As per MRFR Analysis, the Global Water-based Adhesive Market was valued at USD 19.17 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 31.75 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.67% from 2024 to 2032. The market growth is driven by the increasing demand for eco-friendly products, as water-based adhesives are safer and greener alternatives to solvent-based adhesives. The rising consumer preference for lightweight and low-pollution goods further fuels this growth, particularly in the packaging and construction sectors.
The water-based adhesive market is witnessing significant growth due to sustainability trends and technological advancements.
Key players include Henkel, Sika, Bostik, RPM International, KCC, H.B. Fuller, 3M, Illinois Tool Works, Avery Dennison, and DowDuPont.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The market for water-based adhesives is expanding due to consumer demand for lightweight and low-pollutant goods. Due to their increased effectiveness and less environmental impact, light effects are becoming more and more popular. Given that they are often lighter and less harmful than conventional solvents, water-based adhesives can aid manufacturers in achieving these objectives. Additionally, water-based adhesives are less difficult to apply and cure, making them a desirable option for producers trying to streamline their manufacturing methods. Market expansion for water-based adhesives is also fueled by rising consumer demand for low-pollution goods. Consumers and manufacturers who care about the environment frequently choose water-based adhesives since they produce fewer VOCs and do not contain any dangerous compounds. Furthermore, employing water-based adhesives can lessen the impact of industrial processes on the environment because they are simpler to dispose of and do not present the same health hazards to humans as traditional solvents. As consumers and manufacturers look to lessen their environmental impact in the next years, the movement towards sustainability and eco-friendliness is anticipated to fuel demand for water-based adhesives.
The steady economic development anticipated in many developed and developing nations will help the adhesives market flourish. real GDP growth is expected to be 3.7% in 2019 and 2020 and 3.6% in 2021 to 2023, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Further predicted support for the market's growth is the recovery of commodity prices following a severe decrease in the previous period. Additionally anticipated for the foreseeable period is consistent growth in developed economies. Additionally, it is anticipated that emerging markets will expand a bit faster during the forecast period than developed markets. The Asian Development Bank, a regional development bank, estimates that Asia's share of GDP will rise to 40% by 2030 and to 52% by 2050.
In order to get real-time insights and identify gaps in the manufacturing process, many adhesive firms are implementing loT (Internet of Things) technology to connect machinery and smart devices. Plant managers and senior management process, analyst, and interpret the data to improve quality and reach ideal production levels. For instance, smart systems provide data on the operation and performance of chemical reactors with embedded analytics capabilities to alert plant managers and operators of potential machine failures. Examples of significant businesses implementing loT include The Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, and H.B. Fuller. Thus, driving the water-based adhesive market revenue.
The water-based adhesive market segmentation, based on resin type includes PVA Emulsion, PAE, VAE Emulsion, SB Latex, PUD and VAA. The PVA emulsion segment dominated the market. This is mostly because PVA adhesives create transparent, rigid coatings that are weather resistant and resistant to water, lubricants, oil, and grease. Other characteristics include high initial tack, a nearly imperceptible bond line, softening at 30-45 °C, exceptional biodegradation resistance, and low cost.
The water-based adhesive market segmentation, based on application, includes Tapes & Labels, Paper & Packaging, Woodworking, Building & Construction and Automotive. The paper & packaging category generated the most income. This results from the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions worldwide. Water-based adhesives are an excellent option for the packaging industry because they are regarded to be ecologically beneficial due to their low VOC emissions and biodegradability. Water-based adhesives are ideal for packaging applications because of their great heat resistance, flexibility, and bonding strength.
Figure 1: Water-based Adhesive Market, by Application, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
By region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The North American water-based adhesive market area will dominate this market. The need for eco-friendly and sustainable products has increased throughout the region in several industries, including packaging, building, and automotive. It is also projected that the enforcement of various energy efficiency laws and regulations by the governments of the US and Canada will encourage industry growth. Additionally, several sizable businesses in the area are investing in R&D to launch cutting-edge products and increase their customer base. The predicted drivers of this market's rise are the developing trend of e-commerce delivery services and the rising demand for packaged food & beverages.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 2: WATER-BASED ADHESIVE MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe water-based adhesive market accounts for the second-largest market share. The region's well-established construction, packaging, and automotive sectors are predicted to drive the main demand for water-based adhesives. Along with the region's rigorous legislation governing the use of chemicals in various industries, it is also projected that rising consumer awareness of green and sustainable products will drive market growth. Additionally, the area is home to many significant businesses that invest in R&D initiatives to develop new goods and meet changing consumer demands. Further, the German water-based adhesive market held the largest market share, and the UK water-based adhesive market was the fastest growing market in the European region
The Asia-Pacific Water-based adhesive Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032 The region is likely to have a large rise in demand for water-based adhesives as a result of the presence of developing economies like China and India, where the construction and packaging sectors are both expanding swiftly. The region's major market rivals are increasing their funding for R&D initiatives in order to develop new products and grow their customer base. Additionally, the region's access to inexpensive labour and raw materials is projected to promote market expansion. Moreover, China’s water-based adhesive market held the largest market share, and the Indian water-based adhesive market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the water-based adhesive market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, water-based adhesive industry must offer cost-effective items.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the water-based adhesive industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the water-based adhesive industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to market. Major players in the water-based adhesive market attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations include Henkel, Sika, Bostik, RPM international, KCC, B.Fuller, 3M, Illinois tool works, Avery Dennison, Huntsman international, DowDuPont, Ashland, MAPEI, Akzo Nobel, Permabond, Dymax, LORD, Delo Industrie Klebstoffe and Franklin international.
Avery Dennison Corp. (Avery Dennison) supplies materials and services for labeling and packaging. Pressure-sensitive materials, labels, tickets, tags, and other transformed items are produced by it. Fasteners, RFID inlays and tags, imprinting equipment, tickets, tags, related services, and other products are also manufactured and sold by Avery Dennison. The firm sells products under the trademarks Avery Dennison, Fasson, Yongle, Monarch, Freshmarx, JAC, and Mactac. It provides services to a number of industries, including building, retail, footwear and apparel, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, logistics, food and grocery, the automotive industry, and the healthcare sector. In 2020, the label and packaging industry had a new water-based adhesive from Avery Dennison. The S799 product is suitable with various substrates and has good tack and peel strength.
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) is a producer of a variety of industrial supplies and tools. The company's main offerings include fasteners and assemblies, consumables, refrigerators, freezers, hand wipes, fillers and putties, metal and plastic components, warehousing equipment, cooking equipment, adhesives, chemical fluids, and arc welding equipment. Other items offered by ITW include insulation goods, conveyor systems, anchors, fasteners, and ground support equipment for airports. These items are used in a variety of commercial and residential, and automotive applications.
3M and Avery Dennison announced that they had formed a strategic alliance focused on developing new labeling and packs utilizing water-based adhesives in September 2023. This collaboration aims at improving product performance without violating strict environmental standards. The proximity between them has been helpful at times whenever they want to come up with mechanisms that reduce waste.
BASF, which is an eminent chemical company, united with Mondi, the worldwide paper and packaging group, last November for the development of flexographic printing using waterborne glue products for flexible packaging. The goal behind this cooperation is the creation of eco-friendly recyclable compostable package solutions as per this circular economy approach. This association is an attestation to both firms’ commitment to the development of sustainable packaging solutions for their consumers.
H.B. Fuller, a reputable adhesive manufacturer, partnered with FlexPak Services, a flexible packaging solutions provider, in February 2024 to launch new water-based adhesive technologies. The company aims to improve the performance characteristics and environmental friendliness of flexible packaging due to increasing demand for environmentally friendly food and beverage packaging options.
Arkema announced in May 2024 that it had agreed to buy Dow’s flexible packaging laminating adhesives business. This purchase will give the firm a wider range of products for the flexible packaging market, thus making it one of the most important global associates. The four-quarter closure date is expected to represent roughly $150 million.
Meridian Adhesives Group has been growing through acquisitions, and Evans Adhesive Corporation was among its most recent purchases. Meridian's offerings in water-based adhesives, among other adhesive applications, are enhanced by this June 2024 announcement of its acquisition of Evans. At the same time, leveraging Evans’ established reputation and capabilities, this deal consolidates Meridian’s presence in the industrial adhesives market (Meridian Adhesives Group).
H.B. Fuller announced that it acquired ND Industries Inc., a strategic move aimed at expanding its service and product offerings in high-margin segments in May 2024. In relation to H.B. Fuller’s portfolio, it also includes ND Industries' water-based adhesive technologies.
Global leader Henkel entered into a partnership with Shiseido, a major Japanese beauty care firm , on eco-friendly packaging solutions using water-based adhesives as of June 2023. The target of this cooperation is to remove solvent-based adhesives from their production process while promoting sustainable packing choices.
| Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
| Market Size 2023 | USD 19.17 Billion |
| Market Size 2024 | USD 20.42 Billion |
| Market Size 2032 | USD 31.75 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 5.67% (2024-2032) |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Market Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Historical Data | 2018- 2022 |
| Market Forecast Units | Value (USD Billion) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered | Resin Type, Application, and Region |
| Geographies Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World |
| Countries Covered | The US, Canada, German, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
| Key Companies Profiled | Henkel, Sika, Bostik, RPM international, KCC, B .Fuller, 3M, Illinois tool works, Avery Dennison, Huntsman international, DowDuPont, Ashland, MAPEI, Akzo Nobel, Permabond, Dymax, LORD, Delo Industrie Klebstoffe and Franklin international |
| Key Market Opportunities | Increasing demand for e-commerce |
| Key Market Dynamics | Increasing demand for water-based adhesives in tapes and labels and huge expenditure in emerging economies |
Water Based Adhesive Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The water-based adhesive market size was valued at USD 19.17 Billion in 2023.
The water-based adhesive market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.67% during the forecast period, 2024-2032.
North America had the largest share in the water-based adhesive market.
The key players in the water-based adhesive market are Henkel, Sika, Bostik, RPM international, KCC, B .Fuller, 3M, Illinois tool works, Avery Dennison, Huntsman international, DowDuPont, Ashland, MAPEI, Akzo Nobel, Permabond, Dymax, LORD, Delo Industrie Klebstoffe and Franklin international.
The PVA emulsion category dominated the water-based adhesive market in 2022.
The paper & packaging category had the largest share in the water-based adhesive market.
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