Water-based Adhesive Market Size, Growth, Key Players, Trends and Forecast 2025-2033


The global water-based adhesive market size reached USD 23.9 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 45.1 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.96% during 2025-2033.

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IMARC Group, a leading market research company, has recently released a report titled "Water-based Adhesive Market Report by Resin Type (Acrylic Polymer Emulsion (PAE), Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) Emulsion, Vinyl Acetate Ethylene (VAE) Emulsion, Styrene Butadiene (SB) Latex, Polyurethane Dispersion (PUD), and Others), Application (Tapes and Labels, Paper and Packaging, Building and Construction, Woodworking, Automotive and Transportation, and Others), and Region 2025-2033." The study provides a detailed analysis of the industry, including the global water-based adhesive market size, share, trends, growth and forecast. The report also includes competitor and regional analysis and highlights the latest advancements in the market.

MARKET OVERVIEW

The global water-based adhesive market reached a size of USD 23.9 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.96% from 2025 to 2033, reaching USD 45.1 billion by 2033. Growth is driven by demand for flexible packaging, urbanization, and the thriving textile industry, with a focus on sustainability and enhanced textile manufacturing efficiency.

STUDY ASSUMPTION YEARS

  • Base Year: 2024
  • Historical Years: 2019-2024
  • Forecast Period: 2025-2033

WATER-BASED ADHESIVE MARKET KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Current Market Size: USD 23.9 Billion in 2024
  • CAGR: 6.96% during 2025-2033
  • Forecast Period: 2025-2033
  • The rising demand for flexible packaging and rapid urbanization are key market drivers.
  • Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) emulsion resin type represents the largest market segment due to its bonding versatility.
  • Paper and packaging is the largest application segment, benefiting from rapid e-commerce growth.
  • Asia Pacific dominates the market regionally, supported by rapid urbanization and industrialization.
  • Major companies include 3M Company, Arkema, DuPont de Nemours, Henkel AG, and others.

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MARKET GROWTH FACTORS

The increasing demand for flexible packaging is a fundamental driver of the water-based adhesive market. As of 2023, the global flexible packaging market size reached US$ 136.0 Billion. Flexible packaging’s lightweight nature reduces material consumption compared to rigid alternatives, and water-based adhesives align with sustainability goals due to their compatibility with films, foils, and paper. They also produce lower VOC emissions, supporting regulatory compliance, especially for food and pharmaceutical packaging applications requiring non-toxic adhesives.

Rapid urbanization is fueling water-based adhesive growth as over 50% of the global population now lives in urban areas, fostering increased construction and infrastructure development. Water-based adhesives are used extensively in urban applications such as wood flooring, insulators, and wall coverings due to their low VOC emissions and environmental compliance. The automotive sector also benefits, using these adhesives in interiors for bonding fabric and trim components, meeting industry-specific performance and environmental standards.

The thriving textile industry further supports the market expansion. Water-based adhesives are crucial for laminating fabrics, bonding trims, and assembling textile products without compromising elasticity or softness. They accommodate natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton, wool, polyester, and nylon, and are suited for spray, roller coating, and screen printing applications. The global textile market is projected to reach US$ 1,445.4 Billion by 2032, enhancing the demand for efficient, flexible adhesives tailored to textile manufacturing processes.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

Breakup by Resin Type:

  • Acrylic Polymer Emulsion (PAE): Water-based adhesives made from acrylic polymers, used for various bonding applications.
  • Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) Emulsion: Largest segment, favored for bonding porous materials like wood, paper, and textiles.
  • Vinyl Acetate Ethylene (VAE) Emulsion: Emulsion-based adhesives combining vinyl acetate and ethylene.
  • Styrene Butadiene (SB) Latex: Latex adhesives commonly used for flexible bonding needs.
  • Polyurethane Dispersion (PUD): Waterborne polyurethane adhesives with specialized properties.
  • Others: Additional resin types catering to niche adhesive requirements.

Breakup by Application:

  • Tapes and Labels: Adhesives formulated for securing tapes and label materials.
  • Paper and Packaging: Dominant application, utilized in bonding papers, cartons, and sustainable packaging.
  • Building and Construction: Used in construction materials like wood, floorings, and insulators.
  • Woodworking: Adhesives tailored for wood bonding in various woodworking industries.
  • Automotive and Transportation: Employed in automotive interiors and trim components for bonding fabrics.
  • Others: Other miscellaneous applications across industries.

Breakup By Region:

  • North America (United States, Canada)
  • Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)
  • Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)
  • Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)
  • Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific is the largest regional market for water-based adhesives, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and growth in packaging, construction, and footwear industries. China and India are major contributors, supported by expanding manufacturing capabilities and booming e-commerce sectors. In 2023, China’s urbanization rate reached 66.16%, boosting demand for sustainable packaging solutions essential for logistics and retail. The region benefits from lower production costs and raw material availability, sustaining robust market demand.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS NEWS

In January 2025, Mitsui Chemicals ICT Materia, Inc. developed a new surface protective tape using a water-based acrylic adhesive for fiber laser cutting, launched in September 2024, with mass production starting April 2025. This innovation reduces VOC and CO₂ emissions while maintaining easy peelability.

In November 2024, Henkel and Celanese partnered to produce water-based adhesives using captured CO₂, converting industrial CO₂ into methanol for adhesive polymers. These adhesives enhance sustainability for packaging and consumer goods.

In June 2024, Zelu Chemie GmbH introduced a 2-component water-based contact adhesive for upholstered furniture, offering high adhesion strength and reduced adhesive weight, improving environmental performance and safety.

KEY PLAYERS

  • 3M Company
  • Arkema
  • Bond Tech Industries Inc.
  • DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
  • Evonik Industries AG
  • H.B. Fuller Company
  • Henkel AG and Co. KgaA
  • MAPEI S.p.A.
  • Pidilite Industries Ltd.
  • Sika AG
  • Weilburger Coatings GmbH

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