World Adhesives & Sealants

Growth in the world market for adhesives and sealants will total 4.5% annually through 2019 in volume terms.  Gains will be driven by rapidly growing construction spending in developing countries where urban populations are expanding at a fast rate.  Increased displacement of mechanical fasteners in manufacturing and assembly applications will also boost sales.

This report segments the world adhesives and sealants industry by Product and Market.  Data is provided in metric tons (including the weight of water or solvents, as well as additives and fillers) and in million US dollars.

Adhesive and sealant products include:

• Water-Based

• Reactive

• Hot Melts

• Solvent-Based

• Natural

Water-based adhesives and sealants will remain the largest product type through 2019.  The fastest growth will be for reactive formulations, fueled by increased adoption in motor vehicle, aerospace equipment, electrical and electronic, and other high performance applications.  

Major adhesive and sealant markets are:

• Packaging

• Construction

• Tapes & Labels

• Transportation Equipment

• Consumer Goods

• Textiles

Packaging was the leading outlet for adhesives and sealants in 2014.  The most rapid increases through 2019 are forecast for the construction market, supported by new building projects in developing countries, as well as recovering construction spending in North America and Western Europe.  

World regions and countries covered in the study include:

• North America 

• Western Europe 

• Asia/Pacific 

• Central & South America 

• Eastern Europe 

• Africa/Mideast 

The Asia/Pacific region will see the strongest advances among world regions through 2019.  Growth will be fueled by expansion in the packaging, tapes and labels, motor vehicle, and other adhesive-intensive manufacturing sectors of China, India, and other emerging Asian economies. 

Most leading suppliers produce both adhesives and sealants and offer products for a wide range of industry applications.  Merger and acquisition activity in the industry is expected to continue at a healthy pace, as large suppliers expand their product offerings and geographic reach in fast-growing developing regions.  Industry leaders include Avery Dennison, Bostik (Arkema), Dow Chemical, HB Fuller, Henkel, Momentive Performance Materials, RPM International, Sika, and 3M.