Water-Based Laminating Adhesives Market Report 2026

The water-based laminating adhesives market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $3.34 billion in 2025 to $3.71 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in packaging consumption, availability of water based polymer emulsions, regulatory pressure on solvent emissions, expansion of printing industries, demand for safer adhesive solutions.

The water-based laminating adhesives market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.63 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing sustainability regulations, growth in flexible packaging demand, rising consumer goods production, advancements in adhesive drying technologies, expansion of recyclable packaging solutions. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of low voc adhesives, rising use in flexible packaging applications, shift from solvent based to water based systems, growing demand for food safe laminating adhesives, expansion of print and packaging industries.

The substantial growth of the e-commerce sector is anticipated to drive the expansion of the water-based laminating adhesives market in the future. E-commerce refers to commercial activities conducted online, including the sale of products and services. This sector is thriving due to factors such as the convenience of online shopping, widespread internet availability, advancements in mobile technology, personalized customer experiences, and the ability for businesses to connect with a global audience while maintaining lower operational costs than traditional retail. Water-based laminating adhesives play a vital role in e-commerce by securely bonding packaging materials, ensuring durability, product protection, and eco-friendly solutions during shipping and handling. For instance, a report from the United States Census Bureau in August 2024 estimated that U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the second quarter of 2024 reached $291.6 billion, marking a 1.3% (±0.7) increase from the first quarter. Total retail sales during the same period were estimated at $1.82 trillion, reflecting a 0.5% (±0.2) rise compared to the first quarter. Consequently, the growth of e-commerce is propelling the water-based laminating adhesives market.

Key players in the water-based laminating adhesive market are focusing on innovative advancements such as water-based ink technology to enhance environmental sustainability and adhesion properties. This technology helps reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improves the sustainability of water-based laminating adhesives. For example, in January 2024, Sun Chemical, a U.S.-based chemical company, introduced the SunStrato AquaLam Gen2 ink series, a cutting-edge water-based solution designed for high-quality laminated and reportable flexible packaging. These inks provide superior printability and bond strength while lowering VOC and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 18-20% compared to solvent-based options. This launch marks a significant step toward more sustainable and safer solutions in the water-based laminating adhesive market.

In July 2024, Kodiak, a specialty chemical company based in the U.S., acquired Southern Adhesives and Coatings for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition underscores Kodiak's commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions across various industries by integrating Southern Adhesives’s technologies with Kodiak’s manufacturing capabilities, research and development resources, and dedicated sales team. This merger is expected to create new growth opportunities within the channel. Southern Adhesives and Coatings is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in water-based laminating adhesives.

Major companies operating in the water-based laminating adhesives market are BASF SE, H.B. Fuller Company, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Arkema S.A., DIC Corporation, Evonik Industries AG, Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., Flint Group, Pidilite Industries Limited, Paramelt B.V., Franklin International Inc., Jowat SE, Kleiberit Adhesives GmbH & Co. KG, Morchem Inc., SAPICI S.p.A., Collano Adhesives, Weilburger Graphics GmbH, 3M Company, Sika AG, Ashland Inc., Celanese Corporation.

North America was the largest region in the water-based laminating adhesives market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the water-based laminating adhesives market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the water-based laminating adhesives market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The water-based laminating adhesives market consists of sales of latex-based adhesives, modified starch adhesives, natural rubber adhesives, epoxy resin adhesives and hydrocolloid adhesives. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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