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Market Overview

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The global bio-based adhesives market had a valuation of USD 5.27 billion in 2021, and it is projected to reach USD 7.00 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.85% during the period from 2022 to 2027. The industry is expected to experience absolute growth of 32.85% throughout the forecast period. Several factors contribute to the growth of the market, including evolving emission regulations worldwide, rapid industrialization in emerging economies, and stringent regulations limiting the use of formaldehyde in wood panels globally. Components such as proteins, lignin, natural resin, vegetable oils, and starch are crucial in formulating bio-based adhesive products. Bio-based adhesives not only prevent the release of harmful chemicals into the environment, thus preserving the environment, but also meet strict government standards, especially regarding carbon emissions, while maintaining high performance.

The demand for and adoption of bio-based adhesives are increasing globally due to various reasons, such as growing environmental concerns to reduce carbon footprint, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, and the presence of robust regulatory bodies. Regulatory bodies like the United States Green Building Council, California Air Resources Board (CARB), and European Union have established regulations and standards, such as REACH, CLP, and the circular economy initiative, which mandate the use of green adhesives across different applications. Europe and North America, which already have well-established bio-based adhesives markets, are expected to witness high demand for such products during the forecast period due to their strong regulatory landscapes and the significant growth in industries like packaged food, pharmaceuticals, furniture, residential construction, and non-residential construction, driven by private investments. Consequently, this presents vendors with numerous opportunities throughout the forecast period.

The packaging industry is experiencing significant growth worldwide due to increasing purchasing power, rapid urbanization, the booming e-commerce sector, and population expansion. This growth is expected to generate substantial demand for bio-based adhesive products because they provide strong bonds and adhesion for manufacturing corrugated packaging, paperboard, cases, and cartons. Consequently, this has a positive impact on the bio-based adhesives market. Additionally, bio-based adhesives enable transparent packaging, help manufacturers meet operational budgets, and facilitate meeting the rising demand for antiviral and antibacterial packaging.

Sustainability has become a major concern for consumers and industries alike and is an evolving trend in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. In the past, adhesives were formulated using fossil fuel-based chemicals like urea-formaldehyde, Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and phenol. However, with the increasing demand for green adhesives, companies are developing environmentally friendly production processes and utilizing renewable resources to meet the growing demand for bio-based adhesives, thereby promoting sustainability in the market. The production of adhesives from renewable feedstocks helps various industries reduce their carbon footprint. As a result, industries such as paper and packaging, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), construction, and woodworking have embraced strategies that promote sustainable development, enabling companies to maximize profits while adding value to society.

The main challenge faced by the global bio-based adhesives market is the high prevalence of low volatile organic compound (VOC) adhesives. Low VOC adhesives are considered user-friendly bio-based adhesives because they do not require extensive safety measures during formulation. They are environmentally friendly and do not pose a risk to human or aquatic life by emitting toxic or odorous fumes. Moreover, stringent environmental regulations mandated by organizations like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and European standards such as EN 16785-1, which verify the bio-based content of products, are driving the demand for low VOC adhesive products.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including feedstock, application, and geography.

Segmentation by Feedstock
Sugar
Glycerol
Oil & Fats
Biogas
Others

Segmentation by Application
Paper & Packaging
Construction
Woodworking
Personal Care
Medical Equipment
Others

Segmentation by Geography
North America – US, Canada
Europe – Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Russia, Rest of Europe
APAC – China, Japan, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Rest of APAC
Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Rest Of Latin America
Middle East & Africa – South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Rest of the Middle East & Africa

The global bio-based adhesives market encompasses various feedstock components, with sugar being one of the most important. This segment includes starch, cane, and beet, and is expected to hold the largest market share, reaching a value of USD 3.87 billion by 2027. Another significant segment is glycerol, which accounted for a revenue share of 28.83% in 2021, making it the second-largest segment in the market. Glycerol is a crucial feedstock in the adhesive industry, serving not only as a binding agent but also as a sustainable ingredient. It is produced from vegetable oils and saponification of oils & fats. Due to its versatile chemical properties and environmental benefits, glycerol is effective in synthesizing polymers and adhesive products.

