Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2028 |
|---|---|
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2024 - 2028 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 10.67 Billion |
| Market Size (2028) | USD 13.09 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2024 - 2028) | 5.24% CAGR |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
United States Adhesives Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The United States Adhesives Market size is estimated at 10.67 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 13.09 billion USD by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.24% during the forecast period (2024-2028).
The United States adhesive industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by technological advancements and shifting end-user preferences. Water-borne adhesives have emerged as the dominant technology choice due to their cost-effectiveness and superior bonding capabilities, particularly in packaging applications where they demonstrate exceptional performance in bonding diverse materials, including plastics, metals, and paper products. The construction sector's robust outlook, expected to contribute 11.1% to global construction growth through 2030, has created substantial opportunities for adhesive manufacturers to develop specialized solutions for applications ranging from roofing and flooring to prefabricated component assembly.
The automotive sector is witnessing a revolutionary shift toward electric vehicles, with the EV segment projected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 23.17% from 2022-2027. This transformation has spurred innovation in adhesive technologies, particularly in developing solutions for battery assembly, lightweight materials bonding, and structural applications that can withstand extreme weather conditions while maintaining long-term durability. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing adhesives that can meet the specific requirements of electric vehicle production, including thermal management and electrical insulation properties.
The e-commerce boom continues to reshape the packaging industry's demands for adhesive solutions, with the U.S. e-commerce market expected to reach USD 1,330 billion by 2025. This growth has accelerated the development of specialized adhesives that can withstand various shipping conditions while maintaining package integrity. The trend has particularly benefited water-borne and hot-melt adhesive technologies, which offer the optimal combination of performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability for modern packaging requirements.
The healthcare sector represents an emerging frontier for adhesive applications, particularly in medical device assembly and wearable technology. The U.S. medical device market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2022-2028, driving demand for specialized adhesive solutions that meet stringent regulatory requirements and biocompatibility standards. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to create advanced adhesive formulations that can withstand sterilization processes while maintaining their bonding properties, leading to innovations in silicon-based and reactive adhesive technologies specifically designed for medical applications.
United States Adhesives Market Trends and Insights
Rapid growth of the food and beverage industry and plastic recyclability advancements to boost the packaging demand
- Packaging is a fast-growing industry in terms of design and technology for protecting and enhancing products' safety and longevity. The demand for quick and on-the-go packaged items is increasing due to consumers' busier lifestyles, greater spending power, and related factors in the country.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country-wide lockdowns and temporary shutdown of manufacturing facilities caused several issues, including disruptions in supply chains, imports, and exports. As a result, the country's packaging production declined by 5% in 2020 compared to the previous year, significantly affecting the market.
- The US packaging industry has been driven by the rapid growth of the food and beverage industry in recent years. The sales of packaging products to retail food and beverage stores amounted to around USD 880.3 billion in 2021 compared to USD 850.2 billion in 2020.
- Packaging production is majorly driven by paper and paperboard in the country, which accounted for nearly 22% of the packaging produced in 2021. However, with the advancement of plastic recyclability, the plastic production segment is likely to register the fastest CAGR of around 4.11% during the forecast period.
- The growing interest in public health, along with the emerging e-commerce activities across the nation, is likely to continue boosting the growth of the food processing industry, which will further drive packaging demand over the coming years.
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Government's United States-Canada-Mexico agreement of having 75% of automobile components produced in these 3 countries will increase the automotive production
- The US automotive industry witnessed a decline in annual production by around 3.5% in 2019 due to multiple factors, such as US sanctions on China and tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, especially from Canada and Mexico, two of the largest sources for imported metals for the US automotive industry. Automotive production fell by around 20% in 2020 compared to 2019 due to operational and supply chain restrictions coupled with worker unavailability resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns. The semiconductor chip shortages and other supply chain constraints in 2021, which followed the pandemic, have been holding back automotive production growth.
- In the United States, the percentage of commercial vehicles manufactured increased from 73% in 2017 to 79% in 2020. This was due to the rising demand for pickup trucks and other Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) because of their multipurpose utility. This growth in the demand for LCVs is expected to continue in the forecast period.
