Global Hot-melt Adhesives Market to to Reach USD 5.01 Bn in 2019: Frost & Sullivan

LONDON -- Increasing industrial activity following the economic downturn is boosting demand for hot melt adhesives (HMAs) globally. Growing markets in the Asia-Pacific, in particular, will give momentum to the mature market. Greater confidence in the benefits of HMAs - lower logistic and maintenance costs, high impact resistance, longer service life and easier processability - too will fuel market expansion.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Analysis of the Hot Melt Adhesives Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $3.56 billion in 2012 and estimates this to reach $5.01 billion in 2019. Tapes, artificial turfs and rigid bonding are likely to remain the dominant applications for HMAs, followed by packaging and construction. HMA use in transportation and woodworking, however, will witness sluggish growth owing to the slowdown in automobile sales and the rising popularity of metals and plastics over wood materials.

"Environmental concerns associated with the use of solvent-based adhesives are in effect creating a replacement market for hot melt adhesives," said Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, Materials & Food Research Director Dr Leonidas Dokos.

Moreover, the implementation of stringent legislations to enhance environmental well-being and manage occupational health hazards will strengthen the adoption of HMAs. The advent of bio-based hot melts that improve sustainability also augurs well with the market.

Despite these advantages, the high raw material costs associated with HMAs restrict their large-scale use in many applications. As most of these raw materials are derived from petroleum, the constant fluctuations in crude oil prices affect supply and price.

Competitors are seeking ways to overcome the limitations posed by the heavy dependence on crude oil. Technological advancements in cracking and the de