ASC: Adhesives growth forecast looks good

David Nick

17-Apr-2015

US demand for adhesives and sealants reached 7.4bn lb (3.36m tonnes) in 2014. Demand is forecast to grow by 2.6%/year to 8.1bn lb in 2018 with a value of nearly $11.5bn.

Figures are from the ASC’s soon-to- be-released “North America Market Study for Adhesives and Sealants”, prepared by DPNA International.

According to Dave Nick of DPNA, the market has slowly recovered from the severe economic downturn that began in 2008. Recovery was slow particularly in the construction sector. New building has been delayed for nearly five years as the economy re-adjusted.

The manufacturing sector recovered first, followed by the automotive industry. Since 2012, the unemployment outlook has improved and the employment figures look brighter. Overall the adhesive and sealant industry has returned to growing at a slightly greater rate than the US economy.

Water-based adhesives still reign as products of choice where odour and air-borne toxicity are issues Solvent systems will continue to be used where control of air-borne vapours is available and speed of drying is important.

The continued replacement of mechanical fasteners continues. Acceptance of adhesives for use in critical structural applications has been slow, but advances in reactive adhesive technology continue to make in-roads.

Packaging sector growth has slowed from its earlier high growth rate. Some of this relates to greater packaging regulations and control of fugitive materials into stored food stuffs. It is believed that this slowdown is temporary as process, formulas and raw material choices are re-adjusted.

The automotive market and overall transportation sector has rebounded from its slowdown. The 2015 automotive model year has been strong. Adhesives and sealants have enabled the automotive industry to build stronger safer vehicles and more is to come. The US industry is regaining its position of quality and technology. It is turning to adhesives and sealants to improve design, better fuel economy, initial quality and longevity.

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