Production of synthetic thickeners is broad-based: acrylic-based polyacrylates remain dominant for paint and construction markets; HEUR urethanes and polyurethane thickeners dominate high-performance waterborne formulations; polyvinyl alcohol and cellulose derivatives are also significant. Manufacturers are balancing CAPEX expansion with flexible multi-product lines to serve multiple markets and regions. Recent investment focuses on low-energy emulsion polymerization, inline purification and continuous reactive extrusion.