Sustainable Adhesives for Packaging Market

Sustainable Adhesives for Packaging Market Size

The global sustainable adhesives for packaging market was valued at USD 1.57 Billion in 2024 with volume of 562.3 Kilo Tons and is estimated to grow at a 5.5% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The rise in environmental concerns and the stringent regulatory frameworks are pushing up demand for sustainable adhesives for the packaging market.

Businesses are turning towards the recyclable and biodegradable adhesives for packaging owing to tight regulations of governments on single-use plastics. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, more than 500 multinational corporations have pledged to use sustainable packaging materials and reduce plastic waste by 2025.

Sustainable adhesives are often used in packaging due to regional regulatory mandates, particularly in North American and the European regions. The packaging and packaging waste directive (PPWD) of the European Union (EU) proclaims to guarantee 100% of packaging is recyclable or reusable by 2030. In the same way, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires strict adherence to sustainable packaging. These regulations create opportunities for the adoption of solvent-free and bio-based adhesives, enabling businesses to meet sustainability goals along with the maintenance of product quality.

Sustainable adhesive producers should develop solvent-free and bio-based adhesives to meet international regulations and corporate sustainability initiatives. Emphasis on recyclable and biodegradable formulations will assist in fulfilling EU and U.S. requirements while maintaining packaging quality and environmental standards.

The worldwide e-commerce expansion has created unprecedented demand for packaging materials including tapes and sustainable adhesives for labels. Eco-friendly adhesives are gaining significance as sales through e-commerce continue to increase with an estimated CAGR of 14.4% through 2030 (International Trade Administration (ITA)). Plastic waste reduction and the use of sustainable adhesives in shipping labels and packaging tapes will enable companies to enhance their green credentials, consequently driving the market growth.

Sustainable adhesive manufacturers need to create sustainable adhesives for labeling and packaging tapes to address the increasing demand from e-commerce. Placing greater focus on plastic waste minimization and sustainability will enable companies to keep up with green initiatives while taking advantage of the fast-growing industry.

In the food and beverage industry, growing consumer preferences for eco-friendly packaging materials are fuelling the widespread adoption of sustainable adhesives. The bio-based adhesives are ideal for containers used in the food and beverage industry as they have strong bonding capabilities. The players in the market should adopt to the sustainable adhesives quickly in order to meet stringent regulations and stay ahead of the curve in the changing packaging sector.

Sustainable adhesives are eco-friendly bonding agents that are designed to have least environmental impact while still exhibiting high adherence in a variety of packaging applications.

Sustainable Adhesives for Packaging Market Trends

• Technological advancements in adhesive formulations are emerging as a significant trend. High-performance adhesives made from natural resins, and starch are being developed by manufacturers. Bio-based adhesives has a significant share in the adhesives used in the sustainable packaging industry, according to the European Bioplastics Association. This percentage is predicted to increase as more businesses adopt green technologies.
  
• To meet the growing demand, businesses are investing more in the development of solvent-free adhesives. The use of solvent-free adhesives is increasing in both rigid and flexible packaging applications. solvent-free adhesives are renowned for their environmentally friendly formulations and low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  
• Sustainable labelling has emerged as a significant trend in the packaging industry due to rising consumer awareness and corporate sustainability goals. In the retail industry, bio-based tape and label adhesives are growing in popularity.
  
• The market is seeing growth in the innovations related to recyclable and compostable packaging solutions. Companies are increasingly developing adhesives that promote the easy separation of packaging components during the recycling process.
  

Sustainable Adhesives for Packaging Market Analysis

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Based on adhesive type, the sustainable adhesives for packaging market is divided into bio-based adhesives, water-based adhesives, solvent-free adhesives, hot-melt adhesives, and others.

