Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market Size and Share

Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market Summary
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Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market size is estimated at 5.54 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 7.16 billion USD by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.60% during the forecast period (2024-2028).

The European acrylic adhesives industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by sustainability initiatives and technological advancements across key end-user sectors. The construction industry, a major consumer of acrylic adhesives, is witnessing robust growth with Central and Eastern Europe expected to record a 6.1% CAGR and Western Europe projecting a 6.4% CAGR during 2022-2024. This growth is largely attributed to the European Union's ambitious green building initiatives and renovation programs, particularly through the Next Generation EU recovery plan, which has allocated substantial funding for energy-efficient building projects and infrastructure development. The construction adhesives segment has emerged as a significant player globally, with European manufacturers accounting for approximately 26% of the global market share.

The automotive sector is undergoing a revolutionary shift toward electrification, creating new opportunities for acrylic adhesive applications. This transformation is exemplified by significant investments across the region, such as Spain's commitment of USD 5.1 billion toward electric vehicle production. The industry's focus on lightweight materials and innovative bonding solutions has intensified, particularly as manufacturers work to meet the EU's stringent emission reduction targets under the "Fit for 55" regulation. These regulations mandate a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions from vehicles and a 50% reduction from vans by 2030, driving the demand for specialized adhesive solutions in vehicle assembly and component bonding.

The packaging industry continues to be a crucial driver of acrylic adhesive demand, with evolving consumer preferences and sustainability requirements reshaping product development. In Germany, one of Europe's largest packaging markets, per capita packaging consumption has reached approximately 227.5 kg, with paper packaging dominating the industry at 34% of sales. This trend reflects the broader European shift toward sustainable packaging solutions, particularly in response to stringent environmental regulations and increasing consumer awareness about environmental impact. The industry is witnessing a significant transition toward water-based and environmentally friendly adhesive formulations.

Industrial applications of structural acrylic adhesives are expanding rapidly, driven by technological advancements in formulation and application methods. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing specialized solutions for diverse applications, from electronics assembly to medical device manufacturing. The industry is witnessing a notable shift toward reactive and UV-cured adhesive technologies, which offer improved performance characteristics and processing efficiency. These developments are particularly significant in high-performance applications where traditional mechanical fastening methods are being replaced by advanced adhesive solutions, offering benefits such as weight reduction, improved aesthetic appearance, and enhanced structural integrity.

Segment Analysis: End User Industry

Packaging Segment in Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market

The packaging segment dominates the European acrylic adhesives market, holding approximately 68% of the total market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the extensive use of acrylic adhesives in pressure-sensitive applications such as labels and tapes. The segment's growth is further supported by the increasing demand for flexible packaging and rigid plastic packaging solutions across Europe. The packaging industry's strong performance is also attributed to the rising demand for packaged food and beverages, coupled with modern lifestyle changes that necessitate convenient packaging solutions. Additionally, the segment's dominance is reinforced by the growing trend toward paper-based packaging, including corrugated and folding cartons, which extensively utilize acrylic adhesives for their bonding requirements.

Market Analysis of Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market: Chart for End User Industry
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Building and Construction Segment in Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market

The building and construction segment is experiencing robust growth in the European acrylic adhesives market, driven by several key factors. The segment's expansion is supported by the European Union's initiatives toward green and digital transition in buildings, which has led to an increase in the annual renovation rate of existing buildings and structures. The growth is particularly strong in Central and Eastern Europe, where construction activities are expected to maintain steady momentum. The segment's development is further bolstered by various policies, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which prioritizes the construction of energy-efficient buildings and the conversion of existing structures. Additionally, the segment benefits from acrylic sealants' superior properties such as weather resistance, durability, and excellent bonding capabilities with various construction materials including metal, concrete, and ceramic.

Remaining Segments in End User Industry

The European acrylic adhesives market encompasses several other significant segments including automotive, healthcare, aerospace, and footwear & leather industries. The automotive sector utilizes acrylic adhesives for their strong bonding capabilities with metals and composites, particularly in electric vehicle manufacturing. In the healthcare sector, these adhesives are valued for their non-toxic properties and compatibility with medical device assembly. The aerospace industry relies on acrylic adhesives for their high-performance characteristics and ability to reduce overall aircraft weight. The footwear and leather segment, though smaller, maintains steady demand due to the adhesives' effectiveness in bonding various materials used in shoe manufacturing. Each of these segments contributes uniquely to the market's diversity and overall growth potential.

