Adhesives Market Size and Share

Adhesives Market (2026 - 2031)
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Adhesives Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Adhesives Market size was valued at USD 75.15 billion in 2025 and is estimated to grow from USD 79.68 billion in 2026 to reach USD 106.78 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 6.03% during the forecast period (2026-2031). Surging infrastructure programs, electric-vehicle platform redesign, and stricter volatile-organic-compound (VOC) limits are redirecting demand from solvent-borne to water-borne and reactive chemistries. Near-shoring of acrylic monomer capacity in the United States after the 2025 aromatic-feedstock tariff is shortening lead times and easing input-price volatility. Packaging adopters are accelerating purchases of PFAS-free formulations to meet European Union and U.S. food-contact rules, while automotive producers are specifying structural epoxies and polyurethanes to lighten battery-electric vehicles and extend driving range. Artificial-intelligence (AI) formulation tools now simulate curing kinetics across thousands of resin combinations, trimming development cycles by up to 70% and lowering cost barriers for custom bonding. 

Key Report Takeaways

  • By resin, acrylics held 22.66% of the adhesives market share in 2025; vinyl-acetate-ethylene (VAE/EVA) formulations are forecast to grow at a 6.33% CAGR through 2031. 
  • By technology, water-borne systems captured 42.32% of the adhesives market size in 2025, while hot-melt is the fastest-growing technology at 6.67% CAGR to 2031. 
  • By end-user industry, packaging led with 42.56% of adhesives market share in 2025; automotive is projected to expand at a 6.31% CAGR through 2031. 
  • By geography, Asia-Pacific accounted for 36.41% of the adhesives market size in 2025, whereas Europe records the highest projected growth at 6.42% CAGR to 2031. 

Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Mordor Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of January 2026.

Segment Analysis

By Resin: Acrylic Versatility Anchors Market Share

Acrylic adhesives represented 22.66% of 2025 revenue, reflecting broad use across packaging, construction, and automotive bonding. Meanwhile, VAE/EVA systems are projected to maintain a 6.33% CAGR through 2031, driven by flexible packaging and tile applications, while balancing affordability with reduced VOC content. In the automotive and footwear sectors, polyurethane grades are preferred for their superior elongation properties. High-temperature silicones have maintained their niche in engine-gasket and sensor encapsulation, while epoxy chemistries remain essential in aerospace composite bonding, particularly where high shear requirements and fuel resistance are critical. Additionally, cyanoacrylates continue to see increased use in medical devices and consumer electronics due to their instant fixture capabilities.

Water-borne acrylic emulsions now dominate the market, replacing solvent grades due to stringent VOC regulations. Bio-acrylic pathways have enhanced sustainability efforts, benefiting from supportive programs in Europe and California. In footwear, polyurethane reactive hot-melts are increasingly replacing solvent-based contact cements, eliminating the need for costly ventilation. Epoxies incorporating bio-based epichlorohydrin have strengthened their green credentials without sacrificing performance. Lastly, UV-cured acrylic systems are gaining ground in the electronics sector, challenging cyanoacrylates by eliminating bloom and significantly reducing assembly times.

Adhesives Market: Market Share by Resin
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By Technology: Water-Borne Dominance Challenged by Hot-Melt Surge

Water-borne platforms controlled 42.32% of 2025 turnover, driven by construction, woodworking, and pressure-sensitive-tape usage. Hot-melt formulations, however, are growing fastest at 6.67% CAGR through 2031 as fulfillment centers chase cycle-time reduction and energy savings. Notably, polyurethane and polyolefin hot-melts can secure cartons in less than 10 seconds and operate at reduced pot temperatures, slashing line energy costs. In the automotive and aerospace sectors, reactive technologies, such as two-part epoxies, polyurethanes, and silane-modified polymers, are favored for their ability to provide structural integrity without the need for mechanical fasteners. Additionally, UV-cured chemistries, a niche market in 2023, utilize LED lamps for instant bonding of electronics and medical devices, all while maintaining a minimal thermal load.

