Adhesives for Corrugated Board Insightful Analysis: Trends, Competitor Dynamics, and Opportunities 2025-2033

Key Insights

The global adhesives market for corrugated board is experiencing robust growth, driven by the expanding packaging industry and the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient packaging solutions. The market, estimated at $8 billion in 2025, is projected to witness a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $12 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the e-commerce boom significantly increases the demand for corrugated board packaging for shipping and delivery, consequently boosting adhesive consumption. Secondly, the food and beverage sector's reliance on corrugated packaging for product protection and shelf appeal remains a major driver. Thirdly, advancements in adhesive technology, particularly the development of more eco-friendly, water-based options, are gaining traction, replacing traditional solvent-based adhesives and contributing to the market's positive outlook. The rising adoption of automated packaging machinery further fuels the demand for high-performance adhesives that can seamlessly integrate with these systems. Resin-based adhesives currently dominate the market due to their superior strength and performance characteristics, although starch-based adhesives are gaining popularity due to their biodegradability and cost-effectiveness.

Despite the positive outlook, certain restraints affect market expansion. Fluctuations in raw material prices, especially those of resin and starch, directly impact adhesive production costs and profitability. Furthermore, stringent environmental regulations regarding volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from adhesives necessitate the adoption of more sustainable alternatives, increasing initial investment costs for manufacturers. Geographical variations exist; North America and Europe currently hold significant market shares, but the Asia-Pacific region, driven by rapid industrialization and economic growth in countries like China and India, is expected to experience the most significant growth in the forecast period. Key players like Borregaard, Henkel, and H.B. Fuller are actively involved in research and development, focusing on innovative adhesive solutions to meet the evolving needs of the corrugated board industry. Competition is fierce, with manufacturers continuously striving to enhance product performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency to maintain their market position.

Adhesives for Corrugated Board Trends

The global adhesives for corrugated board market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the expanding packaging industry and the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient packaging solutions. The market size, estimated at XXX million units in 2025, is projected to reach XXX million units by 2033, exhibiting a significant Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is fueled by several key factors, including the rise of e-commerce, which necessitates efficient and reliable packaging for shipping, and the growing preference for lightweight yet durable packaging materials to reduce transportation costs and environmental impact. Furthermore, advancements in adhesive technology, leading to improved performance characteristics such as higher bonding strength, faster drying times, and increased water resistance, are driving market expansion. The historical period (2019-2024) witnessed steady growth, setting the stage for the accelerated expansion anticipated in the forecast period. The market is witnessing a shift towards eco-friendly, starch-based adhesives, driven by growing environmental concerns and stringent regulations. This trend, alongside the continuing dominance of resin-based adhesives, is shaping the competitive landscape and influencing product innovation. Market segmentation by application reveals a strong demand across retail, food & beverage, consumer goods, and industrial packaging sectors, with retail packaging currently leading the way. Geographic analysis suggests significant growth potential in developing economies experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the market dynamics, including detailed analysis of key players, regional trends, and future growth prospects.

Driving Forces: What's Propelling the Adhesives for Corrugated Board Market?

Several factors are driving the growth of the adhesives for corrugated board market. The burgeoning e-commerce sector is a major contributor, as online retailers require vast quantities of corrugated board packaging for efficient order fulfillment. Simultaneously, the food and beverage industry's reliance on corrugated board for product protection and transportation fuels demand for high-performance adhesives. The trend towards lightweight packaging, driven by sustainability initiatives and cost reduction efforts, necessitates adhesives that offer strong bonds with less material usage. Furthermore, technological advancements in adhesive formulations are leading to improved performance characteristics such as enhanced bonding strength, water resistance, and faster drying times, further boosting market demand. Regulations aimed at reducing waste and improving environmental sustainability are also shaping the market, pushing the adoption of biodegradable and eco-friendly adhesives like starch-based options. Finally, increasing consumer awareness of environmentally friendly packaging choices is further accelerating the demand for sustainable adhesive solutions within the corrugated board packaging industry. These combined factors create a favorable environment for significant market expansion.

Challenges and Restraints in Adhesives for Corrugated Board

Despite the promising growth outlook, several challenges hinder the adhesives for corrugated board market. Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly for key ingredients used in resin-based and starch-based adhesives, impact production costs and profitability. The adhesives industry faces pressure to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations, necessitating the development and adoption of sustainable alternatives. Maintaining consistent adhesive performance across diverse applications and environmental conditions remains a challenge, requiring ongoing research and development efforts. Competition from alternative packaging materials, such as plastic and flexible films, poses a significant threat, especially in sectors where sustainability concerns are less prominent. Moreover, ensuring consistent quality and performance across various climatic conditions is another challenge manufacturers face to prevent adhesive failure affecting the product integrity. Finally, economic downturns can significantly impact packaging demand, leading to reduced consumption of adhesives.