Segment Analysis: Technology

Water-borne Segment in Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market

Water-borne acrylic adhesives dominate the European market, accounting for approximately 86% market share in 2024. These adhesives are formulated as dispersions or emulsions and are particularly favored in the healthcare industry due to their eco-friendly nature and very low VOC levels. The segment's dominance is attributed to its high bonding ability with plastic materials, quick processing capabilities, and adhesion to multiple substrates, making them ideal for medical applications including tapes and labeling. Water-borne acrylic adhesives are helping medical device manufacturers in sustainable product development, with their production expected to grow significantly due to rising demand for environmentally friendly adhesives with lower VOC content compared to solvent-borne alternatives. The segment's growth is further supported by increasing adoption in automotive, aerospace, and healthcare end-user industries, where manufacturers prefer these adhesives for their quick processing facility and versatile adhesion properties.

Remaining Segments in Technology

The remaining segments in the European acrylic adhesives market include solvent-borne, UV-cured, and reactive technologies. Solvent-borne adhesives are predominantly used in electronics, DIY applications, and aerospace industries, offering enhanced production efficiency and improved performance. UV-cured adhesives serve specialized applications in medical device manufacturing and electronics assembly, providing rapid curing capabilities and excellent bonding strength. Reactive acrylic sealants are particularly important in automotive manufacturing and construction applications, offering high-strength adhesion and durability under heavy loads. These segments complement each other by serving specific industrial needs where their unique properties make them irreplaceable, such as the structural integrity requirements in aerospace or the fast curing needs in electronics assembly.

Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market Geography Segment Analysis

Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market in Germany

Germany stands as the cornerstone of Europe's acrylic adhesives industry, commanding approximately 12% of the regional market value in 2024. The country's dominance is primarily driven by its robust manufacturing sector, particularly in the automotive and electronics industries. German manufacturers are increasingly adopting acrylic adhesives in response to stringent environmental regulations and the growing demand for sustainable bonding solutions. The country's position is further strengthened by its leadership in research and development, with numerous innovation centers focused on developing advanced adhesive technologies. The presence of major automotive manufacturers and their suppliers has created a strong ecosystem for adhesive applications, particularly in lightweight vehicle construction and electric vehicle manufacturing. German industries are also at the forefront of Industry 4.0 implementation, incorporating smart manufacturing processes that optimize adhesive application and curing processes. The country's commitment to environmental sustainability has led to increased adoption of low-VOC acrylic adhesives formulations, setting industry standards across Europe.

Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market in Russia

Russia emerges as both a major market and the fastest-growing region for acrylic adhesives, with projections indicating approximately 7% growth annually from 2024 to 2029. The country's market dynamics are significantly influenced by its expanding construction sector and modernizing industrial base. Russian manufacturers are increasingly adopting modified acrylic adhesives in various applications, particularly in the packaging and construction industries, where these adhesives' versatility and performance characteristics are highly valued. The country's vast geographical expanse and diverse climate conditions have driven demand for adhesives that can perform effectively across extreme temperature ranges, making acrylic-based solutions particularly attractive. The ongoing industrialization of Russia's regions beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg has created new growth centers for adhesive applications. Local manufacturers are expanding their production capabilities, while international players are strengthening their presence through distribution networks and technical support centers. The market is also benefiting from increasing investments in residential and commercial construction projects across major urban centers.

Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market in Spain

Spain's acrylic adhesives market demonstrates remarkable resilience and innovation, particularly in the construction and automotive sectors. The country's strategic position as a manufacturing hub for Europe has attracted significant investments in adhesive technologies and applications. Spanish manufacturers are increasingly focusing on specialized applications, particularly in the growing renewable energy sector where structural acrylic adhesives play a crucial role in solar panel assembly and wind turbine construction. The country's strong furniture manufacturing industry continues to drive demand for high-performance bonding solutions, while the packaging sector's evolution towards sustainable solutions has created new opportunities for water-based acrylic adhesives. Spanish research institutions are actively collaborating with industry players to develop novel adhesive formulations tailored to specific industrial requirements. The market is characterized by strong technical support networks and distribution channels that ensure efficient product delivery and application support across the Iberian Peninsula.

Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market in Other Countries

The remaining European countries, including France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and other nations, collectively represent a diverse and dynamic market for acrylic adhesives. These markets are characterized by varying levels of industrial development and specific application requirements. The Nordic countries show a strong preference for environmentally friendly adhesive solutions, while Eastern European nations are experiencing growing demand driven by expanding manufacturing sectors. Each country brings unique strengths to the market - France with its aerospace industry, Italy with its furniture manufacturing expertise, and the UK with its innovative approach to sustainable adhesive solutions. The Benelux region serves as a crucial logistics hub for adhesive distribution across Europe, while countries in Central Europe are emerging as important manufacturing centers. These markets are increasingly focusing on specialized applications and custom solutions, driving innovation in product development and application techniques. The diversity of these markets contributes to the overall robustness of the European acrylic adhesives market, creating a balanced ecosystem of manufacturers, distributors, and end-users.

Competitive Landscape

Top Companies in Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market

The European acrylic adhesives market is characterized by continuous innovation and strategic expansion initiatives from leading players. Companies are focusing on developing sustainable and high-performance adhesive solutions, particularly for packaging, automotive, and construction applications. Product development efforts are centered around low-VOC formulations, improved bonding strength, and enhanced environmental compliance. Operational agility is demonstrated through investments in manufacturing facilities and R&D centers across the region, enabling companies to respond quickly to changing market demands. Strategic moves include partnerships with end-user industries, particularly in emerging segments like electric vehicles and sustainable packaging. Companies are also expanding their distribution networks and technical support services to strengthen their market presence and customer relationships.

Market Led By Global Chemical Conglomerates

The European acrylic adhesives market structure is dominated by large multinational chemical conglomerates with diverse product portfolios, while specialized adhesive manufacturers maintain significant niche positions. These global players leverage their extensive R&D capabilities, established distribution networks, and strong customer relationships across multiple industries to maintain their market positions. The market demonstrates a moderate level of consolidation, with the top companies controlling a significant portion of the market share through their well-established brands and comprehensive product offerings.

The market is witnessing strategic consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, particularly focused on expanding technological capabilities and geographic reach. Companies are acquiring regional players to strengthen their presence in specific markets or gain access to complementary technologies. This consolidation trend is driven by the need to achieve economies of scale, enhance product portfolios, and strengthen positions in high-growth segments. Local players are increasingly becoming attractive acquisition targets for global companies looking to expand their European presence and access specialized market segments.

Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Success

For incumbent companies to maintain and increase their market share, focus on sustainable product development and technological innovation is crucial. Success factors include developing eco-friendly formulations, investing in advanced manufacturing processes, and strengthening relationships with key end-user industries. Companies need to enhance their product customization capabilities to meet specific application requirements while maintaining cost competitiveness. Building strong technical support services and maintaining close customer relationships are essential for defending market positions against new entrants.

Market contenders can gain ground by focusing on specialized market segments and developing innovative solutions for emerging applications. Success strategies include investing in R&D for niche applications, building strong regional distribution networks, and offering competitive pricing structures. Companies must also address potential regulatory challenges related to environmental compliance and VOC emissions while maintaining product performance standards. The ability to offer sustainable solutions while managing raw material costs and maintaining product quality will be crucial for long-term success in this market. Additionally, the development of modified acrylic adhesives is becoming increasingly important to meet specific industry needs and enhance product performance.

Europe Acrylic Adhesives Industry Leaders

  1. 3M

  2. Arkema Group

  3. AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION

  4. H.B. Fuller Company

  5. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • February 2022: H.B. Fuller announced the acquisition of Fourny NV to strengthen its Construction Adhesives business in Europe.
  • January 2022: H.B. Fuller announced the acquisition of UK-based Apollo Chemicals to expand its foothold in the European market.
  • October 2021: 3M introduced a new generation of acrylic adhesives, including 3M Scotch-Weld Low Odor Acrylic Adhesive 8700NS Series, 3M Scotch-Weld Flexible Acrylic Adhesive 8600NS Series, and 3M Scotch-Weld Nylon Bonder Structural Adhesive DP8910NS.

Table of Contents for Europe Acrylic Adhesives Industry Report

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS

2. REPORT OFFERS

3. INTRODUCTION

  • 3.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 3.2 Scope of the Study​
  • 3.3 Research Methodology

4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 4.1 End User Trends
    • 4.1.1 Aerospace
    • 4.1.2 Automotive
    • 4.1.3 Building and Construction
    • 4.1.4 Footwear and Leather
    • 4.1.5 Packaging
  • 4.2 Regulatory Framework
    • 4.2.1 EU
    • 4.2.2 Russia
  • 4.3 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2028 and analysis of growth prospects)

  • 5.1 End User Industry
    • 5.1.1 Aerospace
    • 5.1.2 Automotive
    • 5.1.3 Building and Construction
    • 5.1.4 Footwear and Leather
    • 5.1.5 Healthcare
    • 5.1.6 Packaging
    • 5.1.7 Other End-user Industries
  • 5.2 Technology
    • 5.2.1 Reactive
    • 5.2.2 Solvent-borne
    • 5.2.3 UV Cured Adhesives
    • 5.2.4 Water-borne
  • 5.3 Country
    • 5.3.1 France
    • 5.3.2 Germany
    • 5.3.3 Italy
    • 5.3.4 Russia
    • 5.3.5 Spain
    • 5.3.6 United Kingdom
    • 5.3.7 Rest of Europe

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
  • 6.2 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.3 Company Landscape
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global Level Overview, Market Level Overview, Core Business Segments, Financials, Headcount, Key Information, Market Rank, Market Share, Products and Services, and Analysis of Recent Developments).
    • 6.4.1 3M
    • 6.4.2 Arkema Group
    • 6.4.3 AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION
    • 6.4.4 Dow
    • 6.4.5 H.B. Fuller Company
    • 6.4.6 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    • 6.4.7 Huntsman International LLC
    • 6.4.8 MAPEI S.p.A.
    • 6.4.9 Sika AG
    • 6.4.10 Soudal Holding N.V.

7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR ADHESIVES AND SEALANTS CEOS

8. APPENDIX

  • 8.1 Global Adhesives and Sealants Industry Overview
    • 8.1.1 Overview
    • 8.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework (Industry Attractiveness Analysis)
    • 8.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
    • 8.1.4 Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities
  • 8.2 Sources & References
  • 8.3 List of Tables & Figures
  • 8.4 Primary Insights
  • 8.5 Data Pack
  • 8.6 Glossary of Terms
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Europe Acrylic Adhesives Market Report Scope

Aerospace, Automotive, Building and Construction, Footwear and Leather, Healthcare, Packaging are covered as segments by End User Industry. Reactive, Solvent-borne, UV Cured Adhesives, Water-borne are covered as segments by Technology. France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom are covered as segments by Country.
End User Industry
Aerospace
Automotive
Building and Construction
Footwear and Leather
Healthcare
Packaging
Other End-user Industries
Technology
Reactive
Solvent-borne
UV Cured Adhesives
Water-borne
Country
France
Germany
Italy
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
End User IndustryAerospace
Automotive
Building and Construction
Footwear and Leather
Healthcare
Packaging
Other End-user Industries
TechnologyReactive
Solvent-borne
UV Cured Adhesives
Water-borne
CountryFrance
Germany
Italy
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
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Market Definition

