Bonding in Demand: Ceresana Forecasts for the Growing Global Adhesives Market

KONSTANZ, Germany - April 28, 2026 - PRLog -- Vinyl is thriving! Although competition is becoming fiercer and adhesive technology is advancing rapidly, vinyl adhesives continue to lead the market in terms of demand. More than 14 million tonnes of adhesives are currently sold worldwide each year. Of this total, approximately 4.1 million tonnes are vinyl-based. Ceresana has now analyzed the global adhesives market for the seventh time: According to the market research institute, vinyl could see even further growth, particularly in packaging, consumer products, and simpler applications. However, the use of polyurethane, acrylic, and epoxy adhesives is currently growing even faster, at a rate of up to 3% per year.

Opportunities and Challenges for Adhesives

The construction industry is the world's largest consumer of adhesive materials: Wall and floor coverings, cladding and panels, insulation materials, and other building products currently account for more than 27% of all adhesives used. However, the "shoes, textiles, and leather" sector is seeing the strongest growth in demand for adhesives, at around 3.1% per year: Particularly in Asia and Africa, the shift of production to emerging markets and the growth of the middle class are driving up demand for reactive PU adhesives in the fashion and apparel industry. In the automotive industry, lightweight car bodies and batteries for electromobility are increasing the demand for adhesives; thermosetting composites for wind turbine rotor blades are also bonded. By region, the Asia-Pacific region accounts for approximately 43% of global adhesive sales, followed by North America and Western Europe. In Europe, most adhesives are used in the "paper and packaging" segment.

Market Data on Innovative Adhesive Trends

How about "Debonding on Demand"? For recycling and repairs, adhesives that can be removed precisely and without leaving any residue are practical. Nowadays, adhesives are tailor-made for a broad range of applications: There are already more than 250,000 different adhesive formulations, and the number is steadily increasing. In addition to adhesion and bonding, they also offer thermal and sound insulation, protection against moisture, electrical conductivity, pest control, and other innovative functions. The most important vinyl products are polyvinyl acetate (PVAC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). They are followed by acrylic, polyurethane (PUR), elastomer, epoxy, and other adhesives. Polyurethane adhesives and reactive adhesives are currently experiencing the strongest growth. Water-based adhesives account for around 46% of total demand. Hot-melt adhesives are particularly in demand in applications where solvent-free products and fast processing are essential, such as in the furniture industry or in timber construction. There are still opportunities for solvent-based adhesives in specialty and niche applications.

Further information: https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/adhesives-market-report-w...