Key Region or Country & Segment to Dominate the Market

• Retail Packaging: This segment holds the largest market share due to the explosive growth of e-commerce and the consequent surge in demand for shipping boxes. The need for robust and reliable adhesives to ensure product safety during transit fuels this segment's dominance. Furthermore, the increasing trend of personalized packaging and customized box designs further expands the application of adhesives in retail packaging.

• Asia-Pacific Region: This region is projected to experience the fastest growth rate due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and expanding e-commerce markets in countries like China and India. The burgeoning consumer goods sector and the rising demand for packaged food and beverages also contribute significantly to the region's market share.

• Starch-Based Adhesives: Driven by the growing environmental concerns and the push for sustainable practices, starch-based adhesives are gaining significant traction. Their biodegradability and renewable nature make them an attractive alternative to resin-based adhesives, thus promoting market growth within this segment. The increasing regulatory pressure towards eco-friendly alternatives further bolsters the adoption of starch-based adhesives. While resin-based adhesives maintain a larger market share due to their established performance, starch-based alternatives are steadily closing the gap.

The Asia-Pacific region's substantial growth is intertwined with the increasing adoption of corrugated board packaging across various industries, fueled by rising disposable incomes and changing consumption patterns. The region's diverse manufacturing base necessitates high volumes of packaging materials, leading to robust demand for adhesives. The dominance of retail packaging is linked to the expansion of online shopping platforms and the subsequent need for secure and efficient delivery systems. This segment’s growth is expected to remain substantial in the forecast period due to the ever-increasing prominence of e-commerce. The increasing popularity of starch-based adhesives mirrors the global trend towards sustainable packaging solutions and reflects consumers' and businesses' growing awareness of environmental responsibilities.

Growth Catalysts in Adhesives for Corrugated Board Industry

The adhesives for corrugated board industry is experiencing robust growth, spurred by several key factors. The rise of e-commerce is driving demand for reliable packaging solutions, while the focus on lightweight packaging is pushing innovation in adhesive technology. Furthermore, increasing environmental concerns are promoting the adoption of bio-based, sustainable adhesives, and stricter regulations regarding packaging materials are further propelling this market shift. This convergence of factors guarantees substantial growth for the foreseeable future.

Leading Players in the Adhesives for Corrugated Board Market

• Borregaard
• Henkel (Henkel)
• Follmann
• Roquette Group (Roquette Group)
• C&D Corrugating & Paper
• H.B. Fuller (H.B. Fuller)
• Cargill (Cargill)
• Jowat Adhesives (Jowat Adhesives)
• Alpkim Adhesive
• Goma Starch Adhesive
• Gluecom
• Kemind

Significant Developments in Adhesives for Corrugated Board Sector

• 2021: Henkel launched a new range of sustainable adhesives for corrugated board packaging.
• 2022: Roquette Group invested in expanding its starch-based adhesive production capacity.
• 2023: Several major players announced commitments to reduce their carbon footprint in adhesive production.
• 2024: New regulations regarding recyclable packaging materials were implemented in several key markets.

Comprehensive Coverage Adhesives for Corrugated Board Report

This report provides a detailed analysis of the adhesives for corrugated board market, encompassing historical data, current market trends, and future projections. It offers insights into key market drivers, challenges, and opportunities, along with a comprehensive examination of leading players, regional dynamics, and segment-specific growth prospects. This analysis is crucial for companies operating within the industry, investors seeking growth opportunities, and researchers interested in the sustainable packaging sector. The report's detailed market segmentation and comprehensive data enable informed decision-making regarding investment, product development, and market entry strategies.

Adhesives for Corrugated Board Segmentation

• 1. Type
  • 1.1. Resin Based
  • 1.2. Starch Based
  • 1.3. World Adhesives for Corrugated Board Production
• 2. Application
  • 2.1. Retail Packaging
  • 2.2. Food and Drink Packaging
  • 2.3. Consumer Goods Packaging
  • 2.4. Industrial Packaging
  • 2.5. Others
  • 2.6. World Adhesives for Corrugated Board Production

Adhesives for Corrugated Board Segmentation By Geography

• 1. North America
  • 1.1. United States
  • 1.2. Canada
  • 1.3. Mexico
• 2. South America
  • 2.1. Brazil
  • 2.2. Argentina
  • 2.3. Rest of South America
• 3. Europe
  • 3.1. United Kingdom
  • 3.2. Germany
  • 3.3. France
  • 3.4. Italy
  • 3.5. Spain
  • 3.6. Russia
  • 3.7. Benelux
  • 3.8. Nordics
  • 3.9. Rest of Europe
• 4. Middle East & Africa
  • 4.1. Turkey
  • 4.2. Israel
  • 4.3. GCC
  • 4.4. North Africa
  • 4.5. South Africa
  • 4.6. Rest of Middle East & Africa
• 5. Asia Pacific
  • 5.1. China
  • 5.2. India
  • 5.3. Japan
  • 5.4. South Korea
  • 5.5. ASEAN
  • 5.6. Oceania
  • 5.7. Rest of Asia Pacific