Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Adhesives and Sealants
The market for adhesives and sealants is experiencing a period of intense competition. Among the key players are system suppliers, IT systems integrators and the manufacturers of machines, which are all trying to gain the upper hand by introducing innovations in the form of smart data, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Also, the trend towards increased sustainability is driving manufacturers to invest in green IT, thereby further differentiating their products. In the process, new players are challenging the status quo, especially agile start-ups that are focusing on biomaterials and automation. As the market grows in the regions, especially in Asia-Pacific and North America, strategic positioning will increasingly favour companies that are able to respond to changes in consumer demand and the regulatory framework. These developments will be crucial for the strategic positioning of C-level managers and strategic planners, who will have to respond to the complex, constantly changing market environment.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
They offer a wide range of products for the different applications in the field of adhesives and sealants.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Henkel |
Strong brand recognition and innovation |
Consumer and industrial adhesives |
Global |
| 3M |
Diverse product range and R&D capabilities |
Industrial adhesives and sealants |
Global |
| BASF |
Leading chemical expertise and sustainability focus |
Specialty adhesives and sealants |
Global |
| Dow |
Innovative polymer technologies |
Silicone and polyurethane adhesives |
Global |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These vendors concentrate on special markets or special technology and offer tailor-made solutions for special applications.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Momentive Performance Materials |
Expertise in silicone-based solutions |
Silicone adhesives and sealants |
Global |
| Hexion |
Specialty resins and advanced technologies |
Epoxy and phenolic adhesives |
Global |
| Franklin International |
Strong focus on wood adhesives |
Woodworking adhesives |
North America |
| Avery Dennison |
Innovative adhesive technologies for labeling |
Pressure-sensitive adhesives |
Global |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These suppliers provide the necessary equipment and services to support the affixing and sealing applications.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Illinois Tool Works |
Comprehensive equipment solutions |
Adhesive dispensing and application systems |
Global |
| Sika |
Strong presence in construction adhesives |
Construction and industrial adhesives |
Global |
| Tesa SE |
High-performance adhesive tapes |
Adhesive tape solutions |
Global |
| Gorilla Glue |
Consumer-friendly, versatile products |
Consumer adhesives |
North America |
| AkzoNobel |
Sustainability and innovation in coatings |
Coatings and adhesives |
Global |
| Eastman Chemical |
Specialty chemicals for diverse applications |
Adhesives and sealants for various industries |
Global |
| B. Fuller |
Custom adhesive solutions for industries |
Industrial adhesives |
Global |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- Adhesive Technologies (Germany): Specializes in high-performance industrial adhesives, recently won a contract with a major automobile manufacturer for a sustainable bonding solution, challenging established suppliers with a focus on innovation and sustainable development.
- Sika AG, a manufacturer of construction adhesives and sealants, recently complemented its product range with bio-based products, which complement its existing products and enable it to compete against larger companies by highlighting its environmental responsibility.
- H. B. Fuller, USA, well known for its high-tech solutions in packaging and assembly, has recently launched a line of hotmelt adhesives for the food industry, giving it a competitive edge against established players.
- Bostik, France: Concentrating on the production of intelligent adhesives for the building and industrial industries, Bostik has recently launched a new range of sealants, which, by reducing the application time, are a challenge to the traditional methods and the established suppliers, as they offer greater speed and convenience.
- Dow (USA): a manufacturer of sealants for the construction and automobile industries, Dow has entered into a joint venture with a leading construction company to develop next-generation sealants that will complement existing products and force established suppliers to innovate.
Regional Trends: In 2024, a strong trend towards eco-friendly and sustainable products in the world market for adhesives and sealants, especially in Europe and North America, is observed. Companies are increasingly adopting bio-based raw materials and focusing on reducing the impact on the environment. Furthermore, the Asian-Pacific region is booming and a greater need for adhesives is emerging. In addition, the trend towards automation and smart manufacturing is influencing product development, which is focused on performance and efficiency.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Then Henkel and BASF started to work together on a new joint program to develop sustainable adhesives which would reduce the carbon foot-print of packaging and thus increase the market position of both companies in the eco-friendly field.
- In the first months of 2024, 3M took over the Acelity company to broaden its product range in the medical adhesives field and to increase its market share in the field of health care.
- Sika AG and Bostik have announced a joint development of high-performance sealants for the building industry. The two companies intend to use their combined know-how to develop products that will help them to win a larger share of the growing market for building sealants.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Sustainability |
Henkel, 3M, BASF |
Bio-based Adhesives from Henkel reduce the carbon footprint significantly. The production of 3M is to be operated on 100% of renewable energy by 2025. The Eco-Efficiency Analyses from BASF help to determine the impact of products on the environment. |
| Product Innovation |
Dow, Sika, H.B. Fuller |
The high-performance adhesives developed by Dow are based on the latest polymer technology. Sika’s focus on construction adhesives has led to the development of new solutions for bonding in difficult environments. H.B. Fuller’s rapid development cycles and rapid responses to the needs of the market have given it a reputation for innovation. |
| Customization |
ITW, Momentive, Adhesive Technologies |
ITW offers tailor-made, customer-friendly solutions to the needs of various industries. Sealants are made to order and meet the exacting requirements of the customer. ITW Adhesive Technologies focuses on bespoke formulations that meet individual customer specifications. |
| Technological Integration |
Henkel, 3M, BASF |
Henkel uses digital tools for the optimization of the supply chain and the involvement of its customers. 3M is integrating the Internet of Things into its products to monitor their performance. And BASF is using big data to improve the development of its products. |
| Global Reach |
Sika, Dow, H.B. Fuller |
With its 145 establishments in more than 100 countries, Sika ensures local support. With its vast distribution network, Dow covers a wide variety of markets. H.B. Fuller has increased its global reach through strategic acquisitions. |
Conclusion: Navigating the Adhesives Market Landscape
In 2024 the adhesives and sealants market will be characterized by intense competition and a high degree of fragmentation, with both established and new players competing for market share. The geographical trends show a growing demand in Asia-Pacific and North America, which will require manufacturers to adjust their strategies accordingly. Brand-name products and extensive distribution networks are the traditional strengths of the established companies. The newer players, on the other hand, are focusing on innovation and niche applications. Artificial intelligence, automation in the production process, and the development of sustainable products will be decisive for market share. As managers negotiate the evolving market, they must focus on these trends to remain competitive and to meet the diverse needs of their customers.
