Published December 2022
Total global production of adhesives was about $50.3 billion in 2022, while production of sealants was worth $12.3 billion. Asia Pacific is the leading producer of adhesives and sealants, followed by EMEA and the Americas. During 2017–22, global growth averaged nearly 2%, but future growth should be somewhat higher, as the world continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The major end uses for adhesives are presented in the following chart:
There are many producers of adhesives and sealants because the technologies are well known and manufacture is not capital intensive. There are around 15 multinational producers, but most are regional suppliers. In North America and Western Europe, there is a trend toward consolidation, but in other parts of the world, small- to medium-sized producers dominate.
There are five major technologies used for adhesives—water emulsions, hot-melts, solvent-based, reactive, and natural polymers. Water emulsions and hot-melts are the largest volume markets, as shown in the following chart:
Growth is expected to be highest for reactives, typically those based on urethanes and epoxies, especially in transportation and construction.
Sealants are typically based on silicones and urethanes. Growth will be strong especially in construction in some regions because of stricter building codes that restrict heating/cooling losses. Also, more windows are being used for skylights and other spaces to create naturally illuminated atmospheres, and reduce the need for man-made lighting.
The industry is under pressure to improve sustainability and use raw materials that are biorenewable, reduce waste, and facilitate recycling.
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
IHS Markit’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Adhesives, Sealants, and Their Raw Materials is the comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry. This latest report details global and regional information, including
Key benefits
IHS Markit’s Chemical Economics Handbook – Adhesives, Sealants, and Their Raw Materials has been compiled using primary interviews with key suppliers and organizations, and leading representatives from the industry in combination with IHS Markit’s unparalleled access to upstream and downstream market intelligence and expert insights into industry dynamics, trade, and economics.
This report can help you
- Identify trends and driving forces influencing chemical markets
- Forecast and plan for future demand
- Understand the impact of competing materials
- Identify and evaluate potential customers and competitors
- Evaluate producers
- Track changing prices and trade movements
- Analyze the impact of feedstocks, regulations, and other factors on chemical profitability
