FEATURE

By Nick Fryer, Vice President of Marketing, Sheer Logistics, Chesterfield, Missouri

A recent report predicts the market for packaging adhesives will record a compound annual growth rate of 6.6% from 2023 to 2030.

Packaging adhesives are specialized materials designed to bond various packaging substrates, ensuring the integrity and safety of packaged products. These adhesives play a crucial role in multiple industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and e-commerce. They are essential for applications such as carton sealing, flexible packaging, labeling, and laminating, providing durability and reliability during transit and storage. The demand for packaging adhesives is driven by the growth of e-commerce, the need for sustainable packaging solutions, and stringent food safety regulations. As industries continue to evolve, packaging adhesives remain vital in meeting the diverse needs of modern packaging requirements.

A recent report estimated that the global market for packaging adhesives was $13.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $21.3 billion by 2030. The report predicts that the market will record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2023 to 2030.

Market Drivers

The study reports that growth in the packaging adhesives market is driven by factors such as the expansion of e-commerce, rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, increased food safety regulations, and advancements in adhesive technology. The rapid growth of e-commerce has heightened the need for durable and secure packaging solutions that protect products during shipping and handling. Packaging adhesives offer the strength and flexibility needed to ensure that packages remain intact, reducing damage and improving the consumer experience. With the shift toward online shopping, companies are investing in robust packaging solutions that can withstand transit, and adhesives play a critical role in achieving this reliability. As e-commerce continues to expand, the demand for high-quality adhesives in packaging applications is expected to grow, supporting a seamless customer experience from purchase to delivery.

The demand for sustainable packaging solutions is another key driver, as consumers and companies alike prioritize environmentally friendly options. Adhesives that are biodegradable, recyclable, or derived from bio-based materials align with these preferences, offering a way to reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. Many industries, including food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceuticals, are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with regulations for sustainable packaging. Packaging adhesives that support recyclability and use fewer harmful chemicals are increasingly sought after, as they help companies meet environmental standards and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. As the global focus on sustainability intensifies, adhesives that enable greener packaging solutions are driving growth in the market, supporting a more sustainable future in packaging.

Food safety regulations and stringent standards for packaging materials are also propelling the adoption of specialized packaging adhesives. In the food and beverage industry, adhesives must comply with food safety standards to ensure that they do not introduce contaminants into products. Adhesives used in direct-food-contact or cold-chain packaging must be non-toxic, odorless, and stable under various temperatures to maintain product integrity.

Pharmaceuticals also require adhesive solutions that meet health and safety regulations to ensure that medication remains protected and uncontaminated. As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, companies are turning to high-quality adhesives that comply with health and safety standards, supporting consumer confidence and public health. This demand for compliance and quality assurance is driving the growth of specialized adhesives in food, pharmaceutical, and personal-care packaging.

Finally, advancements in adhesive technology, such as smart adhesives and automation compatibility, are enhancing the versatility and efficiency of packaging adhesives. Smart adhesives that respond to temperature or pressure changes are gaining popularity in industries that require re-sealability, tamper-evidence, or extended shelf life. Automation-compatible adhesives, which set quickly and adhere reliably, support high-speed production and reduce downtime, improving efficiency for manufacturers.

These innovations in adhesive technology make packaging processes more adaptable and efficient, meeting the needs of modern production environments. Together, these factors — the rise of e-commerce, demand for sustainability, regulatory pressures, and technological advancements — are fueling substantial growth in the packaging adhesives market, positioning it as a vital component in the evolution of modern packaging solutions.

Segment Analysis

According to the study, the market share of packaging adhesives based on water-based technology is expected to reach $10.8 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 7.3%. The solvent-based technology segment is also set to grow at 5.2% CAGR over the analysis period. Regionally, the U.S. market for packaging adhesives is estimated to reach $3.5 billion in 2023. In China, the segment is forecasted to grow at an impressive 10.2% CAGR to reach $5.1 billion by 2030.