The sustainable adhesives for packaging market is being shaped by global adhesive leaders that are rapidly transitioning toward bio-based, recyclable, and low-emission solutions. Companies such as Henkel Adhesive Technologies, H.B. Fuller Company, and 3M are investing heavily in next-generation adhesive systems that reduce carbon footprint while maintaining strong bonding performance. These players are increasingly developing water-based, solvent-free, and compostable formulations to meet stricter environmental regulations and brand sustainability commitments. Industry insights indicate that more than 50% of newly developed packaging adhesives now focus on sustainability attributes such as recyclability, biodegradability, or reduced VOC emissions.
At the same time, companies like Cosmo Speciality Chemicals and Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives are expanding eco-friendly adhesive portfolios tailored for flexible packaging, labels, and paper-based applications. Meanwhile, Bostik and Jowat SE are focusing on high-performance bio-based and recyclable adhesive technologies that support circular packaging systems. With growing demand from food, e-commerce, and consumer goods sectors, nearly 60–65% of sustainable adhesive adoption is driven by packaging applications where brands prioritize recyclability, reduced material complexity, and compliance with global environmental standards.
Recent Developments
- In March 2026, Henkel announced the development of new tinplate cans to enhance sustainable options in Europe to bluemint® steel across several groups for specialised craftsmen and customers. It is developed in a closed cooperation between Henkels Adhesive Technologies business unit, named thyssenkrupp Rasselstein and Pirlo.
- In November 2024, Packsize collaborated with Henkel Adhesive Technologies for the development of Eco-Pax. It is a biobased hot melt adhesive developed to decrease carbon footprint in the packaging sector. This planned partnership is to enhance sustainable products in the packaging industry. It decreases the usage of old-style traditional hot melt adhesives in the packaging sector.
Top Companies in the Sustainable Adhesives for Packaging Market
- Henkel Adhesive Technologies: It is known for its Technomelt Supra ECO range, which consists of up to 98% biomass.
- H.B. Fuller Company: It focuses on compostable lamination adhesives under the Flextra® brand, providing eco-friendly solutions for flexible food packaging.
- Cosmo Speciality Chemicals: It provides solventless polyurethane (PU) adhesives and water-based pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) for eco-friendly packaging.
- 3M: It is known for low-VOC and specialised adhesives designed to aid in the recycling of packaging materials.
- Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives: It manufactures compostable adhesive materials, allowing labels and packaging to be disposed of together.
- Others: Bostik (Arkema Group), Jowat SE, LD Davis, and many others.
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