Emulsion Adhesives Market

Industry Overview

Emulsion polymers are commonly used as a polymeric base for different general purpose adhesives. Emulsion adhesives are formed by the emulsification and polymerization of ethylene vinyl acetate, acetic vinyl, and acrylic resin in water. These adhesives are mainly used for porous materials. These are non-flammable, non-toxic in nature and hence are relatively safer to use. The global emulsion adhesives market is projected to register a good growth during the forecast period, owing to its wide range of application such as woodworking, furniture, packaging, paper working, and others.

Market Segmentation

Insight by Type

On the basis of type, the emulsion adhesives market is segmented into acrylic polymer, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate ethylene, lattices, polyurethane dispersion, and others. Acrylic polymer segment is anticipated to dominate the market in the coming years. In adhesives market, acrylics are gaining market share, majorly in pressure sensitive labels and tapes, including decal and label applications, medical tapes, envelopes, and others. Also, acrylic emulsions are environment-friendly adhesives and also provide an adequate balance among tack, shear, and peel strength of the bond.

Insight by Application

Based on application, the emulsion adhesives market is segmented into packaging, woodworking, tapes and labels, construction, automotive and transportation, and others. The automotive and transportation segment is projected to register the fastest growth in the coming years, which is attributed to the automotive industry expansion, particularly in Asian countries, resulting in the increased production of automobiles. As these emulsions are used in the automobile components manufacturing that includes headliners, tail lights, and interior trims.

Emulsion Adhesives Market Report Coverage

Industry Dynamics

Growth Drivers

The major factors driving the emulsion adhesives market growth are the rising demand of these adhesives in the developing countries and growing demand of eco-friendly adhesives. These adhesives are gaining popularity in the market due to various reasons, for example, switching from solvent-based adhesives to water-based adhesives which allow manufacturers to reduce the emission of volatile organic compound (VOC). Along with that, the demand of these adhesives is rising in the developing countries as they allow extensive range of work from coating with brush to machine coating, also, they are relatively inexpensive, resulting in increasing demand from Asian countries.

Challenges

Availability of substitutes in the market including hot melt adhesives, performance issues in high strength applications are the major challenges identified in the emulsion adhesives market, which can potentially hinder the market growth in the coming years. The availability of hot melt and other solvent-less adhesives are giving tough competition to these adhesives, which is posing as a challenge in the market.

Industry Ecosystem

Globally, the emulsion polymer market is fragmented which comprises of large number of small, mid-sized, and large players. The emulsion adhesives market also experiences the same dynamics. In order to compete in the market, manufacturers are expanding their facilities along with their product portfolio to cater to the market in an efficient manner to remain competitive.

Geographic Overview

During the forecast period, the emulsion adhesives market is expected to register the highest CAGR in Asia-Pacific. This can mainly be attributed to the increasing demand from countries such as China, India, and others to meet the increasing demand from end-user industries. Additionally, stringent environment related policies and increasing emphasis on using low-VOC products are among the major factors that are contributing towards the growth of the market.

Moreover, the increase in demand for acrylic emulsion adhesives and the shift of manufacturing bases from developed countries to Asia-Pacific countries, owing to low production cost are also among the key factors anticipated to drive the emulsion adhesives industry growth in the region.

Competitive Insight

WACKER is a leading solution provider for adhesive formulation, including VINNAPAS® solid resins and polymer dispersions, HDK® pyrogenic silica and GENIOSIL® silane modified polymers. WACKER's VINNAPAS® vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) polymer dispersions and α-terminated GENIOSIL® grades combine high performance with environmental benefits. 

Ashland is a global, consumer market-focused additives and specialty ingredients company. Through science, a conscious and proactive mindset for sustainability, company  serves customer in architectural coatings, construction, energy, pharmaceutical, personal care, food, beverage, and nutraceuticals. They develope practical, innovative, and elegant solutions to complex problems for customers in more than 100 countries.

The major players are introducing innovative products in the market as part of their strategy to gain a competitive edge over competitors. Some of the major players operating in the emulsion adhesives industry are Wacker Chemie, Ashland Inc., Henkel Corporation, H.B. Fuller, 3M Company, Pidlite Industries Ltd., Arkema Group, DowDuPont Inc., STI Polymer, Tailored Chemical Product, Melton Adhesives, Lord Corporation, Mapei S.P.A, and Franklin International.

Recent Developments by Key Players

Dow’s acrylic emulsion polymer products in the United Kingdom and Ireland has appointed Univar Solutions B.V. (a subsidiary of Univar Solutions Inc.) as a distributor for its products. The new distribution relationship expands Univar Solutions’ specialty portfolio for customers in the region who are manufacturing building and construction products such as External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), fillers, nonwoven products, ceramic tile adhesives, elastomeric roof coatings and architectural coatings.

Arkema acquired Polimeros Especiales, strengthening the Group’s offering in solvent-free solutions and its position in this fast growing region.