Our industry

Adhesives and sealants are a success story that make many everyday products possible. Our industry fosters sustainability, encourages innovation and offers stimulating careers for people with a wide range of skills.

Economic significance

Although adhesives and sealants play an essential role in a huge range of consumer, professional and industrial products, they are largely invisible once applied. However, they are everywhere.

The European adhesives and sealants (A&S) market in 2022 was 4.8 million tonnes with a value of €19.9 billion. Adhesives accounted for 83.5% share of the total volume in 2022 and 74.7% share of the value. Estimated volume demand in 2023 for adhesives & sealants will be lower at 4.6 million tonnes, although market value will remain roughly equal at €19.9 billion.

The combined demand for adhesives and sealants in Europe is forecast to see a small increase in volume between 2021 and 2028 of 1.3% CAGR. Volume demand in 2028 is forecast at 5.3 million tonnes, and a growth in value over the reporting period of 2.0% CAGR will result in a market of €21.4 billion. Although sealants have a smaller share of the European A&S market, their demand is forecast to grow at a slightly faster rate in volume than adhesives between 2023 and 2028

FEICA represents both large companies and SMEs. We estimate that there are around 800 companies manufacturing adhesives and sealants in Europe, of which around 90% are SMEs.