As VOC caps tighten, the share of solvent-borne products has diminished over the years. In response, formulators are crafting acetone-rich blends that adhere to regulations, albeit at the cost of open time. While water-borne grades continue to lead in flooring and joinery due to their extended open-time window for repositioning, the quicker-setting reactive hot-melts are increasingly capturing market share, especially where conveyor line speed is prioritized over latency.

By End-User Industry: Packaging Leads, Automotive Accelerates

Packaging absorbed 42.56% of global demand in 2025, powered by flexible food wraps and e-commerce cartons. Converters are turning to PFAS-free, low-migration water-borne grades to comply with EU Regulation 10/2011 and U.S. FDA Food-Contact rules. Automotive adhesive consumption is forecast to post the highest growth of 6.31% CAGR through 2031, on rising BEV output and lightweighting imperatives. Each battery pack depends on thermally conductive epoxies and polyurethanes for bonding and insulation. Global infrastructure stimulus is bolstering demand for construction adhesives, which utilize high-modulus polyurethane and acrylic grades for curtain-wall panels and flooring. While aerospace applications may be smaller in volume, they command premium pricing for epoxy and polyurethane systems due to stringent FAA/EASA certification. The demand landscape is further enriched by healthcare, woodworking, footwear, and electronics, all seeking specialized biocompatible, low-formaldehyde, and instant-set solutions.

Adhesives Market: Market Share by End-user Industry
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Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific held 36.41% of 2025 revenue, bolstered by China's robust electronics assembly and India's ambitious infrastructure budget for 2024-2025. Chinese VOC caps in packaging adhesives are driving a shift towards hot-melt and water-borne solutions. Meanwhile, Japanese and South Korean silicon expansions are catering to the burgeoning demands of EV batteries and chip applications. Southeast Asian nations, spearheaded by Vietnam and Thailand, are seizing the opportunity as flexible-packaging capacities migrate from China, leading to a surge in VAE emulsions consumption.

Europe is projected to grow quickest at 6.42% CAGR through 2031 as Green Deal policies demand circular-economy solutions. The revamped End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation is spotlighting debonding-by-design adhesives. Suppliers boasting thermally reversible systems stand to gain a significant first-mover advantage. Noteworthy acquisitions, such as Henkel's takeover of Stahl and Sika's acquisition of Akkim, are broadening portfolios into leather, facades, and construction substrates in the Middle-East, solidifying their regional dominance.

North America is capitalizing on an infrastructure act and a tariff on aromatics. The infrastructure act is spurring a heightened demand for structural epoxies, especially for bridge restorations. Concurrently, the aromatic tariff is incentivizing the establishment of domestic acrylic monomer plants, leading to reduced lead times and stabilized feedstock prices. In Canada, green-housing incentives are driving a surge in demand for low-VOC polyurethanes. Simultaneously, Mexico's burgeoning automotive corridor is luring adhesive capacity expansions from industry giants Henkel and Sika, aiming to cater to nearby OEMs. South America, albeit starting from a smaller base, is witnessing growth primarily driven by construction upgrades in Brazil, even as macroeconomic volatility tempers capital expenditures. In the Middle-East, ambitious projects like the NEOM megacity and the Riyadh Expo 2030 are fueling heightened consumption of polyurethanes and silicones. Meanwhile, Africa's emerging market is finding its footing, with notable traction in South African mining and construction sectors.

Adhesives Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Competitive Landscape

The adhesives market is moderately fragmented. Henkel, Sika, 3M, H.B. Fuller, and Dow together account for a significant portion of the market revenue, leaving ample opportunities for regional or bio-based competitors. In February, Henkel acquired Stahl to bolster its specialty coatings and leather adhesives segment. Earlier, in January, Henkel deepened its focus on electronics tapes by purchasing ATP Adhesive Systems. Furthermore, in October last year, Henkel partnered with Dow to co-develop hot-melts using bio-based polyols, a move that qualifies them for California carbon credits.

