Acrylic Associative Thickener Market

Industry Overview

The Global "Acrylic Associative Thickener Market" size was valued at US$ 789.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 1.05 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

The global acrylic associative thickener market is highly significant since thickeners are used in paints, coatings, adhesives, and personal care products to change the rheology and enhance the performance of the final product. These thickeners improve the viscosity, flow characteristics, and stability of formulations; they are frequently generated from acrylic polymers. The growing consumer products, automotive, and construction markets have all contributed to the industry's consistent expansion. Water-based thickeners that are environmentally benign are becoming more and more popular as businesses adapt to growing environmental concerns and regulatory demands. Due to their strong industrial bases and growing demand from consumers, regional markets like those in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are dominant. The capacity to tailor formulations for particular applications, price, sustainability, and product performance are all competitive factors.

Growing demand in the paints and coatings industry, especially for architectural coatings. Increasing use in personal care and cosmetic products due to excellent thickening efficiency and formulation flexibility. Rising adoption in adhesives and sealants for improved performance. Technological advancements leading to development of more efficient and versatile thickeners. Shift towards water-based formulations in various industries driving market growth. Environmental regulations favouring water-based products over solvent-based alternatives. Potential challenges from raw material price fluctuations and competition from natural thickeners.

Segmental Analysis

30% Solid Content to hold the highest market share: By Type 

Based on type, the Global Acrylic Associative Thickener market has been segmented as 30% Solid Content, 35% Solid Content, and Other.

The largest market share usually belongs to 35% solid content thickeners in the global acrylic associative thickening industry. This is mostly because they are widely used in high-performance applications like adhesives, paints, and coatings, where it is essential to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness, convenience of use, and viscosity. Thickeners with a 35% solid content are favoured in sectors that need premium formulations because they provide better thickening stability and efficiency.

On the other hand, other solid content variations typically cater to specialist or specialised markets, while 30% solid content thickeners are utilised for more widespread applications, frequently where cost concerns are key. On the other hand, geographical variations in local industrial requirements and environmental legislation may affect the overall distribution of demand.

Coating and Ink segments to hold the highest market share: By Application

Based on Application, the Global Acrylic Associative Thickener Market has been classified as Adhesives and Sealants, Coatings and Inks, Building Construction, Textile, Paper Processing, and Others.

In the global acrylic associative thickener market, the Coatings and Inks category has the largest market share. The substantial demand from sectors including consumer goods, construction, and automotive—where coatings are necessary for protection, aesthetics, and performance enhancement—is what propels this dominance. Water-based and solvent-based paints frequently employ acrylic associative thickeners because they provide better flow, levelling, and viscosity control—all of which are essential for high-quality finishes.

The market demand is also substantially influenced by the building construction and adhesives and sealants segments, particularly as global infrastructure development and construction activity increase. Nonetheless, because of its wide range of consumer as well as commercial applications, the coatings and inks market continues to be the largest.

Regional Analysis:

In terms of region the acrylic associate thickener industry is being dominated by the North America Region

 Due to various industry characteristics, the global market for acrylic associative thickeners exhibits varied growth trajectories in different regions. Due in large part to the developed paint, coating, and adhesive industries in North America, especially in the United States and Canada, the region has a large share. The need for water-based thickeners, particularly in applications like automotive coatings and architectural paints, is driven by the region's focus on high-performance, environmentally friendly, and innovative products, which are in line with strict environmental requirements. Stability in the market is also influenced by the strong presence of significant industry players and the need for cutting-edge formulas. The need for cutting-edge formulations supports the stability of the market.

Europe is another big market, especially since it places a lot of focus on sustainability and has stringent laws like REACH that force producers to use water-based, low-VOC products. The construction and automotive industries are led by nations like Germany, France, and the UK, which increases demand for thickeners of superior quality. The region's emphasis on materials science research and development fosters innovation in thickening technologies.

Driven by swift urbanisation, industrial growth, and infrastructural initiatives in major economies like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest rate of growth. The demand for acrylic associative thickeners in coatings, adhesives, and sealants is greatly increased by the growth in the building industry as well as the flourishing automobile and consumer goods sectors. Moreover, the growth of the personal care and home improvement markets, which also employ these thickeners, is facilitated by the emergence of local producers and rising disposable incomes.

Competitive Analysis

• Arkema
• BASF
• Borchers
• Dow
• Celanese
• Gold Reef
• Allnex
• Eastman
• BYK
• TRIMER
• Other Key Players 

The global acrylic associative thickener market is characterised by a competitive landscape that includes both established companies and new players. These competitors are vying for market dominance through various means including as product differentiation, technological advancements, and strategic initiatives. Prominent corporations like as BASF, Dow Chemical, and Arkema hold a dominant position in the market, capitalising on their vast R&D resources and diverse range of products to provide high-grade, tailored thickening solutions. To satisfy strict legal requirements and escalating environmental concerns, these industry leaders concentrate on creating sustainable and eco-friendly products.

As a result of their focus on particular applications or geographical markets, a multitude of regional and specialist players are emerging alongside these global titans. Significant roles are also played by businesses like Ashland, Evonik Industries, and Clariant   , which frequently set themselves apart with unique formulations or cutting-edge technology that address specific industry demands.

