Structural Adhesives Market

Analysis of the Structural Adhesives Industry (2025 to 2035)

The structural adhesives industry will be valued at USD 18.43 billion by 2025 end, as per Fact.MR analysis, the industry will grow at a CAGR of 6.7% and reach USD 34.46 billion by 2035.

In 2024, the demand for structural adhesives grew significantly in the industry with recovery in the construction and automotive industries, especially in North America and Europe. Increased construction activity in North America, where there has been a greater emphasis on infrastructure and commercial buildings, generated increased demand for epoxy-based structural adhesives. Automotive companies, too, drove the use of lightweight materials and boosted the demand for adhesives for vehicle assembly.

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the industry is anticipated to keep growing. Growth in construction is predicted to be a major driver, particularly in Asia-Pacific, where spreading urbanization adds to the demand for strong adhesive solutions. Improvements in adhesive formulation will probably unveil new industries in aerospace and renewable energy. By the year 2032, industry participants are anticipated to ride on these trends, with the global industry expected to stand at USD 28.2 billion, posting a consistent CAGR of 6.7%.

Key Metrics

Metrics	Values
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 18.43 billion
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 34.46 billion
Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035)	6.7%

Fact.MR Survey on the Structural Adhesives Industry

Fact.MR Survey Insights: Trends According to Stakeholder Insights

(Surveyed Q4 2024, n=500 stakeholder respondents equally divided among manufacturers, distributors, and US, Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea-based end-users)

Top Concerns of Stakeholders

Adherence to Environmental & Safety Laws:

• 85% of stakeholders worldwide cited complying with regulations (e.g., REACH, VOC emissions) as a "critical" concern.

Operation Under Severe Conditions:

• 78% stressed the importance of high-temperature, moisture, and mechanical stress-resistant adhesives.

Regional Variance:

• USA: 72% valued fast-curing adhesives for car assembly lines, as opposed to 48% in Japan.
• Western Europe: 88% stressed sustainability (bio-based adhesives, recyclability) as an important consideration, as opposed to 52% in the USA.
• Japan/South Korea: 67% favored lightweight adhesives for electronics production, as opposed to 35% in Western Europe.

Adoption of Advanced Formulations

High Variance in Technology Adoption:

• USA: 62% employed epoxy-based products for aerospace use.
• Western Europe: 54% embraced polyurethane adhesives in building construction because of flexibility and durability.
• Japan: Just 28% employed high-performance acrylics, attributing cost factors to small-scale production.
• South Korea: 41% invested in nanotech-improved adhesives for smartphone and semiconductor assembly.

ROI Perspectives:

• USA & Western Europe: 69% considered high-end adhesives "justified by long-term durability."
• Japan/South Korea: 45% opted for lower-cost alternatives because of thin profit margins in electronics.

Material & Chemistry Preferences

Consensus:

• Epoxy adhesives led with 60% preference because of higher bonding strength.

Regional Variance:

• Western Europe: 58% preferred bio-based adhesives (compared to 32% worldwide) because of stringent sustainability regulations.
• Japan/South Korea: 47% employed cyanoacrylate (instant-bonding) adhesives for quick assembly in electronics.
• USA: 65% depended on modified silane polymers for automotive use, but Pacific Northwest experienced a 30% shift to environmentally friendly variants.

Price Sensitivity & Purchasing Behavior

Shared Challenges:

• 82% mentioned increasing raw material prices (epoxy resins by up to 25%, polyurethane by up to 20%) as a key concern.

Regional Variances:

• USA/Western Europe: 64% to pay a 15-20% premium for performance adhesives.
• Japan/South Korea: 75% opted for mid-range adhesives (10-20/kg), whereas only 15% chose premium alternatives.
• South Korea: 50% insisted on bulk purchase discounts, as opposed to 25% in the USA.

Pain Points in the Value Chain

Manufacturers:

• USA: 60% fought supply chain delays for specialty chemicals.
• Western Europe: 52% experienced high compliance costs of REACH certification.
• Japan: 55% experienced slow uptake of new formulations due to conservative industry habits.