Sika is on the verge of finalizing its deal for Akkim, a move that would enhance its foothold in the Middle-East. Both Sika and Akkim are pursuing ISO 11600 compliance and exploring thermally reversible chemistries, strategies aimed at securing public-sector construction bids and contracts in the automotive circular economy. Dow is signaling its intent to hedge against tariff risks with its new acrylic-acid line in Freeport, showcasing a move towards vertical integration. Meanwhile, LG Chem's pilot project for bio-acrylic acid, operational since the second quarter of last year, positions the Korean giant as a potential disruptor in the realm of sustainable packaging adhesives.

Regional players like Pidilite from India and Japan's Aica Kogyo are capitalizing on local distribution and services, successfully courting mid-tier construction and woodworking clients. Leading suppliers are now standardizing AI-driven formulation toolkits, expediting the rollout of PFAS-free products. Henkel, for instance, boasts a digital-twin library that can simulate thousands of resin pairs, a capability that significantly reduces traditional lab expenses. Since 2024, there's been a notable surge in patent filings for thermally reversible polyurethanes, crucial for the upcoming EU ELV regulations, with Henkel, Sika, and Dow emerging as frontrunners. However, the steep costs associated with certifications and VOC compliance present significant hurdles, particularly for smaller entrants in the market.

Adhesives Industry Leaders

  1. 3M

  2. H.B. Fuller Company

  3. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

  4. Sika AG

  5. Arkema

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

  • February 2026: Sika has finalized an agreement to acquire Akkim, one of the leading Turkish manufacturers of adhesives and sealants. This acquisition enhances Sika's position in the global adhesives and sealants market, creating significant growth opportunities through an expanded distribution network and broader geographic reach.
  • January 2026: Henkel finalized an agreement to acquire ATP Adhesive Systems, a Switzerland-based company, from Arsenal Capital Partners. ATP Adhesive Systems is recognized for its expertise in high-performance, water-based specialty tapes, serving a wide range of end-markets, including automotive, electronics, medical, building and construction, and graphics applications.

Table of Contents for Adhesives Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Global construction upcycle raising consumption of structural and flooring adhesives
    • 4.2.2 Lightweighting and Electric Vehicle platforms accelerating automotive adhesive penetration
    • 4.2.3 AI-driven formulation optimisation slashing Research and Development timelines and custom-bonding costs
    • 4.2.4 Near-shoring of acrylic-monomer supply in US after 2025 tariffs reshapes capacity
    • 4.2.5 Bio-based adhesive regulatory credits spurring premium-price adoption
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Escalating VOC and chemicals regulation curbing solvent-borne adhesive sales
    • 4.3.2 Global shortage of senior adhesive formulators slowing commercialisation cycles
    • 4.3.3 Nano-safety toxicological concerns for reactive hybrid adhesives
  • 4.4 Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.5.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.5.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.5.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.5.5 Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size and Growth Forecasts (Value)

  • 5.1 By Resin
    • 5.1.1 Polyurethane
    • 5.1.2 Epoxy
    • 5.1.3 Acrylic
    • 5.1.4 Cyanoacrylate
    • 5.1.5 VAE/EVA
    • 5.1.6 Silicone
    • 5.1.7 Other Resins
  • 5.2 By Technology
    • 5.2.1 Water-borne
    • 5.2.2 Solvent-borne
    • 5.2.3 Reactive
    • 5.2.4 Hot Melt
    • 5.2.5 UV Cured Adhesives
  • 5.3 By End-user Industry
    • 5.3.1 Building and Construction
    • 5.3.2 Packaging
    • 5.3.3 Automotive
    • 5.3.4 Aerospace
    • 5.3.5 Woodworking and Joinery
    • 5.3.6 Footwear and Leather
    • 5.3.7 Healthcare
    • 5.3.8 Other End-user Industries
  • 5.4 By Geography
    • 5.4.1 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.4.1.1 China
    • 5.4.1.2 Japan
    • 5.4.1.3 India
    • 5.4.1.4 South Korea
    • 5.4.1.5 Australia
    • 5.4.1.6 Indonesia
    • 5.4.1.7 Malaysia
    • 5.4.1.8 Singapore
    • 5.4.1.9 Thailand
    • 5.4.1.10 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.4.2 North America
    • 5.4.2.1 United States
    • 5.4.2.2 Canada
    • 5.4.2.3 Mexico
    • 5.4.3 Europe
    • 5.4.3.1 Germany
    • 5.4.3.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.4.3.3 France
    • 5.4.3.4 Italy
    • 5.4.3.5 Spain
    • 5.4.3.6 Russia
    • 5.4.3.7 Rest of Europe
    • 5.4.4 South America
    • 5.4.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.4.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.4.4.3 Rest of South America
    • 5.4.5 Middle-East and Africa
    • 5.4.5.1 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.4.5.2 South Africa
    • 5.4.5.3 Rest of Middle-East and Africa