  • End-user Industry - Building & Construction, Packaging, Automotive, Aerospace, Woodworking & Joinery, Footwear & Leather, Healthcare, and Others are the end-user industries considered under the acrylic adhesives market.
  • Product - All acrylic adhesive products are considered in the market studied
  • Resin - Under the scope of the study, different kinds of acrylate monomers, like 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate and butyl acrylate are considered
  • Technology - For the purpose of this study, Water-borne, Solvent-borne, Reactive, Hot Melt, and UV Cured adhesive technologies are taken into consideration.
KeywordDefinition
Hot-melt AdhesiveHot melt adhesives are generally 100% solid formulations, based on thermoplastic polymers. They are solid at room temperature and are activated upon heating above their softening point, at which stage they are liquid, and hence, can be processed.
Reactive AdhesiveA reactive adhesive is made up of monomers that react in the adhesive curing process and do not evaporate from the film during use. Instead, these volatile components become chemically incorporated into the adhesive.
Solvent-borne AdhesiveSolvent-borne adhesives are mixtures of solvents and thermoplastic, or slightly cross-linked polymers, such as polychloroprene, polyurethane, acrylic, silicone, and natural and synthetic rubbers (elastomers).
Water-borne AdhesiveWater-borne adhesives use water as a carrier or diluting medium to disperse a resin. They are set by allowing the water to evaporate or be absorbed by the substrate. These adhesives are compounded with water as a diluent, rather than a volatile organic solvent.
UV Cured AdhesiveUV curing adhesives induce curing and create a permanent bond without heating by using ultraviolet (UV) light or other radiation sources. An aggregation of monomers and oligomers is cured or polymerized by ultraviolet (UV) or visible light in a UV adhesive. Because UV is a radiating energy source, UV adhesives are often referred to as radiation curing or rad-cure adhesives.
Heat-resistant AdhesiveHeat-resistant Adhesives refer to those that do not break down under high temperatures. One aspect of a complicated system of circumstances is the adhesive's capacity to withstand disintegration brought on by high temperatures. As the temperature rises, adhesives may liquefy. They can withstand stresses resulting from differing coefficients of expansion and contraction, which might be an additional advantage.
ReshoringReshoring is the practice of moving commodity production and manufacturing back to the nation where the business was founded. Onshoring, inshoring, and back shoring are further terms used. Offshoring, the practice of producing items abroad to lower labor and manufacturing costs, is the opposite of this.
OleochemicalsOleochemicals are compounds produced from biological oils or fats. They resemble petrochemicals, which are substances made from petroleum. The oleochemical business is built on the hydrolysis of oils or fats.
Nonporous MaterialsNonporous materials are substances that do not permit the passage of liquid or air. Nonporous materials are those that are not porous, such as glass, plastic, metal, and varnished wood. Since no air can get through, less airflow is required to raise these materials, negating the requirement for high airflow.
EU-Vietnam Free Trade AgreementA trade agreement and an investment protection agreement were concluded between the European Union and Vietnam on June 30, 2019.
VOC contentCompounds with limited solubility in water and high vapor pressure are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants.
Emulsion PolymerizationEmulsion polymerization is a method of producing polymers or connected groups of smaller chemical chains known as monomers, in a water solution. The method is often used to make water-based paints, adhesives, and varnishes, in which the water stays with the polymer and is marketed as a liquid product.
2025 National Packaging TargetsIn 2018, the Australian Environment Ministry set the following 2025 National Packaging Targets: 100% of the packaging must be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, 70% of plastic packaging must be recycled or composted by 2025, 50% of average recycled content must be included in packaging by 2025, and problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging must be phased out by 2025.
Russian Government’s Import Substitution PolicyThe Western sanctions suspended the distribution of several high-tech items to Russia, including those required by the raw material export sectors and the military-industrial complex. In response, the government launched an "import substitution" scheme, appointing a special commission to oversee its implementation in early 2015.
Paper SubstratePaper substrates are paper sheets, reels, or boards with a base weight of up to 400 g/m2 that has not been converted, printed or otherwise altered.
Insulation MaterialA material that inhibits or blocks heat, sound, or electrical transmission is known as Insulation Material. The variety of insulation materials includes thick fibers like fiberglass, rock and slag wool, cellulose, and natural fibers as well as stiff foam boards and sleek foils.
Thermal ShockA temperature change known as thermal shock generates stress in a material. It commonly results in material breakdown and is especially prevalent in brittle materials like ceramics. When there is a quick temperature change, either from hot to cold or vice versa, this process occurs abruptly. It occurs more frequently in materials with poor heat conductivity and insufficient structural integrity.
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: The quantifiable key variables (industry and extraneous) pertaining to the specific product segment and country are selected from a group of relevant variables & factors based on desk research & literature review; along with primary expert inputs. These variables are further confirmed through regression modeling (wherever required).
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
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