Distributors:

• USA: 68% mentioned logistical bottlenecks in adhesive transport.
• Western Europe: 50% experienced competition from lower-cost Asian imports.
• Japan/South Korea: 60% mentioned difficulty in storing humidity-sensitive adhesives.

End-Users (Automotive, Construction, Electronics):

• USA: 40% grumbled about inconsistent curing times in humid environments.
• Western Europe: 35% struggled with adhesive waste due to stringent disposal legislation.
• Japan: 50% mentioned inadequate technical support for high-strength adhesives.

Priorities for Future Investment

Alignment:

• 80% of manufacturers intend R&D on high-strength, lightweight adhesives.

Divergence:

• USA: 65% investing in automatic dispensing equipment for precision bonding.
• Western Europe: 58% investing in carbon-neutral adhesive manufacturing.
• Japan/South Korea: 45% investing in miniaturized adhesive solutions for microelectronics.

Regulatory Influence

• USA: 70% reported OSHA and EPA regulations raised manufacturing costs.
• Western Europe: 85% considered EU Green Deal requirements a growth driver for eco-friendly adhesives.
• Japan/South Korea: Only 30% believed regulations had a significant effect on buying, owing to weak enforcement in industrial areas.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

High Consensus:

• Global demand for durability, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness is universal.

Key Variances:

• USA: Expansion in automotive & aerospace adhesives.
• Western Europe: Eco-friendly formulations leadership.
• Japan/South Korea: Electronics-compatible adhesives emphasis.

Strategic Insight:

• The survey identifies contrasting regional requirements in the product sector, with technology uptake, material choice, and regulatory imperatives as principal industry drivers.

Government Regulations on the Structural Adhesives Industry

Country/Region	Policies, Regulations & Certifications Impacting
USA	EPA Regulations:The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use and disposal of adhesives under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, focusing on emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). FDA Standards: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees adhesives used in food contact applications, with standards such as CFR 175.105 and CFR 175.300 ensuring safety. TSCA Compliance: The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires companies to provide information on chemical substances used in adhesives, emphasizing environmental and health safety. (Source: EPA)
European Union	REACH Regulation: The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) mandates registration and evaluation of chemical substances in adhesives to ensure they do not pose risks to health or the environment. RoHS Directive: The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive limits the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment, affecting adhesives used in these applications. BS EN Standards: Standards like BS EN 15274 and BS EN 15190 provide requirements and test methods for product used in construction and civil engineering.
India	BIS Standards: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established specifications for various adhesives, including IS 12994:1990 for epoxy adhesives, ensuring product quality and safety. Environmental Regulations: India is implementing guidelines to control VOC emissions from adhesives, aligning with global environmental standards.
Japan	JAIA Standards: The Japan Adhesive Industry Association (JAIA) has set standards for urethane and epoxy resin adhesives, with products meeting these standards bearing the "JAI mark" to signify quality assurance. Environmental Compliance: Japan enforces regulations to manage VOC emissions from adhesives, promoting environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
South Korea	Environmental Regulations: South Korea has established guidelines to restrict VOC emissions from adhesives, aiming to reduce air pollution and protect public health. Industry Standards: While specific national standards for adhesives are less detailed, South Korea often aligns with international standards such as ISO for quality and environmental management.
China	Environmental Policies: China is implementing stricter environmental regulations targeting VOC emissions from adhesives, influencing manufacturing processes and product formulations. Certification Requirements: Manufacturers are encouraged to obtain certifications aligning with international standards to ensure product safety and environmental compliance

Market Analysis

The industry is expecting gradual growth during 2035 as a result of increasing application demand for lighter, stronger, bonding solutions within the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. Regulation and growing environmental concerns combined with the transformation to sustainable high-performance adhesives are realigning the directions of procurement strategy and product development.

Adhesives firms making investments in low-VOC certified adhesives and automated systems-compatible formulations have the upper hand, with players lagging in responding to efficiency and compliance needs losing significant ground.