- The United States is the third largest electric vehicle manufacturer after China and Europe. Seven of the 44 major US assembly plants, representing about 16% of US production capacity, are engaged in producing electric vehicles (EVs). General Motors own three, two are owned by Tesla, and Rivian and Lucid Motors own one site each. Demand for EVs grew 85% from 2020 to 2021, and this continuously increasing demand for EVs in the country is expected to drive production growth during the forecast period as well. The implementation of the United States-Canada-Mexico agreement, which mandates 75% of the cars to be produced in one of the three participating countries to avail zero tariffs, is expected to increase automotive production during the forecast period.
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OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Civil aviation with 65% export share in Aerospace and Defense in 2021 and expected growth in exports is likely to boost Aerospace Production
- Investments and innovations to ensure unique footwear design and greater comfort to grow the footwear production
- Government's' investments such as the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program of USD 7.25 billion for FY 2022-2026 to increase construction in the country
- Easy purchase and install of furniture and rising interior decorations is increasing the woodworking and joinery demand
Segment Analysis: End User Industry
Packaging Segment in US Adhesives Market
The packaging segment maintains its dominant position in the US adhesives market, accounting for approximately 35% of the total market value in 2024. This leadership is primarily driven by the robust growth in e-commerce activities and increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions across the country. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the rising adoption of water-based adhesives in food packaging applications, particularly through emulsion and dispersion systems. The packaging industry's shift toward eco-friendly solutions and the growing trend of flexible packaging have significantly contributed to the increased consumption of adhesives in this sector. Additionally, the segment benefits from the expanding retail food and beverage sector, with packaging product sales to these stores reaching substantial values, indicating a strong demand for adhesive solutions in food and beverage packaging applications.
Woodworking and Joinery Segment in US Adhesives Market
The woodworking and joinery segment is emerging as the fastest-growing sector in the US adhesives market, projected to expand at approximately 7% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This remarkable growth is primarily attributed to the rising trend of DIY furniture and home renovation projects across the country. The segment's expansion is further supported by the development of innovative products such as adhesive nails, which are increasingly replacing conventional metallic nails due to their cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Water-borne adhesives constitute the major portion of woodworking adhesives, accounting for more than half of the value share, owing to their relatively lower costs and strong adhesion capacity with substrates such as wood and polymers. The strict regulations regarding VOC content in the United States have particularly favored the adoption of these environmentally friendly adhesive solutions in the woodworking sector.
Remaining Segments in End User Industry
The other significant segments in the US adhesives market include building and construction, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and other industrial applications. The building and construction segment maintains a strong presence due to increasing infrastructure development and renovation activities. The healthcare segment continues to grow with the rising demand for medical device assembly and wound care applications. The automotive sector remains crucial due to the increasing use of lightweight materials and electric vehicle production. The aerospace segment, though smaller in market share, maintains its importance due to specialized high-performance adhesive requirements. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and stability, each driven by specific technological advancements and industry requirements that shape their demand patterns.
Segment Analysis: Technology
Water-borne Segment in US Adhesives Market
Water-borne adhesives dominate the US adhesives market, holding approximately 28% market share in 2024, driven by their environmental friendliness and negligible VOC content. These adhesives are designed as dispersions or emulsions with distributed polymer particles having spherical forms and diameters ranging from 50-300 nm. Their widespread adoption across woodworking, footwear, and other industries for bonding wood, paper, textiles, and leather substrates has cemented their market leadership. The segment's success is further bolstered by favorable properties enabling multiple applications, cost-effectiveness compared to other technologies, and worker safety advantages during manufacturing. Acrylic water-borne adhesives particularly stand out due to their economical nature, environmental compatibility, and versatility in bonding multiple substrates while offering moderate strength and resistance to temperature variations.
Hot Melt Segment in US Adhesives Market
The hot melt adhesives segment is experiencing robust growth in the US adhesives market, projected to expand at approximately 6% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. These industrial-strength adhesives, which are thermally melted and cooled to achieve adhesive properties, are gaining significant traction across packaging, product assembly, woodworking, bookbinding, and product labeling applications. Their versatility in operating across temperatures ranging from 60 to 200 degrees Celsius makes them increasingly popular. The segment's growth is particularly driven by the expanding e-commerce sector, with the US e-commerce market expected to reach significant milestones in the coming years. The trend of customers transitioning from solvent-borne adhesives to hot-melt alternatives, primarily due to lower VOC content, is further accelerating segment growth.
