Solventless Laminating Adhesive Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Isocyanate, Polyol), By Application (Food Packaging, Beverage Packaging, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Solventless Laminating Adhesive Market was valued at USD 488.75 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 617.74 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.18%. Solventless laminating adhesives have gained substantial traction across various industries due to their environmentally friendly composition, high versatility, and superior bonding performance. As a key segment within the adhesive industry, these adhesives are widely utilized in sectors such as packaging, automotive, aerospace, and flexible electronics. Unlike their solvent-based counterparts, solventless laminating adhesives are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a more sustainable solution that complies with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Their ability to deliver strong and durable bonds while maintaining eco-conscious standards has significantly driven their adoption across multiple applications.

With growing environmental awareness and regulatory pressure to reduce VOC emissions, many industries are actively transitioning toward greener adhesive technologies. Solventless laminating adhesives align closely with these sustainability goals, offering a safer and more responsible alternative. The packaging industry, in particular, plays a pivotal role in driving demand, as evolving consumer expectations fuel the need for innovative and sustainable packaging formats. These adhesives are extensively used in flexible packaging and labeling applications. In the food and beverage sector, where safety and compliance are critical, solventless adhesives are favored for their non-toxic properties and absence of harmful emissions, making them suitable for direct and indirect food contact. Furthermore, the expanding market for flexible electronics, including wearable technologies and bendable displays, continues to create new opportunities for solventless laminating adhesives, reinforcing their importance in next-generation manufacturing processes.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Flexible Packaging

Flexible packaging has gained substantial traction across various industries owing to its adaptability, sustainability, and strong consumer appeal. Valued at approximately USD 900 Million and continuing to expand, the flexible packaging industry is primarily driven by demand from the food sector which accounts for 38% of the market and the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment, both of which are experiencing annual growth rates of around 20 percent. This growing preference has significantly contributed to the expansion of the global solventless laminating adhesive market, as demand for efficient and eco-friendly flexible packaging solutions continues to rise. Comprising formats such as films, pouches, and bags, flexible packaging presents distinct advantages over conventional rigid alternatives. Its lightweight nature, cost efficiency, and ease of customization make it highly attractive to both manufacturers and end users. Moreover, flexible packaging enhances product shelf life, minimizes material waste, and promotes consumer convenience attributes that resonate strongly with today’s environmentally conscious market.

Consumer preferences are increasingly leaning towards products that offer ease of use, portability, and sustainability. Flexible packaging addresses these expectations effectively, aligning with shifting lifestyle trends. The food and beverage sector stands out as a key driver of this growth, as manufacturers seek packaging that supports on-the-go consumption and preserves freshness. Additionally, the rapid expansion of e-commerce has intensified the need for packaging that ensures product protection during shipping while also delivering a positive and engaging unboxing experience. With the rapid expansion of global internet access and adoption now surpassing five billion users the number of individuals engaging in online purchasing continues to rise steadily. By 2025, global retail e-commerce sales are projected to exceed USD 4.3 trillion, reflecting the growing influence of digital commerce on consumer behavior worldwide. Flexible packaging, with its ability to adapt to various product types and distribution channels, is particularly well suited to meet these evolving requirements. Furthermore, as global environmental awareness intensifies, there is a clear movement away from single-use plastics and non-recyclable packaging. In this context, flexible packaging materials when used in conjunction with solventless laminating adhesives offer a sustainable and recyclable alternative, reinforcing their appeal in a circular economy.

Increasing Use of Solventless Laminating Adhesive in the Electrical & Electronics Industry 

High-temperature sealants are engineered to deliver exceptional performance in environments with extreme heat. These specialized sealants offer a durable, weather-resistant seal with superior adhesion, flexibility, and longevity. They exhibit versatility by adhering effectively to a wide range of common building materials, remaining flexible even when exposed to varying temperatures and substrates. In the electrical and electronics industry, high-temperature sealants find extensive use across various applications. These include printed circuit boards, semiconductor bonding, pyrolytically deposited films, microelectronic substrates, electrical connectors, high-power resistors, and ceramic-filled cartridge heaters. Their adaptability to diverse electronic components and systems underscores their significance in this sector.

