Expanded water-based adhesive market projected to reach a substantial US$51.6 billion by 2034

In the realm of innovative technology, water-based adhesives are making a significant impact, particularly in demanding industries like textiles, wood assembly, and construction.

Dow, a leading name in the industry, is spearheading this change by developing water-based adhesive technologies that not only enhance performance but also improve the end-of-life profile of products. These adhesives support recycling and the use of recycled content in packaging, making them a key player in the drive towards sustainability.

Henkel AG & Co. KgaA is another company advancing in this field, focusing on sustainability and digital printing compatibility. They are developing solutions for recyclable packaging and high-performance products for the construction sector.

Water-based adhesives are already popular in industries such as woodworking and furniture, where they are used to join wood pieces tightly without harming the environment. They dry clear, resist moisture, and work well on uneven surfaces.

The packaging industry is another significant user of water-based adhesives. They are used for sealing cartons, boxes, and paper wraps, particularly in the e-commerce sector, offering strong, quick bonds on porous materials like cardboard while meeting green rules.

The surge in e-commerce has boosted demand for acrylic emulsions in paper and board packaging. In fact, Acrylic Polymer Emulsion held a dominant market position in 2024, capturing more than a 34.7% share.

The EU, which produced 83.4 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2024, with an average of 186.5 kg per capita, is taking stricter measures to address this issue. The EU's Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation, effective from 11 February 2025, enforces stricter rules on recyclability, recycled content, and waste reduction.

The U.S., with its stringent regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency limiting VOC emissions, is driving the growth of the North American water-based adhesives market. In 2024, North America led the market, holding a 48.9% share and generating USD 12.1 billion in revenue.

The Paper & Packaging segment dominated the water-based adhesives market, capturing more than a 36.9% share in 2024. The Global Water-Based Adhesives Market is projected to reach USD 51.6 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 7.6% during the 2025-2034 forecast period.

Companies like Arkema, through its Bostik brand, Ashland, H.B. Fuller, and Allinova are innovating in this field, focusing on high-performance products, bio-based raw materials, and sustainable thickeners and additives. These developments are designed to improve wet tack and final bond strength on non-porous surfaces, and to create adhesives that enable full packaging recyclability and improve initial tack and heat resistance.

In the textile and apparel industry, water-based adhesives provide flexible holds that flex with movement, are safe for skin, easy to clean up, and low-odor, fitting fashion's push for green production. They are also used in construction applications for tiling floors, laminating panels, and gluing drywall, ensuring safe, strong fixes that align with green building codes.

Bookbinding and labeling use water-based adhesives for durable, water-resistant bonds on porous paper, speeding up printing presses and allowing easy bottle recycling in the drinks industry.

The Adhesive & Sealant Council estimates the North American adhesives and sealants industry at USD 22 billion and over 28,000 jobs, underscoring the industry's significant economic impact.

As we move towards a more sustainable future, water-based adhesives are proving to be a versatile and eco-friendly solution, transforming industries and setting new standards for environmental responsibility.

Expanded water-based adhesive market projected to reach a substantial US$51.6 billion by 2034