The market is also seeing a rise in competition from new players who provide innovative ideas and cutting-edge technology, such bio-based or ultra-low-VOC thickeners, which meet the growing need for environmentally friendly solutions. In order to sustain competitive advantages, businesses place a strong focus on research and development, investing in innovative product creation and sophisticated production techniques.

Recent Developments:

• August 1, 2024, Hecckem Kimyevi Mad.  has been designated by BYK as an authorised distributor for the paint additives business in Azerbaijan. In the past, Hecckem represented BYK successfully and dependably in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Armenia. This collaboration demonstrates our shared dedication to offering our esteemed clients in this developing area premium goods and first-rate service.

• January 2024, Arkema stated that it acquired ISCC+ certification for its acrylic acid and ester production facility located in Taixing, Jiangsu Province, China, as a milestone in decarbonizing its acrylic supply chain.

• December, 2023, Arkema finalized on 1 December 2023 the acquisition of Glenwood Private Equity’s 54% stake in the listed South Korean company PI Advanced Materials (PIAM).

• March 2023, At the Zhanjiang Verbund location in China, BASF SE started construction on an acrylic acid complex. Plants for butyl acrylate (BA), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), and glacial acrylic acid (GAA) are included in the complex. About 400,000 metric tonnes of BA and 100,000 metric tonnes of 2-EHA can be produced annually at the facility.

End Use Industry Analysis:

The extensive range of uses of acrylic associative thickener in various end-use sectors, particularly paints and coatings, adhesives, personal care, and textiles, propels the global market for this product. Acrylic associative thickeners are highly prized in the paint and coatings industry for their capacity to increase viscosity and enhance the flow and levelling qualities of aqueous systems. This makes them indispensable in high-performance coatings intended for use in industrial, automotive, and construction applications. These thickeners are crucial for rheological control in the adhesives sector, as they maximise the performance of water-based adhesives in laminating, woodworking, and packaging applications. The personal care business also benefits from their use in lotions, creams, and shampoos, where they contribute to product texture and stability without compromising clarity. Acrylic associative thickeners are used in textiles, especially in premium fabrics, to enhance print definition and dye consistency. The market is being driven by the increasing need for water-based, environmentally acceptable formulations in these industries, since acrylic associative thickeners are frequently viewed as long-term substitutes for conventional thickening agents.

Industry Trend

Growing demand for eco-friendly product

One of the prominent trends in the global acrylic associative thickener market is the rising demand for eco-friendly products. With increasing environmental awareness and stringent regulations on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), industries such as paints, coatings, and personal care are shifting towards more sustainable, water-based formulations. Traditional thickening agents, which often rely on solvents, are being replaced by acrylic associative thickeners due to their lower environmental impact. These thickeners not only help in achieving the desired viscosity but also enhance the overall performance of products without releasing harmful emissions. For example, in the paints and coatings industry, the push for low-VOC products has made acrylic thickeners essential in formulating high-performance, eco-friendly coatings that comply with global environmental standards. Similarly, in personal care, the growing preference for "clean" beauty products has led manufacturers to choose thickeners that are both effective and align with sustainability goals. This shift towards greener alternatives is significantly driving the market for acrylic associative thickeners.

Industry Drivers

Growing demand from paint and coating industry

An important factor propelling the acrylic associative thickener market worldwide is the growing need in the paint and coatings sector. Associative thickeners based on acrylic are frequently used in paints and coatings to increase viscosity, enhance flow characteristics, and improve stability. High-performance paints and coatings are becoming more and more necessary as the automotive and construction industries thrive, particularly in emerging nations. These sectors depend on coatings that provide superior durability, application ease, and surface finish—all of which are enhanced by the use of acrylic thickeners. Further, acrylic thickeners are even more important to sustaining the performance of these environmentally friendly paints as regulations and consumer demand for low-VOC, water-based paints that are environmentally friendly formulation. This steady demand from the paints and coatings sector is a significant factor driving the growth of the acrylic associative thickener market globally.

Industry Restraint

Fluctuation in price of raw material

The market for acrylic associative thickeners is hampered in part by the unstable prices of raw materials. Since acrylic thickeners are made from petrochemical products, fluctuations in the price of crude oil have a significant impact on their production costs. The price of raw materials like acrylic acid and other chemicals used in thickening formulations is directly impacted by volatile oil prices. Manufacturers face a dilemma as a result of this volatility: either they must absorb the higher costs, which may lower profitability, or they must pass the costs on to customers, which may lower demand. The market for acrylic thickeners may also be impacted by growing environmental concerns and restrictions pertaining to petrochemical-based goods, which are forcing businesses to investigate alternatives. As a result, the instability of raw material prices and the push towards more sustainable products act as significant restraints on the growth of the acrylic associative thickener market.

Report Scope

The report includes Global & Regional market status and outlook for 2017-2028. Further, the report provides breakdown details about each region & countries covered in the report. Identifying its sales, sales volume & revenue forecast. With detailed analysis by Types, Applications, Solid Content. The report also covers the key players of the industry including Company Profile, Product Specifications, Production Capacity/Sales, Revenue, Price, and Gross Margin 2017-2028 & Sales with a thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors and comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of major market vendors.