This demand for advanced, reliable bonding materials aligns closely with the growing relevance of solventless laminating adhesives, particularly in the electronics industry where low-emission, thermally stable, and high-performance bonding solutions are increasingly prioritized. Solventless laminating adhesives offer environmental and functional advantages, such as reduced VOC emissions and enhanced adhesion at elevated temperatures, making them a complementary solution in electronic applications. As India advances its electronics sector under the National Policy on Electronics 2019 aiming for a domestic electronics manufacturing turnover of USD 400 billion by 2025 the need for both high-temperature sealants and solventless laminating adhesives is expected to surge. Furthermore, the projected 5.4% increase in global semiconductor sales, as estimated by WSTS for 2020, further reinforces a favorable environment for growth in high-performance adhesive technologies across electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.

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Key Market Challenges

More Expensive than Solvent-Based Laminating Adhesives

The relatively higher cost of solventless laminating adhesives compared to solvent-based alternatives presents a notable challenge to the expansion of the global solventless laminating adhesive market. Despite offering clear advantages such as environmental sustainability, enhanced workplace safety, and superior product performance, the initial cost remains a deterrent for some manufacturers, particularly in cost-sensitive sectors. This challenge is further amplified by the growing adoption of e-commerce worldwide, which is driving increased demand for flexible packaging solutions. While solventless laminating adhesives are well-suited for such applications due to their ability to deliver high bond strength and improved aesthetics without compromising safety, smaller businesses operating on tight margins may be hesitant to invest in higher-cost materials.

Moreover, transitioning to solventless technology often requires capital investment in new or modified equipment, adding to the financial burden. Nevertheless, in the context of the rapidly growing e-commerce sector where efficient, high-quality packaging is essential the long-term benefits of solventless laminating adhesives become increasingly compelling. Reduced solvent handling costs, greater operational safety, and easier compliance with tightening environmental regulations offer tangible value over time. As awareness of these advantages grows and market demand continues to scale, the cost-related concerns are expected to ease, encouraging broader adoption of solventless laminating adhesives across the packaging industry.

Key Market Trends

Growing Demand for Water-Based Solventless Laminating Adhesives

The increasing demand for water-based solventless laminating adhesives stands as a pivotal trend driving the growth of the global solventless laminating adhesive market. Henkel’s LOCTITE Liofol range offers high-quality laminating adhesives and coatings for both food and non-food packaging applications. Within this portfolio, water-based solventless laminating adhesives are gaining traction due to their low emissions, enhanced safety, and compliance with environmental regulations. These solutions provide strong performance while supporting sustainability goals, making them ideal for the evolving needs of the packaging industry. Water-based formulations have gained prominence due to their eco-friendliness, reduced emissions, and compliance with stringent environmental regulations. This trend is particularly significant in industries where sustainability is a paramount concern, such as food packaging, where avoiding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ensuring product safety are critical. 

Water-based solventless laminating adhesives offer several advantages, including low odor, improved workplace safety, and compatibility with various substrates. These adhesives address both the need for performance and the call for environmental responsibility, making them a preferred choice among manufacturers looking to align with sustainability goals. As the awareness of these benefits continues to grow and environmental considerations become increasingly central to decision-making in industries worldwide, the demand for water-based solventless laminating adhesives is expected to surge, further propelling the growth of the global market. Manufacturers are likely to invest in research and development to expand their water-based adhesive offerings to cater to this burgeoning demand.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on Type, Isocyanate have emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Solventless Laminating Adhesive Market in 2024.  Isocyanate-based adhesives are widely recognized for their outstanding bonding strength, excellent chemical resistance, and long-term durability, making them a preferred choice in demanding industrial applications. These adhesives perform exceptionally well when bonding to a variety of substrates, including metalized films, foils, plastics, and composites, where secure and stable adhesion is critical. Industries such as automotive and flexible packaging often rely on isocyanate-based formulations due to their ability to maintain structural integrity under challenging conditions, including exposure to heat, moisture, and chemicals. In the automotive sector, they contribute to the reliability and safety of vehicle components, while in flexible packaging, they play a vital role in preserving product quality and extending shelf life.