Top 3 Strategic Imperatives for Stakeholders

Prioritize Sustainable Adhesive Innovation

Invest in the commercialization and development of low-VOC, bio-based, and REACH/TSCA-compliant adhesive formulations to keep pace with increasingly stringent environmental regulation and increasing customer demand for green buildings and lightweight mobility products.

Align with End-Use Industry Transformation

Strengthen R&D and technical support groups to co-develop tailored adhesive solutions with customers in automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure, particularly for composite adhesion, crashworthiness, and thermal cycle durability, to remain competitive as end industries transition towards electrification and light weighting.

Build Capacity and Global Certification Compliance

Scale up regional manufacturing and certification readiness (e.g., ISO 10993 for medical, ASTM D1002 for structural bonding, and EN 923 for Europe) for quick go-to-market, local procurement policy compliance, and capturing share in high-regulation regions such as the EU, USA, and South Korea.

Top 3 Risks Stakeholders Should Monitor

Risk	Probability/Impact
Volatility in Raw Material Prices: They depend heavily on petrochemical derivatives such as bisphenol-A (epoxies) and isocyanates (polyurethanes).	High
Stringent Environmental & Health Regulations: Regulatory bodies in the EU (REACH), USA (TSCA), and South Korea are increasing restrictions on solvent-based and VOC-emitting adhesives, requiring extensive reformulations.	Medium
Slowdown in Construction or Auto Sectors: They are tied to cyclical sectors like construction and automotive.	Medium

Executive Watchlist

Priority	Immediate Action
Priority	Immediate Action
Formulation Rebalancing Post-REACH & TSCA Updates	Run feasibility and compliance audits on current solvent-based and reactive systems.
EV & Lightweighting Alignment with OEMs	Initiate OEM feedback loop on hybrid adhesive demand (e.g., structural + conductive).
Construction Segment Margin Stabilization	Launch regional pricing model pilots and value-engineered adhesive variants.

For the Boardroom

To stay competitive in the rapidly evolving industry, leadership must recalibrate the roadmap toward formulation innovation, sustainability integration, and OEM alignment. The growing adoption of lightweight materials across automotive and aerospace, coupled with stricter global environmental mandates, demands accelerated investment in bio-based and low-VOC chemistries.

With regulatory shifts like REACH tightening raw material usage and EV manufacturers prioritizing hybrid bonding solutions, companies must fast-track R&D pipelines and deepen collaborations with Tier 1s. This intelligence underscores the need for differentiated offerings and regional customization; a global SKU strategy won’t cut it. Forward-looking players will capitalize on this momentum by investing in automated application systems and forging alliances with aftermarket solution providers to secure long-term growth.

Segment-wise Analysis

By Resin Type

The epoxy structural adhesives segment is expected to register a 36.0% share, the highest in 2025. Epoxy resin types are applied extensively because they possess outstanding mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and toughness, making them suitable for extreme structural applications across industries. Unlike other adhesive types, epoxies have the ability to create strong bonds with a very large range of substrates such as metals, composites, ceramics, and some plastics.

Their enhanced performance under conditions of high stress such as increased temperature, humidity, and chemical exposure provides long-term adhesion in both indoor and outdoor settings. Epoxies provide outstanding gap-filling capability and creep and fatigue resistance, which are important in such uses as aerospace fuselage, automotive chassis, wind turbine blades, and building components.

By Application

The building and construction segment will be most profitable with a 36.5% share in 2025. Building and construction is one of the largest and most predominantly utilized industries attributed to the growing need for high-performance bonding technology in contemporary building applications.

With developing construction projects, there is a continuous need for long-lasting, economical, and eco-friendly materials that can perform under harsh environmental conditions while providing long-term stability. They deliver tough, consistent bonds to a wide range of building materials, such as concrete, steel, wood, glass, and composites, and are necessary for uses such as facade bonding, flooring installation, window glazing, and panel assembly.

