TAGS: Polyurethane Adhesives Waterborne Adhesives Hot-melt Adhesives
Research and Markets (RM) anticipates that the global laminating adhesives market exhibits high growth potential and is projected to reach a market size of USD 4.1 billion by 2026 from USD 2.9 billion in 2021, at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period.
APAC is the largest laminating adhesives market that is projected to register the second-highest CAGR. This high growth is due to the growing demand from the packaging, industrial, and automotive & transportation industries. There is rising awareness about the use of eco-friendly adhesives in this region.
Related Read: Flexible Packaging Adhesives: Hands-on Formulation Guide for Today’s Needs
Polyurethane Segment Dominates Market
Polyurethane laminating adhesives are made of urethane polymers. Urethane is produced through a chemical reaction between diisocyanate and polyol. Polyurethane laminating adhesives are used in various applications because of their high toughness, abrasion resistance, flexibility (especially at low temperatures), and adhesion to a wide variety of substrates. They possess various properties such as flexibility and strength, low cure temperature, excellent low-temperature resistance, and high environmental resistance.
One-component polyurethane adhesives can be elastic or rigid, depending on the structure of thermoset or elastomer and curing techniques. They have relatively high shear and peel strength and are moisture-sensitive. Polyurethane laminating adhesives can be either one-component or two-component. They are used in the automotive & transportation, textile, packaging, and electronics industries. The primary disadvantage of polyurethane laminating adhesives is their high cost.
Highest Growth in APAC Region
Solvent-based technology involves the use of a significantly higher level of organic solvents than in water-based technology. The consumption of solvent-based adhesives is declining in packaging applications. However, they are still required in certain applications where solvent-less and
water-based or hot-melt-based technologies do not meet technical requirements.
Cost, safety, productivity, and compliance with clean air laws have led to a strong preference for water-based or solid/
hot-melt-based alternatives. Solvents such as toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, and acetone are hazardous for both human health and the environment. Solvent-based adhesion occurs through the action of the adhesive on the substrate. Solidification occurs with the evaporation of the solvent.
APAC is the second-fastest-growing laminating adhesives market. An increase in the demand for laminating adhesives is mainly attributed to high economic growth and heavy investment across industries such as automotive, consumer goods & appliances, building & construction, and manufacturing. Key factors such as industrialization, growing middle-class population, rising disposable income, changing lifestyles, and rising consumption of packed products are expected to drive the demand for laminating adhesives during the forecast period.
Source: Research and Markets