The global hot melt adhesives (HMAs) market was valued at approximately USD 7.37 billion in 2020 and is forecasted to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2021 to 2028. A major driver of this growth is the increasing use of HMAs in various industries, especially in packaging. HMAs are widely used in packaging applications, particularly for tasks such as sealing boxes and cartons for food and consumer products, where their strong bonding capabilities are essential. Hot melt adhesives are versatile, as they can effectively bond to a wide range of materials, including fabric, paper, ceramics, metals, cardboard, and plastics. This flexibility makes them ideal for numerous applications, including various do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Although DIY trends are well-established in mature markets such as North America and Europe, the popularity of these products is still expanding in other regions. Typical DIY applications include crafting, general goods packaging, and woodworking activities.

In the United States, hot melt adhesives are both widely produced and consumed, with a significant surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. This surge was driven by the accelerated shift toward e-commerce and the increased demand for delivery services, which, in turn, heightened the need for packaging solutions where hot melt adhesives are crucial for securing parcel boxes and cartons.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Hot Melt Adhesives Market

Application Segmentation Insights

In 2020, the packaging sector accounted for the largest share of the hot melt adhesives market, contributing more than 30.0% of the total revenue. The durability and performance of HMAs make them highly suitable for the demanding conditions of the packaging industry. They are commonly used to seal flaps of corrugated boxes and paperboard cartons. Additionally, many electronic device manufacturers use HMAs for tasks such as securing parts and wires, providing insulation, and protecting sensitive device components.

The nonwovens segment is projected to experience substantial growth between 2021 and 2028. This growth is driven by rising consumer awareness regarding personal hygiene and an increase in disposable income, which are fueling the demand for nonwoven products like female hygiene items, diapers, and other personal care products. This growing demand is expected to positively impact the hot melt adhesives market within the nonwovens sector.

In the automotive industry, HMAs are extensively used by car and truck manufacturers for bonding a variety of components, such as carpets, headliners, radiators, and batteries. Polyolefin-based HMAs are also employed for coating electronic components and insulating wires, which further strengthens the demand for hot melt adhesives in automotive applications. This is largely due to their superior safety, quality, and reliability, which are critical for automotive manufacturing.

Order a free sample PDF of the Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.