European adhesive market measured at 3 million tons in latest study

Constance, Germany – Ceresana has analyzed the European market for adhesives for the sixth time. Their latest report highlights the growing importance of adhesive products made partially from renewable raw materials or that are biodegradable. Adhesives should be safe, non-toxic, and easy to recycle: The industry is under considerable pressure to use environmentally friendly joining processes – whether packaging or construction materials, vehicle parts, shoes, or smartphones need to be joined. This new market study shows that adhesive products that are at least partially made from renewable raw materials or are biodegradable are currently gaining in importance. In total, the European demand for adhesives amounted to 3 million tons in 2023.

The study segments the market by technologies such as water-based, solvent-based, hot-melt, and reactive adhesives. This differentiation allows for a precise analysis of market structures and demand. It also considers various types, including vinyl, acrylic, PUR, elastomers, and epoxy resins. Regional differences and technological advances influence growth and market potential. Current demand is strongly shaped by trends like sustainability and new adhesive technologies, creating new requirements and opportunities for the industry.

In Europe, water-based adhesives, considered more environmentally friendly, account for 51% of total demand. However, solvent-based adhesives remain indispensable for many high-performance applications, such as in aerospace, shipbuilding, and the automotive industry. Reversibility is also increasingly in demand: to facilitate recycling or repairs, hot-melts are being formulated to be easily removed or renewed.

Mentioned it this study are 53 producers including 3M, Avery Dennison, Dow, DuPont, Fuller, Henkel, Huntsman, Saint-Gobain, and Sika.