APT production requires polyurethane prepolymer synthesis followed by hydrophilization—usually through grafting of polyether diols and chain-cappers. Few firms hold proprietary catalysts and recipes. Global capacity is centered in Europe, North America, and Asia. Over 2023–2025, many producers added flexible, small-scale reactors to offer tailored grades (e.g., low PVC paint HEUR, high-shear Under-Tack HEURs). Prices for APTs are higher than for acrylic thickeners due to raw materials (MDI/TDI, polyether polyols) and complex production. During 2021–2022, feedstock price spikes hit polyurethane monomers especially hard—APT prices rose sharply, even to USD 4–6 / kg. In late 2023, feedstock retreat reduced costs, and APT prices softened to USD 3–4.5 / kg, depending on grade and region.