>> Karen Parker, editor-in-chief
FROM THE EDITOR
Susan Sutton served as Editor-in-Chief, Integrated Media, of ASI magazine for many years. If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please contact Tom Fowler at fowlert@bnpmedia.com. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.
Modest Gains and Market Momentum in the Adhesives Industry
This issue of ASI again features our annual article that lists the top global manufacturers of adhesives and sealants and well as several interviews with leaders from some of the major players in the industry.
If asked to summarize how the industry as a whole performed in 2024, I would say that most companies saw an increase in sales for the year compared to 2023, which saw fewer increases in sales. For the majority of companies included on the ASI Top 20 list, they recorded modest increases in sales compared to 2023. For a few examples, Henkel saw an increase in overall revenue for 2024 when compared to 2023, of about one-third of one percent. H.B. Fuller reported a net sales increase of about 1.6% in 2024 compared to 2023; Avery Dennison reported an overall increase in sales of approximately 4.7% in 2024 compared to 2023.
Adhesives are a small but essential element in many parts of manufacturing, as well as an industry tied closely with the chemical sector. Because of that, the financial performance of the industry is linked to many economic factors.
A recent study available from market research firm MarketsandMarkets, values the global adhesives and sealants market at approximately $76.1 billion in 2024 and forecasts the market to reach approximately $86.6 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% during that period. Another market study, released by the firm ResearchAndMarkets.com, presents a somewhat rosier outlook, estimating the 2024 value at $77.6 billion and projecting a CAGR of 4.9% between 2024 and 2030, with the industry reaching $99.5 billion by 2030.
Both reports list demand drivers within the industry to be the increasing use of adhesives in bonding dissimilar materials, substituting traditional substrates with synthetic alternatives, and robust growth in the building and construction, packaging, and automotive sectors. In particular, the ongoing boom in construction — especially residential projects in emerging nations like China, India, and Brazil — is increasing demand for sealants. Water-based adhesives are expected to dominate market share, while silicone sealants lead within the sealant category
Regionally, Asia–Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing market, accounting for over 50% of global volume consumption and expected to maintain strong growth through 2030. Pivotal market trends projected by market research firms include the shift toward lightweight, multi-material applications (notably in automotive and aerospace); rising demand for low‑VOC and bio‑based formulations driven by environmental regulations; and ongoing innovation in formulation technologies enhancing strength, flexibility, and durability.
While the world continues to face many political and environmental factors that create uncertainty within the global economy, growth and innovation continue to drive this industry forward. I look forward to an interesting year to come!
Enjoy this issue of ASI and please contact me at parkerk@bnpmedia.com with your comments and questions.