured hydrogels in a practical sense, research and development endeavours in this area will be required.

Global Synthetic Hydrogels Market Opportunities:

The development of innovative wound care products offers synthetic hydrogels a sizable global market opportunity. Synthetic hydrogels are ideal for use in wound healing processes due to their unique properties, which include their high water content, biocompatibility, and ability to discharge medications in a controlled manner. The increased prevalence of persistent lesions, including diabetic foot ulcers, is driving demand for better wound care products. By developing innovative synthetic hydrogels that can hasten wound healing and improve patient results, manufacturers can take advantage of the propelling market potential. 

COVID-19 Impact on Global Synthetic Hydrogels Market:

The outbreak caused major disruptions in the production, distribution, and supply networks of medicinal goods in the healthcare sector. This had a detrimental effect on the market for synthetic hydrogels, particularly in the medical industry, which reduced sales and income. However, the pandemic also led to a rise in the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and face masks that frequently contain synthetic hydrogels. The pandemic also increased people's knowledge of the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, which raised the demand for goods that are antibacterial and antimicrobial and can be combined with synthetic hydrogels. Manufacturers of synthetic hydrogel now have new possibilities thanks to these factors, which are also predicted to fuel market expansion in the upcoming years.

Global Synthetic Hydrogels Market Recent Developments:

In February 2021, Axonics Modulation Technologies Inc. successfully acquired Contura and its Bulkamid incontinence hydrogel injection for $200M. The injection is used to treat stress urinary incontinence, expanding the company's product portfolio.

SYNTHETIC HYDROGELS MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global Synthetic Hydrogels Market Segmentation: By Application

• Wound Dressing

• Drug Delivery

• Tissue Engineering

• Soft Robotics

Soft robotics, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound dressing are the different applications of manufactured hydrogels. The wound covering sector is anticipated to hold the largest market position due to the increasing prevalence of persistent wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, and the rising demand for cutting-edge wound care goods. The market for controlled drug delivery systems is also predicted to grow significantly as a result of the increasing demand for them and the unique properties of synthetic hydrogels that allow for extended drug release. Tissue engineering is a major application for manufactured hydrogels because they can promote cell growth and proliferation, which makes them useful in restorative medicine. The soft robotics market is anticipated to expand as synthetic hydrogels are used in soft robotics more frequently, particularly in industries like biomedical engineering and prostheses. Overall, the synthetic hydrogels market is predicted to be dominated by the wound dressing segment, with the drug delivery and tissue engineering segments also exhibiting promising growth prospects.

Global Synthetic Hydrogels Market Segmentation: By End-user Industry

• Personal Care and Hygiene

• Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

• Food

• Agriculture

• Other End-user Industries (Forensics and Research)

Synthetic hydrogels can be used in a variety of end-user industries, consisting of research and development, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, food and agribusiness, personal care and sanitation, and food and beverage. The drugs and healthcare industry is predicted to hold the largest market share because of the increasing demand for drug delivery systems, wound care items, and tissue engineering applications. The personal care and hygiene industry is projected to expand as a result of the increased demand for disposable diapers, feminine care products, and adult incontinence products. It is anticipated that the agricultural industry will grow as synthetic hydrogels are used more frequently to enhance soil quality and encourage plant development. The food industry, which employs synthetic hydrogels as additives to improve the texture and stability of food items, is another major end-user sector. Overall, it is projected that the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry will dominate the market for synthetic hydrogels, with significant growth potential also present in the agriculture and personal care and hygiene industries.  

Global Synthetic Hydrogels Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Rest of the World

There are geographic sub-segments of the synthetic hydrogels market throughout the world, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Due to the region's rising demand for cutting-edge tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound care goods, North America is predicted to hold the largest market share. Due to the rise in the prevalence of chronic wounds and the region's expanding research and development efforts, Europe is also projected to experience substantial growth. As a result of increasing disposable income, population growth, and increased knowledge of hygiene and health problems, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to rapidly expand. Due to the arising demand for advanced wound care products and the expanding healthcare sector in these areas, the Middle East and South America are also predicted to have growth potential. Overall, the market for synthetic hydrogels is predicted to be dominated by North America, with substantial growth potential also being seen in Europe and Asia Pacific in the years to come. 

Global Synthetic Hydrogels Market Key Players:

• 3M

• Ambu AS

• Ashland

• Axelgaard Manufacturing Co. Ltd

• Axonics Modulation Technologies Inc.

• Bausch Health Companies Inc.

• Cardinal Health

• Coloplast Corp.

• ConvaTec Inc.

• CooperVision

• DSM

• Essity Medical Solutions

• HOYA Corporation

• Integra LifeSciences Corporation

• Johnson & Johnson Medical Limited

• Medtronic

• Mölnlycke Health Care AB

• Novartis AG

• PAUL HARTMANN Pty Ltd

• Sekisui Kasei Co. Ltd

• SEIKAGAKU CORPORATION

• Smith & Nephew

• The Cooper Companies Inc.