Packaging Adhesives Market

Market Definition

Packaging adhesives are bonding agents formulated to join, seal, or laminate materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, foils, and films. They are fundamental in ensuring the integrity, durability, and functionality of packaging across industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and e-commerce.

Available in water-based, solvent-based, hot-melt, and reactive systems, their selection depends on performance requirements such as fast curing, heat resistance, flexibility, and recyclability.

Packaging Adhesives Market Overview

The global packaging adhesives market size was valued at USD 15.66 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 16.51 billion in 2025 to USD 24.88 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.03% during the forecast period.

This growth is driven by rising demand for flexible packaging, sustainable solutions, and e-commerce expansion. Advancements in adhesive technologies are enhancing efficiency, recyclability, and performance, reinforcing their critical role in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries.

Key Highlights:

1. The packaging adhesives industry size was recorded at USD 15.66 billion in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.03% from 2025 to 2032.
3. Asia-Pacific held a share of 43.23% in 2024, valued at USD 6.77 billion.
4. The hot melt adhesives segment garnered USD 5.93 billion in revenue in 2024.
5. The acrylic segment is expected to reach USD 8.78 billion by 2032.
6. The flexible packaging segment is anticipated to witness fastest CAGR of 6.63% over the forecast period.
7. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.38% through the projection period.

Major companies operating in the packaging adhesives market are Henkel Adhesives Technologies, 3M, Avery Dennison Corporation, Arkema, H.B. Fuller Company., Sika AG, LINTEC Corporation., Huntsman International LLC, ITW, Wacker Chemie AG, Dow, Ashland Inc, Pidilite Industries Limited, Paramelt RMC B.V., and Jowat Corporation.

The rapid growth of e-commerce and modern retail is creating a strong demand for advanced packaging adhesives. Increased parcel volumes and longer supply chains require adhesives that provide strong bonding, tamper resistance, and durability across diverse packaging materials. In response, manufacturers are developing innovative formulations for corrugated boxes, flexible films, and protective labeling to ensure product safety and reduce transit damage.

Expanding online retail channels continue to fuel demand, prompting companies to invest in capacity, technological advancements, and sustainable adhesive solutions to remain competitive.

• In December 2024, Arkema acquired Dow’s flexible packaging laminating adhesives business. This acquisition strengthened Arkema’s position in the flexible packaging sector and also expanded its portfolio of adhesive solutions.

Market Driver

Expansion of E-Commerce Sector

The rapid expansion of online retail is creating a strong demand for advanced packaging adhesives in e-commerce supply chains.

• According to the Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce, U.S. retail e-commerce sales reached USD 304.2 billion in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting a 1.4% increase from the previous quarter. Total retail sales were USD 1,865.4 billion, a 0.4% growth. This steady rise in online sales underscores the growing reliance on robust packaging adhesives to ensure product safety and integrity throughout complex distribution networks.

This upward trajectory in e-commerce transactions strengthens demand for high-performance packaging adhesives leading to secure product handling, efficient logistics, and reliable last-mile delivery. Adhesives capable of meeting higher durability and sustainability standards are expected to foster market expansion over the forecast period.

Market Challenge

High Raw Material Costs and Supply Chain Volatility

A key challenge impeding the expansion of the packaging adhesives market is the high cost and volatility of raw materials such as resins, polymers, and solvents. Fluctuations in crude oil prices and disruptions in global supply chains significantly impact production costs and profitability for manufacturers. This dependency increases uncertainty for adhesive producers and packaging converters, particularly in regions heavily reliant on imports.

To address this challenge, companies are investing in bio-based alternatives and recycling technologies to reduce dependence on petrochemical-derived inputs. Additionally, strategic supplier partnerships and localized sourcing strategies are adopted to stabilize supply and mitigate risks associated with raw material price fluctuations.

Market Trend

Growing Emphasis on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Adhesive Solutions

A notable trend influencing the packaging adhesives market is the increasing shift toward sustainability, with manufacturers investing in eco-friendly and bio-based formulations. Water- and solvent-free, low-VOC adhesives are being developed to comply with stringent environmental regulations while addressing consumer preference for greener packaging solutions. 

These innovations reduce environmental impact and support brand commitments to corporate sustainability goals, prompting market players to strengthen compliance and respond to growing demand for sustainable packaging materials.

• In July 2025, Henkel Adhesive Technologies introduced the Loctite Liofol LA 7837/LA 6265, a solvent-free aliphatic adhesive system designed for sustainable high-performance packaging. The solution is tailored for applications requiring high thermal resistance, such as retort packaging for pet food, advancing safe and eco-friendly adhesive technologies.

