The global hot-melt adhesives market is expected to register a moderate CAGR during the forecast period, 2018-2023. The Asia-Pacific region is estimated to lead the market, owing to its rapid increase in the production of automotive and packaging applications. The thermoplastic polyurethane segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment, by resin type. Source:https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/global-hot-melt-adhesives-market-industry
Growth in Automotive Production
The automotive industry employs hot-melt adhesives for a host of applications, including bonding insulating and cushioning materials, bonding headlight, fixing cables in the roof liner, bond door sill protectors, and other plastic parts and for wheel covers. They can also be used to bond emblems, as well as anchor plates onto gear knobs. The application of adhesive bonding enables a significant weight reduction of the vehicle, an increase of the body stiffness, improved crash performance/safety, and enhanced NVH characteristics, as compared to conventional joining technologies. With increased emphasis on fuel efficiency and vehicular emission control, the reduction of vehicle body weight is gaining widespread importance throughout the world. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, automotive production in Europe grew by 3.1% YoY in 2017 over 2016, reaching a total of 22,161,107 vehicles. In 2017, the Indian automotive industry grew by 5.83%. Between FY 2006-2017, the passenger vehicle segment witnessed the fastest growth, registering a CAGR of around 10%. The Automotive Mission Plan 2016-26 (AMP 2026) targets a fourfold growth in the automotive industry. The Chinese government is planning to introduce more than 1 million electric vehicles by 2020, which is further expected to drive the market for hot-melt adhesives in the country. United States is one of the largest automotive manufacturing countries in the world. Light vehicle production in the country reached almost 12 million in 2016, while sales peaked to 17.5 million units during the same year. Furthermore, the country exported around 2 million new light weight vehicles in 2016, valued at USD 57 billion, with additional exports of automotive parts valued at around USD 80 million.
TPU:The Fastest-growing Resin Type
Thermoplastic polyurethane hot melts are the new entrants into the market. They are characterized by superior flexibility, high strength, and ability to withstand temperature and moisture. These properties make them an excellent choice for application in extreme weather conditions and on several difficult-to-bond substrates. Thermoplastic polyurethane hot-melt adhesives form a strong bond, as the chemicals in the glue absorb moisture and typically need an entire day to cure. These hot melts solidify through moisture in the air to form a super strong bond that does not re-melt. Growth in the market over the next few years is expected to be driven by the growing product penetration in new application markets, product differentiation, and innovations. Furthermore, the shifting focus toward thermoplastic polyurethane hot-melt adhesives that are bio-based, is expected to offer numerous opportunities for the growth of the market. The growing automotive industry is a major consumer of thermoplastic polyurethane hot-melt adhesives. The automotive industry is driven by the huge demand worldwide. Along with the automotive and electronics industries, the footwear industry is also witnessing high demand for thermoplastic polyurethane hot-melt adhesives. Developments in different types of footwear, materials, processes, and variations according to seasonal changes, drive the demand for thermoplastic polyurethane hot-melt adhesives with superior qualities.
Asia-Pacific Region to Lead the Hot-melt Adhesives Market
China’s transport ministry and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) have planned to invest USD 724 billion during the period 2016-2018 to construct 303 key transportation projects including railways, highways, waterways, airports, and urban rail. Under the 13th five year plan (2016-2020), the Chinese government is planning for infrastructure development of 30,000 km of railway lines and 30,000 km of expressways. The production of light vehicles in China recorded a growth of 1.6% YoY and reached a total of 24,806,687 units in 2017. The production of trucks in China recorded a growth of 28.5% YoY and reached a total of 2,257,562 units in 2017. The Indian government has declared a target of USD 376.5 billion investment in infrastructure over a period of three years, including USD 120.5 billion for developing 27 industrial groups, and USD 75.3 billion for road, railway, and port connectivity projects. In 2017, more than 4.78 million units of vehicles were produced in India. Production of passenger vehicles (PV) and light commercial vehicles (LCV), had growth rates of 6.6%, and 8.2% respectively in FY 2017 over FY 2016. The South Korean hot-melt adhesives market was boosted due to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in the Pyeongchang, Gangwon province, as the government invested USD 10.8 billion for the construction of new stadiums and other associated infrastructure.