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share (%)/Ranking Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global Overview, Market Overview, Core Segments, Financials, Strategic Information, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 3M
    • 6.4.2 Aica Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.3 Arkema
    • 6.4.4 AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION
    • 6.4.5 Dow
    • 6.4.6 H.B. Fuller Company
    • 6.4.7 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    • 6.4.8 Huntsman International LLC
    • 6.4.9 Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    • 6.4.10 Jowat SE
    • 6.4.11 MAPEI S.p.A.
    • 6.4.12 NANPAO RESINS CHEMICAL GROUP
    • 6.4.13 Pidilite Industries Ltd.
    • 6.4.14 Sika AG
    • 6.4.15 Soudal Holding N.V.
    • 6.4.16 Wacker Chemie AG

7. Market Opportunities and Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-space and Unmet-Need Assessment
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Global Adhesives Market Report Scope

Adhesives are substances that join or bond two or more surfaces together by sticking to them. They are a type of material that provides cohesion between different substrates, creating a durable and often permanent bond. Adhesives are used in various applications, from everyday household use to industrial and technological processes. 

The adhesives market is segmented by resin, technology, end-user industry, and geography. By resin, the market is segmented into polyurethane, epoxy, acrylic, silicone, cyanoacrylate, VAE/EVA, silicone, and other resins. By technology, the market is segmented into water-borne, solvent-borne, reactive, hot melt, and UV-cured adhesives. By end-user industry, the market is segmented into building and construction, packaging, automotive, aerospace, woodworking and joinery, footwear and leather, healthcare, and other end-user industries.The report also covers the market size and forecasts for adhesives in 22 countries across major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done on the basis of value (USD). 

By Resin
Polyurethane
Epoxy
Acrylic
Cyanoacrylate
VAE/EVA
Silicone
Other Resins
By Technology
Water-borne
Solvent-borne
Reactive
Hot Melt
UV Cured Adhesives
By End-user Industry
Building and Construction
Packaging
Automotive
Aerospace
Woodworking and Joinery
Footwear and Leather
Healthcare
Other End-user Industries
By Geography
Asia-PacificChina
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
Rest of Asia-Pacific
North AmericaUnited States
Canada
Mexico
EuropeGermany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Russia
Rest of Europe
South AmericaBrazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle-East and AfricaSaudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of Middle-East and Africa
By ResinPolyurethane
Epoxy
Acrylic
Cyanoacrylate
VAE/EVA
Silicone
Other Resins
By TechnologyWater-borne
Solvent-borne
Reactive
Hot Melt
UV Cured Adhesives
By End-user IndustryBuilding and Construction
Packaging
Automotive
Aerospace
Woodworking and Joinery
Footwear and Leather
Healthcare
Other End-user Industries
By GeographyAsia-PacificChina
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
Rest of Asia-Pacific
North AmericaUnited States
Canada
Mexico
EuropeGermany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Russia
Rest of Europe
South AmericaBrazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle-East and AfricaSaudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of Middle-East and Africa
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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.
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
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