The global superabsorbents market is expected to reach $427.8m by 2028, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.5% between 2018 and 2028, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The company’s latest report, ‘Superabsorbents’ reveals that the Middle East & Africa will be one of the fastest growing regions at a CAGR of 6.3% between 2018 and 2028, with Asia Pacific and South America following closely behind at 5.8% and 5.6% respectively.

Antimicrobial superabsorbents remain the largest market category and are expected to continue gaining market share with a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period due to their ability to inhibit microbial growth.

Jennifer Ryan, Senior Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData comments, “The high prevalence of pressure ulcers among the growing elderly population is driving the market, along with the increasing prevalence of other chronic wounds.”

Barriers to market growth include cheaper traditional wound dressings, as well as limited reimbursement and access to superabsorbent products in emerging markets.

Ryan concludes, “Continued patient and physician education will drive the growth of superabsorbents through the forecast period. The market for antimicrobial superabsorbents is expected to maintain dominance over the market for non-antimicrobial products, due to the added benefit of an antimicrobial agent to help prevent and fight infection.”