Country-wise Analysis

USA

The industry in the USA is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2025 to 2035, slightly lower than that at the global level because it already has a well-established industry. The USA is a dominant force in the construction, automotive, and aerospace sectors, all of which place heavy dependability on structural adhesives.

The growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly building products should drive the use of product in construction, especially in green building, forward. In the automotive sector, weight reduction in vehicle construction and the need for electric vehicles (EVs) are also driving demand, as products are important in achieving light weight and energy efficiency in vehicles.

UK

The industry in the UK is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. The UK is experiencing a consistent demand for products in the construction and automotive industries because of its strong emphasis on sustainable infrastructure and lightweight vehicle designs. The government initiative toward sustainability has resulted in a growing demand for green building materials, which play a crucial role in minimizing the carbon footprint of buildings by avoiding the use of mechanical fasteners and enhancing energy efficiency.

Moreover, with the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and automated manufacturing technologies, the automotive sector in the UK is progressively using product for joining lightweight composites and enhancing vehicle performance.

France

In France, the industry is forecast to increase by a CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2035. France boasts prominent aerospace and auto manufacturing industries that are principal end-users of structural adhesives. Aerospace production depends on light-weight bonding agents with high strengths to support very stringent weight and safety requirements.

Besides that, the transformation of the auto industry to electric vehicles (EVs) and the focus on light vehicle weight reduction will increasingly propel the usage of advanced adhesives. France’s environmental policies and green construction initiatives drive demand for structural adhesives, particularly with the increased demand for environmentally friendly building products and energy-saving buildings.

Germany

The industry in Germany is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period, marginally above the world average. The automobile industry in Germany is still among the biggest buyers of structural adhesives, especially in the manufacturing of electric cars and lightweight car structures.

German dominance in automotive technology, such as EVs, autonomous cars, and fuel-saving technologies, presents a huge prospect to save weight while delivering high-strength performance. The German building industry is also going green with sustainable methods, which means more use of adhesives in modular building and energy-efficient buildings

Italy

Italy’s sales will witness a CAGR of 5.3% from 2025 to 2035. The construction industry of the country will be the major catalyst for this growth, mainly driven by the rising need for sustainable building materials and green building processes. Italy is embracing prefabricated construction and modular buildings, in which products are used extensively to bond materials without mechanical fasteners, providing faster assembly and greater energy efficiency.

Also, Italy's automotive sector, which is mostly concentrated on lightweighting, will continue to rely on adhesives to trim vehicle weight, particularly in making electric vehicles (EVs). Italy's aerospace industry also leads to increasing requirements for products in composite bonding required in aircraft construction.

South Korea

The landscape in South Korea is expected to witness a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. The automotive sector, particularly in the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs), is a major growth driver. With South Korea emphasizing lightweight construction and high-performance bonding for composite materials, they will gain greater traction. Further, aerospace and marine equipment manufacturing also depend upon products to adhere to tight weight and durability criteria.

The rising trend toward green building will further propel demand for sustainable adhesives in environmentally friendly buildings. Though regulatory constraints and supply chain interruptions in raw materials could create issues, the highly developed technology capabilities of South Korea and increased application of automated manufacturing processes will still propel structural adhesive growth.

Japan

Japan’s revenue for the landscape is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2035, which is a relatively moderate growth rate compared to other nations. Japan's automobile industry, as advanced as it is, struggles with the delay in the acceptance of new technologies in adhesives compared to Western nations.

Moreover, increased pressure towards EVs and light weighting will possibly increase the use of product within the automotive sector. Besides that, Japanese aerospace and construction businesses are slowly introducing for the manufacture of prefabricated structures, modular structures, and aerospace manufacturing, although at a much slower rate.

China

China’s sales will see the highest growth of all the major economies, with a 7.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2035. Industrialization of the country and increased infrastructure development have driven high demand for high-performance adhesives in the construction and automotive sectors. Specifically, China's electric vehicle (EV) industry is growing fast and plays a critical role in bonding lightweight composite materials used in EVs.

Moreover, the Chinese construction industry is adopting environmentally friendly building approaches, where provide the benefits of quicker construction, reduced environmental footprints, and enhanced energy efficiency.

