Growing Packaged Food Market to Fuel the Laminating Adhesives Market

The global laminating adhesives market size was valued at US$984.413 million in 2020 and is anticipated to increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 5.46% over the predictive period to reach US$1,428.340 billion by 2027. Laminating is the process of applying a bonding chemically to bind two or more flexible packaging webs together. Films, papers, and metal foils make up these webs. Laminating adhesives have shown to be an excellent choice for a variety of packaging applications requiring strong bonding. Laminating adhesives are projected to be in high demand as the demand for flexible packaging grows across sectors. Increased production and sales of packaged foods, automobiles, medical gadgets, electronic components, and other items in both developed and developing nations have helped in the growth of the global laminating adhesives market.

Uses of Laminating Adhesives

Food Packaging: – Laminating adhesives have widely been utilized in the food industry. Laminating adhesives are used to wrap fresh foods, vegetables, raw and cooked meat, etc. The food sector requires a long-lasting laminating adhesive that can protect the product from external damage while also preserving its freshness. Laminating adhesives are also used to produce microwavable food packs and boil-in-bag food packs.

Insulation: – Laminating adhesives also include foil or metalized films that provide insulation protection for a range of applications. The adhesive is usually preferred for its fire-retardant characteristics. Ceiling panels and wall insulation are two common uses of this product.

Medical: – Laminating adhesives are used in the medical industry for the fabrication and production of durable and sterilized packaging for medical devices and equipment. Laminating adhesives are also used in the production of blister packs or clamshell packaging. Laminating adhesives is an economical and efficient method for the pharmaceutical industry, as compared to other methods of laminating.

Development in Adhesive Market

As reported Toyo-Morton Ltd in a press release dated 31st May 2022, the company, which is a member of the Toyo Ink Group and Japan's leading maker of laminating adhesives, has developed the ECOADTM EA-B3860/EA-B1290, a high-solids solvent-based adhesive for dry lamination of multilayered sheets in flexible packaging structures. When compared to the company's general-purpose laminating adhesives, the new formulations have over 40% coating solids by weight and contain less solvent, resulting in a 25% reduction in overall CO2 emissions during lamination. The high-solids design also means reduced waste recovery and disposal, resulting in increased operating efficiencies and a cleaner workplace.

As reported by Henkel Adhesives in a press release dated 16st September 2021, The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has given the Henkel adhesive system its seal of approval for recyclability. Henkel's Liofol LA 4220 RE/Loctite Liofol LA 3180 RE was tested under the Critical Guidance Protocol for PE Film and Flexible Packaging. This two-component adhesive solution for PE film lamination is the company's first solvent-free, 100% solids adhesive system for flexible packaging to be recognized by the organization.

Products in the Laminating Adhesives Market

LOCTITE® Liofol is a Henkel brand of high-quality laminating adhesives and coatings. Solvent-free polyurethane adhesives and solvent-based polyurethane adhesives are among the LOCTITE® LIOFOL polyurethane laminating adhesives range. This product line includes solutions for a wide variety of applications in the food packaging sector, as well as non-food applications such as automobile and consumer product manufacturing sectors.

The 3MTM Laminating Adhesive 932FL is designed for smooth and HSE surfaces. This 2 mil adhesive is bonded on a clear 3 mil polyester (PET) liner, which provides strength and enables quick and easy visual inspection before removal. 3MTM Laminating Adhesive 932FL has a 2 mil utility acrylic adhesive developed for smooth surfaces like metals and high surface energy plastics, making it ideal for applications like back printed graphic overlays. This adhesive can withstand temperatures of up to 300°F (149°C) for short periods of time and up to 250°F (121° C) for prolonged periods of time, and also offers resistance against weather and chemical damage.

PACACELTM L75-191, developed by Dow and Chempoint, is a high-efficiency solventless adhesive that may be used in a wide range of applications and performance requirements. PACACELTM offers a cost-effective solution for laminating applications by increasing line speeds, reducing process cure times, and reducing clean-up time and waste, which contributes to a higher production using PACACELTM

Asia Pacific region to Lead the Market

The Asia Pacific market has been reported to have the largest market share in the laminating adhesive market. Owing to the increasing demand for flexible and durable packaging in the Asia Pacific region, the market has reported a positive demand in the region. The consumer demand for convenient and durable packaged products in the food industry, as well as, the increasing developments and demand for the healthcare sector in countries like India and China have positively influenced the demand in the sector. Stable economic growth and infrastructure improvements are primarily responsible for this expansion. Moreover, the increasing population in the region has opened up a lot of growth opportunities for the market. Additionally, with the increasing government support in the region, the market is anticipated to grow even further.

However, the growing demand for environment-friendly production processes to combat climate change effects in the region may hinder the demand for laminating adhesives in the region.

COVID-19 Insight

The pandemic of COVID-19 caused a worldwide economic slowdown. The introduction of shutdown restrictions in most major countries resulted in significant losses for most major enterprises. The installation of lockdown measures also had an impact on people's lifestyles and well-being. The laminating adhesive market has seen a drop in demand as a result of the closure of key enterprises and manufacturing facilities. The outbreak caused key manufacturing and supply lines to be disrupted, resulting in a fall in the packaged food industry. This was accompanied by a lack of food on the market, which resulted in inflated food prices.

The market, however, is said to be recovering, since most nations have started to remove their lockdown rules. Furthermore, rising demand for frozen meals and packaged fresh produce is expected to drive up market demand. Furthermore, rising demand in the healthcare and automotive industries is expected to fuel market growth.