Application Insights

Based on Application, Food Packaging have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the Global Solventless Laminating Adhesive Market during the forecast period. Food packaging represents a key application area for solventless laminating adhesives, given the increasing consumer emphasis on safety, freshness, and environmental sustainability. These adhesives are particularly well-suited to address such demands, as they create strong, airtight seals that effectively protect food products from contamination and external elements, thereby preserving freshness and extending shelf life. Moreover, solventless laminating adhesives are frequently chosen for use in microwaveable and heat-sealed packaging formats due to their excellent thermal resistance and stable performance under high temperatures. 

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Regional Insights

Based on Region, Asia Pacific have emerged as the dominating region in the Global Solventless Laminating Adhesive Market in 2024. This is due to its rapidly expanding packaging, food and beverage, and flexible electronics industries. Countries such as China, India, and South Korea are witnessing significant growth in manufacturing activities, which has led to a surge in demand for high-performance and sustainable adhesive solutions. The region’s strong focus on cost-effective production, combined with increasing environmental regulations, has accelerated the shift toward solventless technologies that offer reduced emissions and improved safety. Additionally, the rise in consumer goods consumption and the booming e-commerce sector have further fueled the demand for flexible packaging, where solventless laminating adhesives play a critical role in ensuring product integrity and shelf-life. 

Recent Developments 

• In June 2024, Dow announced that three of its adhesive systems, when used with polyethylene (PE) film packaging, have received formal recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for their compatibility with PE film recycling. The solventless adhesives PACACEL L75-200 and PACACEL L-75-191, along with the solvent-borne adhesive ADCOTE 536A, have been added to Dow’s growing portfolio of products that have earned APR Design Critical Guidance Recognition. This prestigious acknowledgment reflects compliance with globally accepted standards for assessing the recyclability of plastic packaging and highlights Dow’s ongoing commitment to addressing sustainability challenges through innovative packaging solutions.
• In December 2024, Dow announced the successful completion of the previously disclosed sale of its flexible packaging laminating adhesives business, part of the Company’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment, to Arkema, a global leader in specialty materials for a total consideration of USD 150 million. The transaction includes five manufacturing facilities located across Italy, the United States, and Mexico. The divested portfolio comprises Solvent-Based and Solventless Laminating Adhesives, as well as Heat Seal Coating products. Proceeds from the sale will be directed toward advancing Dow’s capital allocation priorities, with a focus on accelerating strategic growth initiatives and enhancing long-term value for shareholders.
• In January 2024, Twin Engineers introduced the new NextGen Pack Pump, equipped with advanced IoT capabilities designed to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs in solventless lamination processes. This next-generation pump provides valuable process insights into production and quality, while allowing remote monitoring of laminator performance from any location. The NexGen series has established a strong market reputation over the past decade, maintaining its position as a category leader. It also holds the distinction of achieving the highest export volume from India within its segment.
• In July 2024, Trinseo, a leading provider of specialty material solutions, announced the launch of LIGOS™ A 9200, an acrylic waterborne adhesive specifically developed for the dry lamination of flexible packaging structures intended for food contact. LIGOS A 9200 is engineered for compatibility with substrates such as paper, polyolefins, polyvinylidene chloride-coated materials, metalized films, polyamide, and polyester films. Its advanced emulsion polymer design delivers high initial shear strength and strong bonding performance, making it a highly effective solution for film converters seeking reliable and food-safe lamination technologies.

Key Market Players

• Ashland Inc
• Dow Inc
• Songwon International AG
• Bostik SA
• Morchem SA
• DIC Corp
• ACTEGA Kelstar, Inc.
• Toyochem Co Ltd
• Toyo-Morton Ltd
• BASF SE

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Solventless Laminating Adhesive Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•  Solventless Laminating Adhesive Market, By Type:

o   Isocyanate

o   Polyol

•  Solventless Laminating Adhesive Market, By Application:

o   Food Packaging

o   Beverage Packaging

o   Others

•  Solventless Laminating Adhesive Market, By Region:

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Solventless Laminating Adhesive Market.

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Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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