Remaining Segments in Technology
The US adhesives market features several other significant technology segments including reactive, UV-cured, and solvent-borne adhesives. Reactive adhesives are crucial for applications requiring substantial permanency and high-strength adherence, particularly in high-tech devices and automotive applications. UV-cured adhesives offer unique advantages with their single-component nature and 100% reactive formulations, making them ideal for specialized applications requiring precise curing. Meanwhile, solvent-borne adhesives, despite facing regulatory challenges due to VOC content, maintain their relevance in applications demanding high strength and favorable environmental resistance properties. Each of these segments serves specific market niches and contributes to the overall technological diversity of the adhesives industry.
Segment Analysis: Resin
Polyurethane Segment in US Adhesives Market
Polyurethane adhesives maintain their dominant position in the United States adhesives market, commanding approximately 21% of the total market value in 2024. The segment's leadership is primarily driven by its widespread applications across multiple industries, particularly in construction, aerospace, footwear, transportation, woodworking, and furniture manufacturing. These adhesives are highly preferred due to their exceptional bonding strength, durability, and versatility in both interior and exterior applications. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising adoption of polyurethane adhesives in the automotive industry, where they are extensively used in manufacturing high-resilience foam seating, rigid foam insulation panels, B-pillars, headliners, suspension insulators, and bumpers. The segment also benefits from the increasing demand in the construction sector, where polyurethane adhesives are preferred for their superior weather resistance and long-lasting bonding capabilities.
Cyanoacrylate Segment in US Adhesives Market
The cyanoacrylate adhesives segment is experiencing remarkable growth in the United States market, projected to expand at approximately 6% through 2024-2029. This impressive growth trajectory is primarily attributed to the increasing adoption of these adhesives in the healthcare and electronics industries. The segment's expansion is particularly driven by their application in medical devices, where they offer significant advantages in terms of securement strength, barrier properties, and flexibility. The growth is further accelerated by the rising demand from the electric vehicle (EV) sector, where cyanoacrylate adhesives are essential for electronic component assembly in battery electric vehicles. The segment's performance is also enhanced by its versatility in bonding various materials, including metals, plastics, and rubber, making it indispensable in industrial assembly operations.
Remaining Segments in Resin Segmentation
The US adhesives market encompasses several other significant resin segments, including epoxy, acrylic, silicone, and VAE/EVA adhesives, each serving unique applications across various industries. Epoxy adhesives are particularly valued in structural applications due to their high bond strength properties. Acrylic adhesives have gained prominence in automotive and construction applications owing to their excellent temperature and UV resistance. Silicone adhesives have carved out a niche in applications requiring high temperature resistance and flexibility, particularly in electronics and medical devices. VAE/EVA adhesives are predominantly used in packaging and woodworking applications due to their cost-effectiveness and versatile bonding properties. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and cater to specific industry requirements, from general-purpose bonding to specialized applications.
Competitive Landscape
Top Companies in United States Adhesives Market
The leading adhesive manufacturing industry in the United States is focusing heavily on product innovation and the development of sustainable solutions to strengthen their market positions. Companies are investing significantly in research and development to create eco-friendly adhesives with enhanced performance characteristics, particularly targeting emerging applications in the automotive, electronics, and packaging sectors. Strategic partnerships and collaborations with raw material suppliers and end-users have become increasingly common to ensure supply chain resilience and develop customized solutions. Operational excellence initiatives, including manufacturing automation and digital transformation, are being pursued to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Geographic expansion through both organic growth and acquisitions remains a key strategy, with companies establishing new production facilities and technical centers across different regions to better serve local markets and reduce delivery times.
Fragmented Market with Strong Global Players
The United States adhesive industry exhibits a partially fragmented structure, with a mix of large multinational corporations and specialized regional players competing for market share. The top five companies collectively command a significant portion of the market, leveraging their extensive distribution networks, broad product portfolios, and strong technical capabilities. These market leaders benefit from their established relationships with key end-users across various industries, comprehensive research and development capabilities, and ability to provide customized solutions for specific applications.
The market has witnessed considerable consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, as companies seek to expand their technological capabilities, strengthen their market presence, and access new customer segments. Global players are particularly active in acquiring specialized manufacturers to enhance their product offerings and gain expertise in specific application areas. Regional players maintain their competitive position by focusing on niche markets and maintaining close relationships with local customers, while also investing in product development to meet evolving industry requirements.
Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Success
For established players to maintain and expand their market share, developing innovative and sustainable adhesive solutions will be crucial. Companies must invest in next-generation technologies, particularly focusing on environmentally friendly formulations that meet increasingly stringent regulations while maintaining high performance standards. Building strong partnerships with key end-users, especially in high-growth sectors like electric vehicles and advanced electronics, will be essential for long-term success. Additionally, optimizing manufacturing processes and supply chain operations will help companies maintain cost competitiveness while ensuring reliable product availability.
New entrants and smaller players can gain market share by focusing on specialized market segments where they can develop unique expertise and strong customer relationships. Success will depend on their ability to offer innovative solutions that address specific industry challenges while maintaining competitive pricing. Companies must also consider potential regulatory changes, particularly regarding environmental standards and chemical safety requirements, which could significantly impact product development and manufacturing processes. Building a strong technical support infrastructure and maintaining close customer relationships will be critical for both established and emerging players to defend against substitution risks and maintain market position. The role of industrial adhesives and bonding agents in these processes cannot be understated, as they are pivotal in meeting the demands of modern industry applications.
United States Adhesives Industry Leaders
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3M
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Arkema Group
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H.B. Fuller Company
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Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
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Sika AG
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Recent Industry Developments
- April 2022: ITW Performance Polymers launched Plexus MA8105 as its newest adhesive with fast room-temperature curing, excellent mechanical properties, and a broad range of adhesion.
- February 2022: Arkema Group completed the acquisition of Ashland's Performance Adhesives business. Ashland is a world leader in high-performance adhesives in the United States.
- December 2021: Under the Nuplaviva brand, Arkema introduced a new range of disposable hygiene adhesive solutions formulated with bio-based renewable content.
United States Adhesives Market Report Scope
Aerospace, Automotive, Building and Construction, Footwear and Leather, Healthcare, Packaging, Woodworking and Joinery are covered as segments by End User Industry. Hot Melt, Reactive, Solvent-borne, UV Cured Adhesives, Water-borne are covered as segments by Technology. Acrylic, Cyanoacrylate, Epoxy, Polyurethane, Silicone, VAE/EVA are covered as segments by Resin.
End User Industry
| Aerospace |
| Automotive |
| Building and Construction |
| Footwear and Leather |
| Healthcare |
| Packaging |
| Woodworking and Joinery |
| Other End-user Industries |
Technology
| Hot Melt |
| Reactive |
| Solvent-borne |
| UV Cured Adhesives |
| Water-borne |
Resin
| Acrylic |
| Cyanoacrylate |
| Epoxy |
| Polyurethane |
| Silicone |
| VAE/EVA |
| Other Resins |
| End User Industry | Aerospace |
| Automotive | |
| Building and Construction | |
| Footwear and Leather | |
| Healthcare | |
| Packaging | |
| Woodworking and Joinery | |
| Other End-user Industries | |
| Technology | Hot Melt |
| Reactive | |
| Solvent-borne | |
| UV Cured Adhesives | |
| Water-borne | |
| Resin | Acrylic |
| Cyanoacrylate | |
| Epoxy | |
| Polyurethane | |
| Silicone | |
| VAE/EVA | |
| Other Resins |
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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 adhesives market.
- Product - All adhesive products are considered in the market studied
- Resin - Under the scope of the study, resins like Polyurethane, Epoxy, Acrylic, Cyanoacrylate, VAE/EVA, and Silicone 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.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hot-melt Adhesive | Hot 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 Adhesive | A 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 Adhesive | Solvent-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 Adhesive | Water-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 Adhesive | UV 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 Adhesive | Heat-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. |
| Reshoring | Reshoring 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. |
| Oleochemicals | Oleochemicals 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 Materials | Nonporous 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 Agreement | A trade agreement and an investment protection agreement were concluded between the European Union and Vietnam on June 30, 2019. |
| VOC content | Compounds 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 Polymerization | Emulsion 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 Targets | In 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 Policy | The 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 Substrate | Paper 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 Material | A 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 Shock | A 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
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