In terms of applications, the global bio-based adhesives market is divided into six segments: paper & packaging, construction, woodworking, personal care, medical equipment, and others. Among these, the paper & packaging segment held the largest share in 2021 and is expected to continue leading the market in the forecast period. This is driven by the growing demand for ready-to-eat food, microwave-ready meals, and on-the-go packaging that utilizes bio-based adhesives for bonding pouches, sachets, bags, and corrugated boards. These adhesives, with their natural composition, exhibit excellent adhesion on high-surface tension substrates and permeable surfaces.

North America is the largest consumer of bio-based adhesives, accounting for 41% of the global market revenue. The region, led by the U.S. and Canada, has witnessed steady growth in the market due to factors such as a focus on sustainability to reduce carbon footprint, stringent regulations limiting the use of formaldehyde in wood panels, and the increasing demand for packaged food, medicines, and construction projects.

Europe ranks as the second-largest bio-based adhesives market, with a 27% revenue share in 2021. The presence of leading manufacturers like Jowat (Germany), Intercol Industrial Adhesive (Netherlands), Henkel (Germany), and Beardow Adams (UK) contributes to the significant growth of the market in this region. These companies prioritize the use of renewable sources in their adhesive formulations. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest growth in the bio-based adhesives market during the forecast period.

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Competitive Landscape

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The global bio-based adhesives market is in its early stages but is projected to experience significant growth throughout the forecast period. This market is characterized by the presence of both large and small players, such as Jowat (Germany), Bostik (Arkema) (France), TOYOCHEM (Tokyo), and Conagen (U.S.), among others. With a growing emphasis on reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainability, the market dynamics are rapidly changing, and customers are demanding continual innovations and advancements.

In response to these market trends, many vendors are actively collaborating with end-use industry players to gain a deeper understanding of customer expectations while prioritizing sustainability. As a result, the bio-based adhesives market is poised to offer significant growth opportunities for both established and new players in the industry.

Key companies profiled in this report include Bostik, Beardow Adams, Henkel, Jowat, Borregaard, Conagen, Duraxix Industries, Follmann GmbH & Co., H.B. Fuller, Infinity Bond, Intercol, Kiilto, LD Davis, TOYOCHEM, Weiss Chemie + Technik GmbH & CO. KG.

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Recent Industry Developments

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In August 2019, Follmann and its subsidiary Sealock unveiled bio-based adhesives derived from sugar, corn, and cane. These adhesives were specifically designed for bonding the inner coating of paper cups and can also be used for packaging breakfast cereals, paper drinking straws, and other applications.

In 2018, the European government implemented a ban on plastic products such as drinking straws, disposable crockery, and cutlery. In response to this regulation, manufacturers have shifted to using paper straws and have turned to bio-based adhesives as a preferred alternative. This not only helps in binding the paper straws but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions.

In June 2022, Toyo-Morton, a leading manufacturer of laminating adhesives in Japan, introduced new bio-based laminating adhesives for flexible packaging. These innovative adhesives contain fewer solvents and have demonstrated a 25% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional laminating adhesives.

In February 2021, Henkel launched the Technomelt Supra ECO line of bio-based adhesives specifically formulated for bonding paper straws. These adhesives consist of more than 80% bio-based raw materials, effectively reducing the carbon footprint during both the bonding and production stages.

In March 2022, Conagen introduced high-performance and reliable hot melt adhesives made from sustainable resources. These adhesives are specifically formulated for bonding smartphones and other electronic items, offering a dependable solution while promoting sustainability.

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Key Questions Answered

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What is the revenue generated from the bio-based adhesives market?

The bio-based adhesives market generated a revenue of USD 5.27 billion in 2021.

What is the projected market size of the global bio-based adhesives market by 2027?

The global bio-based adhesives market is projected to reach a market size of USD 7 billion by 2027.

What is the growth rate of the bio-based adhesives market?

The bio-based adhesives market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.85% from 2022 to 2027.

Who are the key players in the global bio-based adhesives market?

The key players in the global bio-based adhesives market are Bostik, Beardow Adams, Henkel, and Jowat.

Which region dominates the bio-based adhesives market in terms of market share?

North America holds the largest market share in the global bio-based adhesives market. The North American bio-based adhesives market is driven by factors such as strict labeling programs for bio-based products and significant growth in the pharmaceutical, furniture, and residential and non-residential construction industries due to increased private investments.