The global adhesives and sealants market size was valued at US$ 44.1 billion and US$ 10.4 billion respectively in 2019 and expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% and 6.1% during the forecast period 2020 to 2027.

An adhesive refers to a chemical mixture that is used to join two surfaces together into a single unit, while a sealant refers to a semisolid material used to prevent fluid leakage. Adhesives and sealants are produced using similar technologies and chemicals, and are used in a similar range of applications. Although they are counted as a single industry, their performance is different across end-use applications. Regulatory bodies have set different test methods and specifications for each of them. Adhesives have higher tensile and shear strength that makes the material preferable for bonding and holding-related applications. Besides this, sealants fill gaps as well as resist relative movement of substrates. They have lower strength compared to adhesives, but possess greater flexibility.

Rising trend of lightweight and low CO2 emitting vehicles supported by strict government regulations for environmental protection considered as the key factor that drives the market growth of adhesives and sealants. Automotive is one of the largest end-use industries of adhesives and sealants. Contribution of adhesives & sealants towards weight reduction of vehicles considered as the key factor that improves the fuel efficiency and limit the vehicle emission. Adhesives proved as a boon for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in reducing weight of an automobile and meeting with stringent environmental regulations for CO2 emissions.

However, North America and Europe have strict regulations regarding the production of petro-based and chemical products. Agencies such as the European Commission (EC) and Epoxy Resin Committee (ERC) govern the manufacturing of solvent-based products in these regions. This affects the production capabilities of manufacturers and compels them to focus more towards eco-friendly adhesives for example water-based adhesives.

Global adhesives and sealants market is moderately fragmented with the presence of major market players. These major players in the market occupy over 65% of the total share, thereby leading the market towards consolidation. These market leaders are engaged in capacity expansions, new  product launch, partnerships & collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions. For instance, in November 2019, Bostik introduced its new engineering adhesives product range named Born2Bond. This new product range was designed for applications in industries such as electronics, luxury packaging, MRO, automotive, and medical devices. With this launch, the company aimed to expand its product portfolio and increase its  profitability.

Some of the key players operating in the market are H.B. Fuller Company, 3M Company, Avery Dennison Corporation, Dow Chemical Company, Bostik SA, BASF AG, Uniseal Inc, ND Industries Inc., Beardow & Adams Adhesives Inc., Ashland Inc., Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc., Eastman Chemical Company, and Sika AG among others. (inputs and research from PRGlobalNewswire)