Packaging Adhesives Market Report Snapshot

Market Segmentation

• By Product Type (Water-Based Adhesives, Solvent-Based Adhesives, Hot Melt Adhesives, and Others): The hot melt adhesives segment earned USD 5.93 billion in 2024, mainly due to their fast-setting properties and strong bonding performance.
• By Technology (Acrylic, Polyurethane, Epoxy, and Silicone): The acrylic segment held a share of 34.56% in 2024, fueled by its versatility, strong adhesion to diverse substrates, and cost-effectiveness.
• By Application (Flexible Packaging, Rigid Packaging, Corrugated Packaging, and Labels and Tapes): The flexible packaging segment is projected to reach USD 11.26 billion by 2032, owing to rising demand for lightweight, durable, and sustainable packaging solutions.

Packaging Adhesives Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

Asia Pacific packaging adhesives market share stood at 43.23% in 2024, valued at USD 6.77 billion. This dominance is reinforced by the rapid expansion of the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce sectors. Rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and changing consumer lifestyles are fueling demand for packaged goods, which is further supporting higher adoption of advanced adhesive solutions. 

Growing preference for flexible and lightweight packaging is increasing the use of adhesives that offer strong bonding, durability, and compatibility with diverse substrates, thereby aiding regional market expansion.

North America packaging adhesives industry is poised for significant growth at a robust CAGR of 5.95% over the forecast period. The market growth in the region is supported by the expansion of e-commerce, food and beverage packaging, and pharmaceutical sectors. Rising consumer demand for convenience, product safety, and tamper-evident packaging is fostering the adoption of advanced adhesive solutions that ensure durability, reliability, and compatibility with diverse packaging materials. 

Manufacturers are increasingly investing in sustainable formulations, such as water-based and low-VOC adhesives, to meet regulatory requirements and align with growing environmental awareness among consumers.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., packaging adhesives for food-contact applications are regulated under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations in Title 21 CFR, which specify permitted substances, migration limits, and testing protocols to ensure consumer safety.
• In Europe, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) oversees packaging adhesives under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) and the CLP Regulation for classification and labelling. Adhesives used in food-contact packaging are also subject to the EU Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004.
• In China, adhesives must comply with the National Food Safety Standards for Food Contact Materials (GB standards) and meet chemical safety requirements under the Measures for the Environmental Management of New Chemical Substances.
• In Japan, the Food Sanitation Act governs food-contact packaging adhesives, requiring adherence to positive lists of permitted substances. Oversight is handled by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).
• Globally, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) set technical standards on adhesion performance, safety, and sustainability.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the packaging adhesives industry are implementing strategies such as product innovation, capacity expansion, strategic acquisitions, and collaborations to maintain competitiveness. 

Companies are developing high-performance and sustainable adhesive formulations tailored for diverse substrates, including flexible films, corrugated boards, and specialty packaging. Investments in research and development are enabling faster-curing, eco-friendly, and multi-functional adhesives that meet evolving regulatory and consumer requirements.

• In March 2025, Lintec launched a removable labelstock with a low environmental impact hot-melt adhesive. The initiative aims to support the company’s focus on sustainable packaging solutions.

Key Companies in Packaging Adhesives Market:

• Henkel Adhesives Technologies
• 3M
• Avery Dennison Corporation
• Arkema
• B. Fuller Company.
• Sika AG
• LINTEC Corporation. 
• Huntsman International LLC
• ITW
• Wacker Chemie AG
• Dow
• Ashland Inc
• Pidilite Industries Limited 
• Paramelt RMC B.V.
• Jowat Corporation

Recent Developments (Agreements/New Product Launch)

• In December 2024, Jowat Corporation launched a new biobased hot-melt adhesive technology to improve sustainability. The initiative aims to expand the company’s biobased adhesive portfolio into the textile and product assembly segment.
• In December 2024, H.B. Fuller Company signed agreements to acquire GEM S.r.l. and Medifill Ltd.,. The acquisitions strengthened H.B. Fuller’s presence in the medical adhesives segment and enhanced capabilities in high-value, specialized adhesive solutions.
• In August 2025, Avery Dennison Corporation announced the acquisition of the U.S.-based flooring adhesives business of Meridian Adhesives Group for USD 390 million. The strategic acquisition is aimed at expanding Avery Dennison’s presence in the adhesives sector.