• The bio-based adhesives market was valued at USD 657.8 million in the year 2024. The bio-based adhesives provide a very strong bonding and are environmentally friendly. These are made from renewable sources such as starch from the plants and naturally occurring resins which offer a sustainable alternative without compromising performance. The widespread use of bio-based adhesives in flexible packaging helps in reduction of carbon footprint along with maintaining the standards of product safety. This makes them a smart choice for eco-conscious industries.
  
• The water-based adhesives market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% in the forecast period. The market is experiencing growth due to the rising demand for eco-friendly and low-VOC solutions. These adhesives offer strong bonding for the paper products, which makes them perfect for usage in the sustainable packaging applications. The increasing regulatory pressure for sustainable materials from various governments across the world are driving the adoption of water-based adhesives globally.

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Based on packaging type, the sustainable adhesives for packaging market is divided into flexible packaging, rigid packaging, and labels & tapes.

• The flexible packaging adhesives dominates the market, accounting for 47.61% of market share in 2024. The flexible packaging adhesives market is expected to grow due to increasing demand for lightweight packaging solutions. These adhesives ensure strong bonding for multi-layered films used in food and beverage packaging. The shift towards eco-friendly packaging materials is driving the adoption of advanced adhesive technologies.
  
• The rigid packaging adhesives market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% in the forecast period. The rigid packaging adhesives market is expanding as manufacturers lookout for high-strength bonding solutions for cartons. These adhesives provide durability making them the ideal choice for packaging in personal care industries.
  

Based on end-use industry, the sustainable adhesives for packaging market is divided into food & beverage, personal care & cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce & retail, and others.

• The food and beverage sector accounts for market share of 49.37% in the sustainable adhesives for packaging. The sector is driven by increasing demand for food-safe solutions. Bio-based and water-based adhesives are gaining traction in food and beverage sector due to their low toxicity and higher compliance with regulatory standards.
  
• The personal care & cosmetics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% in the forecast period. This sector is increasingly adopting sustainable adhesives for packaging to align with eco-conscious consumer preferences. Bio-based and solvent-free adhesives are used in personal care packaging to reduce the environmental impact along with maintaining the product integrity.  

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The market for sustainable adhesives for packaging in the U.S. was valued at USD 493.8 million in the year 2024. The market is expanding due to stringent environmental regulations as well as increased customer demand for environmentally friendly products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines persuades for the use of bio-based packaging solutions. The increased investment into sustainable packaging technology by the key players is also driving growth in the market further. The growing e-commerce industry in the U.S., with its increasing demand for sustainable labels and tapes, is significantly contributing to the rise in market demand. Moreover, the concept of circular economy also propels the market further.

• The market for sustainable adhesives for packaging in Germany is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7%. The German market is witnessing consistent growth with the support of the strong environmental sustainability orientation of the country and adherence to the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). German industries are embracing solvent-free and bio-based adhesives to respond to stringent recycling and waste management goals. Germany's leadership in innovations and technological development of sustainable packaging solutions further consolidates its position in the market. Moreover, increasing consumer awareness and government initiatives are speeding up the adoption of sustainable adhesives for packaging.
  
• The market for sustainable adhesives for packaging in the France is expected to be valued at USD 81.6 million in the year 2034. The requirement for environmentally friendly packaging solutions has been on the increase across the food, and cosmetics industries. Awareness among consumers towards the environment is also convincing firms to invest in green packaging materials. In addition, France's focus on minimizing carbon emissions is spurring the development of green adhesive technologies.
  
• The market for sustainable adhesives for packaging in China is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4%. The Chinese market is growing fast due to the aggressive initiatives of the government to minimize plastic waste and encourage environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Growing consumer concerns regarding the environment are compelling industries, especially e-commerce to use environment-friendly packaging solutions. The booming e-commerce industry with Alibaba, in the country, which is greatly dependent on packaging materials, is also driving the demand for green adhesives further. Moreover, China's emphasis on reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 is also stimulating technological innovation in sustainable adhesive products.
  
