Adhesive and Sealant Market Outlook, 2030

Adhesives and sealants, which are essential for bonding and sealing applications, have been used since ancient times. Early examples include natural resins, bitumen, and animal-based products, which were utilized in various cultures for construction and craftwork. However, the modern adhesive and sealant market began to take shape in the 20th century with the advent of synthetic polymers and the mass production of industrial adhesives. Adhesives and sealants have since evolved to include a variety of types, including pressure-sensitive adhesives, structural adhesives, hot melts, and sealants that can withstand extreme temperatures, environmental stress, and chemical exposure.

This progress has been driven by advances in chemical engineering and material science, with manufacturers striving to create products that offer stronger bonding capabilities, improved durability, and greater environmental sustainability. The automotive industry, for example, has embraced adhesives to reduce vehicle weight and enhance fuel efficiency, while the packaging industry has seen the development of new adhesives that ensure better performance and eco-friendliness, such as biodegradable adhesives and those that support recyclable materials. These advancements have prompted manufacturers to invest in new technologies, such as UV-cured adhesives, nanomaterials, and bio-based adhesives, which offer enhanced properties such as faster curing times, lower energy consumption, and reduced environmental impact. Governments and industry bodies have introduced a variety of regulations to ensure the safety, quality, and environmental compatibility of these products. Regulations such as the European Union's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines govern the chemical composition and environmental impact of adhesives and sealants, especially concerning the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances.

According to the research report, the Global adhesive and sealant market was valued at more than USD 80.31 Billion in 2024, with the CAGR of 5.97% from 2025-2030. As global manufacturing processes evolve, particularly with a push towards lighter materials in the automotive and aerospace sectors, adhesives have gained preference over traditional mechanical fasteners due to their ability to provide strong, lightweight bonds. This trend is evident in the automotive sector, where adhesives are increasingly used for bonding lightweight components like plastic, aluminum, and composites to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle weight.

Similarly, in the construction industry, adhesives and sealants are being used for everything from flooring installation to the sealing of windows and doors, as they offer better performance, faster curing times, and superior water- and air-tight qualities compared to traditional methods like caulking and mechanical fasteners. The packaging industry is also driving significant demand for adhesives, as the move toward more sustainable packaging materials has led to the development of bio-based, water-based, and recyclable adhesives that support eco-friendly packaging solutions. Additionally, consumer electronics, with their intricate designs and need for precise, durable bonding, has created a burgeoning demand for specialized adhesives, particularly those used in smartphones, wearables, and other devices. Furthermore, healthcare applications, such as in the production of medical devices, bandages, and drug delivery systems, are increasingly relying on adhesives and sealants for their precision, sterility, and skin-friendly properties. These innovations in adhesive and sealant technologies, such as the development of UV-curable adhesives, nanomaterial-based solutions, and non-toxic bio-based formulations, are helping manufacturers meet the increasingly stringent regulations and consumer demands for sustainability and safety. In addition, regional players are capitalizing on localized demands and preferences, with companies in emerging markets like India, China, and Brazil introducing cost-effective adhesive solutions tailored to their respective industries.

Market Drivers

Technological Advancements in Adhesive Formulations: One of the most significant drivers of growth in the global adhesive and sealant market is the continuous technological advancement in adhesive formulations. Innovations in polymer chemistry and materials science have led to the development of high-performance adhesives that can bond a wider variety of materials, such as metals, plastics, glass, and composites. These new formulations allow for stronger and more durable bonds, and they also offer faster curing times, improved temperature resistance, and enhanced durability.

Rising Demand for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Solutions: Environmental concerns have pushed industries to adopt more sustainable practices, leading to a growing demand for eco-friendly adhesives and sealants. Traditional adhesives often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals, which are now subject to stringent environmental regulations. As a result, manufacturers are focusing on developing water-based, low-VOC, and bio-based adhesives, which are safer for both workers and the environment.

Market Challenges

Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Concerns: One of the main challenges facing the adhesive and sealant industry is the increasing regulatory burden concerning the chemical composition and environmental impact of these products. Regulations such as the EU's REACH and the U.S. EPA guidelines have raised the bar for manufacturers, requiring them to ensure that their products do not contain harmful substances and are safe for use in various applications. While these regulations drive innovation in eco-friendly solutions, compliance can be costly and complex for manufacturers, especially those operating across multiple regions with varying standards.

Raw Material Price Fluctuations and Supply Chain Disruptions: The adhesive and sealant industry heavily relies on raw materials such as resins, polymers, and solvents. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials, often due to geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, or changes in oil prices, can impact production costs. The COVID-19 pandemic and other global events have underscored the vulnerability of supply chains in this sector, leading to shortages and delays in the availability of essential materials.

Market Trends

Smart Adhesives and Functional Solutions: One of the most exciting trends in the adhesive and sealant market is the development of 'smart' adhesives that offer additional functionalities beyond traditional bonding and sealing. These smart adhesives are designed to react to environmental changes such as temperature, humidity, or mechanical stress. For instance, some adhesives can change their properties (e.g., stiffness or flexibility) in response to temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for applications in automotive or aerospace sectors.

Growth of the E-commerce and Packaging Sectors: The rapid growth of e-commerce and the increasing consumer demand for online shopping have created a surge in packaging needs. Packaging companies are turning to advanced adhesive solutions that offer stronger bonds, faster curing times, and better sustainability. The demand for lightweight, durable, and recyclable packaging is pushing manufacturers to create adhesives that are more eco-friendly, offering products that can withstand rough handling during transit while maintaining minimal environmental impact.

Adhesive's leadership in the global adhesive and sealant industry is primarily due to its relentless innovation and commitment to sustainability.

Adhesive's dominance in the global adhesive and sealant industry can be attributed to its unwavering focus on innovation and sustainability. The company has consistently invested in research and development to create cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of various industries. By leveraging advanced technologies and materials, Adhesive has been able to develop high-performance adhesives and sealants that offer superior bonding strength, durability, and versatility. This commitment to innovation has enabled the company to stay ahead of its competitors and maintain its position as a market leader.

Adhesives and sealants serve distinct functions in various industries, with adhesives leading the global market due to their broader range of applications and technological advancements. Adhesives, used for bonding two surfaces together, are integral to industries like automotive, construction, electronics, packaging, and healthcare. They have gained widespread adoption, particularly in sectors such as automotive and aerospace, where they are used to bond lightweight materials, reduce weight, and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, the demand for adhesives in consumer electronics, where precision and high-performance bonding are crucial, has been a key factor in their market dominance. The continuous innovation in adhesive formulations, such as UV-curable, pressure-sensitive, and bio-based adhesives, has made them more versatile, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, allowing them to cater to a wider range of applications compared to sealants. Furthermore, adhesives are easier to apply and often more efficient in manufacturing processes, leading to faster production cycles and reduced labor costs. While sealants are essential for applications like sealing gaps and preventing leaks, adhesives benefit from their ability to bond diverse materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, making them indispensable in modern manufacturing.

The Buildings and Construction application is leading in the global adhesive and sealant industry due to the increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient construction solutions.

The Buildings and Construction application has emerged as a dominant force in the global adhesive and sealant industry, driven by the growing need for sustainable and energy-efficient construction solutions. As urbanization continues to accelerate, particularly in developing regions, there is a heightened demand for residential, commercial, and infrastructural development. This surge in construction activities has necessitated the use of advanced adhesives and sealants that offer superior performance, durability, and environmental benefits. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stringent environmental regulations and building codes to reduce carbon emissions and promote green construction practices.

Adhesives and sealants play a crucial role in achieving these sustainability goals by enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings. They are used to create airtight seals, prevent air leakage, and improve insulation, thereby reducing energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and water-based adhesives and sealants further aligns with the industry's commitment to sustainability, as these products have a reduced environmental impact and contribute to healthier indoor air quality. Moreover, the advancements in adhesive and sealant technologies have significantly contributed to their widespread adoption in the construction sector. Manufacturers are continuously innovating to develop high-performance products that meet the evolving needs of the industry. For instance, the introduction of high-performance polymers and formulations has resulted in adhesives and sealants with enhanced bonding strength, flexibility, and resistance to extreme weather conditions. These properties are particularly important in construction applications, where the materials must withstand various environmental stresses and ensure the long-term integrity of structures.

Asia Pacific is leading in the global adhesive and sealant industry due to its rapid industrialization and robust economic growth.

The Asia Pacific region has emerged as a dominant player in the global adhesive and sealant industry, driven by rapid industrialization and robust economic growth. The region's economic dynamism, characterized by significant GDP growth rates, has fueled the expansion of various industries, including construction, automotive, electronics, and packaging, all of which are major consumers of adhesives and sealants. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea have been at the forefront of this growth, contributing significantly to the region's leadership in the industry. The automotive industry in Asia Pacific is another major contributor to the region's leadership in the adhesive and sealant market.

The region is home to some of the world's largest automotive manufacturers, and the increasing production of vehicles has led to a higher demand for adhesives and sealants used in automotive assembly and maintenance. These products play a crucial role in enhancing vehicle performance, safety, and aesthetics by providing strong bonds, reducing weight, and improving noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics. The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and the adoption of lightweight materials in automotive manufacturing have further boosted the demand for advanced adhesives and sealants in the region.

• In November 2023, Henkel has launched a novel medical grade light cure adhesive designed for devices that are to be worn on the body. The new product is formulated without IBOA (Isobornyl Acrylate) or any other known skin sensitizing monomers. The newly developed adhesive is available in two different grades.
• In February 2023, 3M introduced a new medical adhesive that offers a 28-day wear time. This product is designed to adhere to the skin for an extended period compared to the previous tape, which had a wear time of 14 days. It is intended for use with various sensors, health monitors, and long-term medical wearables. Prolonged wear time for devices and monitors may lead to cost savings, increased data collection for better decision-making, and reduced patient disruption. The new adhesive, 3M Medical Tape 4578, also provides liner-free stability and can be stored for up to one year, offering device makers more flexibility in the design process.
• In February 2022, Arkema announced the acquisition of Ashland's performance adhesives business in the U.S. This acquisition aligns with Arkema's plan to strengthen its adhesive solution segment. In 2021, Ashland's performance adhesives in North America generated approximately USD 360 million in sales.
• In January 2022, Henkel Adhesive Technologies invested in Smartz AG (Smartz), a medical technology start-up headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, to strengthen its capabilities to meet the growing demand for smart adult care solutions.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Global
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report

• Global Adhesive & Sealant market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region & country wise market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type

• Adhesive
• Sealant

By Formulating Technology (Adhesive)

• Water-based
• Solvent-based
• Hot-melt
• Reactive & Others

By Resin Type (Sealant)

• Silicone
• Polyurethane
• Acrylic
• Polyvinyl Acetate
• Other Sealant Product

By Application

• Paper, Board, and Packaging
• Buildings and Construction
• Automotive & Transportation
• Woodworking and Joinery
• Footwear and Leather
• Healthcare
• Electrical and Electronics
• Other End-user Industries (Consumer & DIY,etc)

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning. Post this we have started doing primary calls to industry people by equally segmenting in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry manufactures, consultants, Key vendors related to Adhesive & Sealant industry. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.