Competitive Landscape

Market leaders are battling with combinations of pricing models, innovation, partnering, and territorial expansion. They spend capital in research and development to build leading-edge adhesive offerings, forge alliances to bolster distribution channels, and increase production capacities to respond to increasing demand within emerging regions.

In 2024, Henkel increased its Salisbury, North Carolina site by the addition of a 10,000-square-foot production facility for UV hot melt adhesives, its first major-scale UV production facility outside Europe. Likewise, Huntsman opened a new 11,000-square-meter innovation center in Tienen, Belgium, to further develop its R&D strength and cater to customer demands in the region. Also, H.B. Fuller commissioned its Automotive Competency Center in Mannheim, Germany, to improve its development and manufacturing of adhesive technologies for the automotive sector.

Pidilite Industries, India's top manufacturer of adhesives, posted a 6.2% jump in its fourth-quarter profit during 2024 on reduced input costs. The net profit increased to 3.01 billion rupees (USD 36.07 million) for the period ended March 31, from 2.83 billion rupees during the corresponding period last year. Revenue increased 7.9% to 29.02 billion rupees, the sixth straight quarter of single-digit growth.

The decline in the price of important raw material vinyl acetate monomer, which dropped appreciably from last year, aided in decreasing the cost of material consumption by 6.8%. Consumer and bazaar segment sales increased by 6.4%, with more than 75% of revenue contributed. Managing Director Bharat Puri is bullish about medium-term demand owing to improved construction activity and government expenditure despite possible near-term market softness.

Market Share Analysis

BASF SE

BASF maintains a dominant share in the industry worldwide, with strong drivers based on its epoxy resins and polyurethane-based adhesives. Its emphasis on sustainability and advanced bonding solutions has helped it to lead major industries like automotive, construction, and aerospace.

Estimated Share: 20-25% of the global industry, with significant positions in the automotive and construction industries.

Arkema S.A.

Arkema has a strong share in structural adhesives, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors. Through its Bostik subsidiary, Arkema is a leading player in the for polyurethane, epoxy, and hot melt adhesive technologies.

Estimated Share: 18-22% worldwide with a strong presence in Europe and growing very fast in Asia-Pacific and North America.

Momentive Performance Materials Inc.

Momentive holds a competitive share in structural adhesives, particularly for aerospace and automotive uses. Momentive is well recognized for its silicone-based adhesives, which play a key role in high-performance uses involving temperature resistance and toughness.

Estimated Share: 10-15%, with a very strong presence in the aerospace and electronics industries.

Huntsman Corporation

Huntsman enjoys a commanding share, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries. Its Araldite line of epoxy adhesives and polyurethane products has given the company a commanding position in high-performance uses.

Estimated Share: 15-18%, with a commanding share in automotive and aerospace uses owing to the performance requirements of these industries.

Wacker Chemie AG

Wacker Chemie possesses a moderate industry share within the segment, with an emphasis on niche adhesives utilized in the automotive and construction sectors. Wacker Chemie's silicone-based adhesives are extremely well-known for their durability and resistance to temperature changes.

Estimated Share: 8-12%, with significant focus on tailor-made solutions for electronics and construction industries that need temperature-resistant and long-lasting bonding solutions.

Other Key Players

• 3M Company
• Sika AG
• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
• The Dow Chemical Company
• H.B. Fuller
• Scott Bader Co.
• Uniseal Inc.
• Huntsman Corporation
• Ashland Inc.
• Lord Corporation
• Illinois Tool Works Inc.
• Permabond LLC
• MAPEI
• Ardex

Segmentation

By Resin Type:

• Epoxy Structural Adhesives
• Polyurethane (PU) Structural Adhesives
• Acrylic Adhesives
• Cyanoacrylate

By Application:

• Building & Construction
• Bus & Truck Manufacturing
• Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
• Wind Energy Equipment Manufacturing
• Marine Equipment Manufacturing
• Rail Equipment & Components
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)