• The market for sustainable adhesives for packaging in the India was valued at USD 75.4 million in the year 2024. Indian markets are seeing growth vigorously due to governmental initiatives like Plastic Waste Management Rules and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. Growth of the e-commerce market and enhanced demand for environment-friendly packaging alternatives in the food and beverages segment are boosting adoption of sustainable adhesives. Consumer concern regarding environmental effects is also driving companies to invest in green packaging technologies. In addition, India's plan to phase out single-use plastics by 2025 is hastening the transition to sustainable adhesive technologies.
  
• The market for sustainable adhesives for packaging in Brazil is expected to be valued at USD 47.4 million. The Brazilian market is expanding gradually due to increasing environmental issues and government policies to minimize plastic waste.  Brazil's high emphasis on circular economy strategies is stimulating producers to invest in environmentally friendly adhesive technologies. Increasing consumer demand for green packaging is also accelerating market growth. In addition, Brazil's entry into international climate programs is further driving industries to adopt eco-friendly packaging options.
  

Sustainable Adhesives for Packaging Market Share

The sustainable adhesives for packaging industry is characterized by a diverse range of global chemical manufacturers, specialized adhesive producers, and niche eco-friendly solution providers. The top five companies in this market are Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, H.B. Fuller Company, Arkema (Bostik), Dow, and Avery Dennison Corporation, collectively holding a market share of approximately 69% in 2024. These firms are placing emphasis on creating novel bio-based, water-based, and solvent-free adhesives to meet the increasing need for sustainable packaging options. Manufacturers are engaging with packaging technology companies to remain competitive and bring forth sophisticated and tailor-made adhesive solutions. For example, in February 2025, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA collaborated with a European packaging firm to create recyclable adhesive solutions for flexible packaging, reiterating its focus on circular economy practices.

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is a market leader in the sustainable adhesives sector, with a diverse portfolio of bio-based and solvent-free adhesives for packaging use. Its commitment to sustainability and circular economy measures has made it a market leader. Henkel's Loctite Liofol adhesives are gaining traction due to their excellent bonding properties and environmental appeal.

H.B. Fuller Company is famous for its innovative green adhesive solutions for packaging. H.B. Fuller Company's bio-based and water-based adhesives are being extensively used in flexible and rigid packaging, following the increasing need for environmentally friendly packaging solutions. H.B. Fuller's concentration on creating high-performance adhesives with minimal VOC emissions has assisted it in achieving a high market share.

Sustainable Adhesives for Packaging Market Companies

The top 5 companies operating in the sustainable adhesives for packaging industry include:

• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
• H.B. Fuller Company
• Arkema (Bostik)
• Dow
• Avery Dennison Corporation
  

Sustainable Adhesives for Packaging Industry News

• In June 2023, Arkema launched Sartomer EcoSphere bio-based adhesive for sustainable food packaging. The new solution, made from 90% renewable plant-based content, provides equivalent performance to traditional petroleum-based adhesives with a 50% reduction in carbon emissions. The product has already been implemented by leading European food companies for flexible packaging of dry foods and frozen foods. Arkema's development follows the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive, targeting increasing demand for compostable packaging. The firm has invested Euro 30 million at its Mont, France plant to expand production, with capacity predicted to hit 50,000 tons per annum by 2025.
  
• In May 2024, Avery Dennison Corp. introduced a new feature in its CleanFlake technology, a repositioning feature, allowing manual removal of labels from PET substrates within an eight-hour window. leanFlake adhesive has revolutionized plastic packaging recycling and received recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for enhancing PET by cleanly removing labels during recycling and allowing HDPE mono-material recycling without interference.
  

The sustainable adhesives for packaging market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Adhesive Type

• Bio-based adhesives
• Water-based adhesives
• Solvent-free adhesives
• Hot-melt adhesives
• Others

Market, Packaging Type

• Flexible packaging
• Rigid packaging
• Labels & tapes

Market, By End Use Industry

• Food & beverage
• Personal care & cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• E-commerce & retail
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE