Pressure-sensitive adhesives provide in-depth forecasts to 2020 for prime market segments

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are at the heart of a wide variety of applications and industries today, thanks to their efficacy and, in combination with a release liner, their user-friendliness. New market research from AWA Alexander Watson Associates – in the second edition of the AWA Global Pressure-sensitive Adhesives Market Study 2016 –explores the current profile of this high-volume industry, and provides in-depth forecasts to 2020 for the prime market segments and manufacturing technologies. Taking into account the exceptional growth in technology and in the demographics of the Asian countries, it is hardly surprising that, today, Asia represents 42 percent of global PSA demand; and AWA forecast continuing growth in the region at a CAGR of 8.4 percent to 2020.

The study shows that UV-curable hot melt adhesives are currently showing the greatest growth potential – but from a low base. Water-based – emulsion –PSAs command the highest market share today, and are forecast to continue to enjoy a 6.7 percent CAGR to 2020, thanks to their high performance and low cost. The doyens of high performance, solvent-based PSAs, will continue to enjoy growth in appropriate applications – although there are significant safety issues involving the use of solvents, and costs are high.