Structural adhesives market seen reaching $27.9 billion by 2030

The global structural adhesives market is projected to nearly double from $14.3 billion in 2020 to $27.9 billion by 2030, driven by demand from construction, aerospace and automotive. Asia-Pacific held the largest share in 2020, while metal substrates and water-based products are expected to remain the key segments through the forecast period.

Why it matters: - Structural adhesives are gaining share in industries that need strong, lightweight bonding without welds or rivets. - The market’s projected growth reflects spending in construction, aerospace and automotive, where material performance and weight reduction affect cost and efficiency. - Environmental and health concerns remain a restraint, which keeps pressure on manufacturers to develop safer formulations.

What happened: - Allied Market Research published a report projecting the global structural adhesives market will rise from $14.3 billion in 2020 to $27.9 billion by 2030. - The forecast implies a 6.9% compound annual growth rate from 2021 to 2030. - The report covers substrate, product type, resin type and application across the global market. - The report is titled "Structural Adhesives Market by Substrate (Metal, Wood, Composite, Plastic, Others), Product Type (Solvent-based, Water-based, and Others), Resin Type (Epoxy, Polyurethane, Acrylic, Cyanoacrylate, and Others), and Application (Automotive, Building & Construction, Aerospace, Electrical & Electronics, Energy, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021–2030". - The report offers a sample PDF.

The details: - Investment in building and construction, higher aerospace spending and growth in automotive are the main growth drivers. - Sustainable structural adhesives and lightweight structural adhesives are identified as future opportunities. - The key companies listed in the report include Ashland Global Holdings, DuPont, H.B. Fuller, Henkel, Huntsman, Lord, Scott Bader, Sika, 3M and Uniseal. - The metal segment accounted for nearly one-third of total market share in 2020 and is expected to lead by 2030. - Metal bonding benefits include strength, durability, reduced surface preparation and improved appearance because welds or rivets are not needed. - The composite segment is projected to post the fastest CAGR, at 7.6%, from 2021 to 2030. - Composite materials are widely used in marine, wind, building and construction, and transportation. - The water-based segment held more than half of total market revenue in 2020 and is expected to stay dominant through 2030. - The water-based segment is also projected to grow at the fastest CAGR, 7.2%, over the forecast period. - The report points to marine boards made of mineral wool being bonded to plateworks in military ships as a notable use case for water-based structural adhesives. - Asia-Pacific, followed by North America, held more than two-fifths of the global market in 2020. - Asia-Pacific and North America are projected to register the fastest CAGR, at 7.8%, from 2021 to 2030. - Structural adhesives are valued for high bonding strength, chemical and thermal stability, uniform stress distribution and high load-bearing capacity. - Electronics, automobiles, aerospace and building and construction are major end-use sectors in Asia-Pacific. - The report includes a full summary, a purchase inquiry page and a premium report purchase link.

Between the lines: - The fastest-growing segments are aligned with industries shifting toward lighter materials and more efficient assembly methods. - Water-based products and composite applications suggest the market is balancing performance demands with environmental pressure. - Asia-Pacific’s lead indicates that manufacturing, construction and transportation demand remain concentrated in that region.

What's next: - The report expects broad market expansion through 2030, with growth strongest in composites, water-based products and Asia-Pacific. - Adoption should continue where manufacturers want stronger bonding, lower assembly complexity and fewer mechanical fasteners. - Sustainable and lightweight adhesive development is likely to shape the next phase of competition.