Industry Overview - Hydrogel is a highly hydrophilic three-dimensional polymer network known for its excellent water absorption, biocompatibility, and stimulus-responsive properties, making it a key material in various fields such as biomedicine, industrial environmental protection, and daily chemical consumption [1][11] - The market size of China's hydrogel industry is projected to reach 6.95 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 5.62%, driven by increasing demand in medical applications and the beauty and skincare sector [1][11] Market Size - The hydrogel industry is experiencing growth due to its wide applications, particularly in medical products like hydrogel dressings and tissue engineering scaffolds, as well as in beauty products such as moisturizing and repairing hydrogel masks [1][11] Key Companies - Major players in the Chinese hydrogel market include international giants like 3M Company, Cardinal Health, Inc., and Coloplast Group, which dominate the high-end market due to their technological advantages and brand influence [11] - Domestic companies such as Changchun Jiyuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and Zhuhai Guojia New Materials Co., Ltd. are emerging, leveraging technological innovation and market expansion to gain a foothold in the mid-to-high-end market [11][13][14] Industry Chain - The upstream of the hydrogel industry chain includes natural and synthetic polymers, crosslinking agents, and production equipment, while the midstream focuses on hydrogel manufacturing [6][7] - The downstream applications span biomedicine, agriculture, environmental protection, daily chemicals, and industrial uses [7][8] Development Trends - Technological innovation is accelerating, leading to product upgrades, with a focus on smart responsive hydrogels that can react to external stimuli for precise drug delivery and environmental control [14] - The application fields of hydrogels are diversifying, extending beyond traditional sectors to include tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and smart medical devices [15] - Emphasis on green production and sustainable development is becoming crucial, with a shift towards environmentally friendly materials and production processes [16]