Top 10 Leading Hot Melt Adhesive Manufacturers in the World

Hot melt adhesive is a type of polymer-based glue that is primarily in a molten state. These adhesives have extensive industrial applications such as bookbinding, packaging, carton-making, tapes, graphic arts, and labels.

Multi-Benefits of Hot Melt over Solvents

Today, hot melt adhesives have taken over solvent-based adhesives due to their several advantages: strong adhesive, rapid drying, cost-effectiveness, and producing lower volatile organic compounds. Moreover, owing to their chemical nature, they are available in several forms. This includes pellets, cakes, glue sticks, pillows, slats, and others.

COVID-19 Impact: Shutdown of Automotive Manufacturing Facilities Restrains Growth

Due to the pandemic, several European carmakers were forced to shut down their manufacturing facilities. For instance, Renault, one of the leading automotive manufacturers, halted its operations and shut down its manufacturing facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic that affected around 18,000 workers in France. The temporary closure of several industries such as packaging and automotive led to a significant decline in the demand for this type of adhesives globally.

However, supportive initiatives from the government and the growing investments in the infrastructure and manufacturing sector are anticipated to boost the demand for the product during the foreseeable future.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market size for hot melt adhesives is expected to reach USD 9,702.2 million by 2027 while exhibiting a CAGR of 5.3% between 2020 and 2027. This is attributable to the increasing demand for polyurethane hot melt adhesives across several industrial applications worldwide.

This article lists down the top 10 companies profiled in the global market. They are as follows:

1. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Founded in 1876, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is a Germany-based consumer goods and chemical company having its headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany. The company reported sales of around EURO 19 billion in 2020 with over 2.019 billion in operating profit and has its presence across major regions such as Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. In September 2019, the company introduced hot melt adhesives for palletization at the FachPack 2019. The TechnomeltSupra PS product line from the company ensures a palletization process with zero or reduced plastic film.

2. H.B. Fuller

For over 130 years, the American adhesives manufacturing company H.B. Fuller has been manufacturing and supplying industrial adhesives globally. Having its headquarter in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, the U.S., the company in 2018 stood at 893 in the Fortune 1000 list. The company has its global presence and manufacturers and markets sealants, paints, coatings, and specialty chemical products. In April 2021, the company announced two new compostable adhesive solutions under its flagship series, the Flextra Evolution brand. H.B Fuller aims to strengthen its position in the flexible packaging industry by introducing less toxic and zero pollutant products.

3. Dow Chemical Company

Dow was founded in 1897 and is positioned in Midland, Michigan, U.S. The company is one of the leading chemical producers globally. Having its presence across 160 countries, the employees strength of Dow is about 54,000 people. Furthermore, it is a member of the American Chemistry Council. The company has been adopting proactive strategies to consolidate its position in the global market. For instance, in February 2021, Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics, a division of Dow, announced the addition of bio-based AFFINITY RE to its high-performance AFFINITY GA polyolefin elastomers (POE).

4. Exxon Mobil Corporation

The American multinational oil and gas company Exxon Mobil Corporation has its headquarters in Irving, Texas. Established on 30^th November 1999, Exxon is one of the largest companies in terms of revenue worldwide today. In 2017, it was the tenth most profitable company listed in the Fortune 500. It offers an extensive portfolio of polymer and petrochemical products. In June 2018, ExxonMobil unveiled its integrated manufacturing complex, the largest integrated refining, and petrochemical complex in Singapore. The complex has a built-in EscorezTM hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins plant with a production capacity of 90,000 tons per year to cater to the growing demand for hot melt adhesives adopted in packaging or infant diapers.

5. Arkema Group

Arkema S.A. is among the leading specialty chemicals and advanced materials companies with its headquarters in Colombes, Paris, France. Established in 2004, the company generated revenue worth EURO 7.9 billion in 2020. In July 2020, Arkema announced the acquisition of Fixatti, a leading company specialized in high-performance thermobonding adhesive powders. The acquisition is likely to strengthen its hot melt adhesive offering for niche industrial applications such as construction, technical coating, textile printing, automotive, etc.

6. Jowat SE

One of the prominent providers of industrial adhesives, Jowat SE, is positioned in Detmold, Germany. Founded in 1919, the company has been working on strengthening its position in the global market. The company has its presence across several parts of the world. In February 2020, the company introduced Jowatherm-Reaktant MR 604.90, the first-ever PUR hot-melt adhesive with reduced monomer content.

7. LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V.

Incorporated in the Netherlands, LyondellBasell has its headquarters in Houston and Texas. In addition to this, the company has its offices in London, U.K. The largest licensor of polypropylene and polyethylene technologies, the company manufactures propylene, polyolefins, ethylene, and oxyfuels. Established in 2007, LyondellBasell was the third-largest independent chemical manufacturer in the U.S. in 2016. The company has adopted an aggressive stance to strengthen its position in the global market. For instance, in November 2020, the company signed a distribution deal with De Monchy, a multinational trading company. As per the deal, the LyondellBasell Koattro mPB-1 product range will be distributed by De Monchy International BV in the HMA division across the European and the North American regions.

8. SABA

Back in 1993, SABA Adhesives came into existence. The company manufactures high-quality adhesives and sealants adopted across the construction industry. Based in Dinxperlo, Netherlands, the company has witnessed rapid growth through its encouraging strategies and innovations that have carved it a name in this market. In November 2020, the company launched a new hot melt adhesive, Sabamelt 4732, to produce pocket-coil units. The launch enabled the company to strengthen its position as one of the top solvent-free foam bonding experts.

9. Franklin Adhesives & Polymers

A division of Franklin International, Franklin Adhesives & Polymers is one of the leading manufacturers of adhesives. The company’s products are adopted across several industrial applications such as millwork, wood furniture, filter-fabrication, etc. Moreover, the company produces sensitive adhesives for graphics, labels, and tapes. Having its presence across 60 countries in six continents, the company has a plant located in Guangzhou, China, to provide its services across the Pacific Rim.

10. Avery Dennison Corporation

A member of the Fortune 500 group, Avery Dennison has its headquarters in Glendale, California. Established in January 1990, the company has an extensive product portfolio that includes specialty adhesive tapes, tags, tickets, apparel branding labels, etc. Avery operates in over 50 countries and has an employee strength of about 25,000 people globally. In March 2021, Avery launched a new digital cloud platform, atma.io. The company aims to efficiently facilitate consumer engagement, brand protection, sustainability, and operational excellence. 

Wide Industrial Application of Hot Melts, Technological Advancements Lead to Bright Future

Owing to their flexibility and unique properties, hot melt adhesives are adopted across several industrial settings. Although the COVID-19 has hindered the growth prospects of the automotive, packaging, and other industries, technological advancement in the polymer is expected to lead to the greater applicability of the types of adhesives in the forthcoming years.