Packaging Industry Today

USA Compostable Adhesives Market to Nearly Double by 2035, Reaching at 6.7% Amid Rising Demand for Sustainable Packaging

The compostable adhesives market is projected to grow from USD 1.2 billion in 2025 to USD 2.3 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 6.6%. Polylactic Acid (PLA)–based adhesives are expected to hold a 36.4% share in 2025. Water-based compostable adhesives are projected to account for a 41.2% share in 2025.
Published 19 September 2025

The global compostable adhesives market is entering a transformative decade, with its value expected to surge from USD 1.2 billion in 2025 to USD 2.3 billion by 2035, growing at a steady CAGR of 6.6%. This remarkable growth reflects the increasing urgency of sustainable packaging, the influence of international regulations, and rising consumer awareness of eco-friendly solutions.

Compostable adhesives, once a niche innovation, are rapidly becoming a mainstream necessity across packaging, healthcare, cosmetics, and consumer goods. As industries pivot away from petrochemical-based materials, these adhesives are proving essential in building a circular packaging economy.

Market Momentum and Key Highlights

  • 2025 Market Value: USD 1.2 billion
  • 2035 Forecast Value: USD 2.3 billion
  • CAGR (2025–2035): 6.6%
  • Leading Adhesive Type in 2025: Water-based adhesives (41.2% share)
  • Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific, led by Japan at 7.3% CAGR
  • Top Companies: H.B. Fuller Company, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Bostik (Arkema S.A.), BASF SE, Ashland Global Holdings, Nvirovate Materials, Coim Group, 3M Company, Arkema S.A., Paramelt B.V.

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From Niche to Necessity

Between 2020 and 2024, compostable adhesives evolved from experimental products to practical solutions embraced by large-scale brands. The shift was accelerated by bans on single-use plastics and the food industry’s growing need for recyclable and biodegradable packaging. PLA and starch-based formulations quickly gained traction, while consumer awareness of sustainability created fertile ground for adoption.

By 2035, compostable adhesives will not only dominate in food and beverages but also in healthcare, cosmetics, and industrial packaging. Water-based and PLA-based resins will lead, backed by performance improvements such as enhanced moisture and heat resistance.

Why Growth is Accelerating

The compostable adhesives market is expanding for three primary reasons:

  1. Global Sustainability Regulations: Governments worldwide are enforcing plastic bans and demanding recyclable packaging, particularly in food and beverage supply chains.
  2. Consumer Demand: Shoppers now expect “clean-label” packaging that is safe, traceable, and eco-friendly, creating direct pressure on brands to adopt compostable solutions.
  3. Technological Innovation: Manufacturers are investing heavily in improving adhesive strength, heat tolerance, and barrier properties. New PLA-based and automation-ready systems are ensuring these adhesives can be scaled across industries without compromising performance.

Segmental Outlook: Where the Growth Lies

  • Resin Type: PLA-based adhesives will account for 36.4% share in 2025, supported by recyclability and versatility across paper, film, and board packaging.
  • Adhesive Type: Water-based adhesives will lead with 41.2% market share, favored for their safety, low VOC emissions, and compliance with health regulations.
  • Applications: Flexible packaging will dominate at 38.7% share in 2025, driven by surging consumption of packaged foods, beverages, and e-commerce deliveries.
  • End-Use Industries: Food and beverages will remain the largest segment with 43.5% share in 2025, spurred by rising meal kits, ready-to-drink formats, and sustainable delivery packaging.

Regional Insights

  • United States: Forecasted to grow at 6.7% CAGR, driven by FDA-compliant adhesives in foodservice, e-commerce, and consumer goods.
  • Germany: Expanding at 6.4% CAGR, supported by strict EU packaging laws and adoption across food, hygiene, and industrial packaging.
  • United Kingdom: Expected CAGR of 6.5%, fueled by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and Plastic Packaging Tax initiatives.
  • China: Growing at 6.6% CAGR, bolstered by export-driven compliance with EU and US packaging standards and rising demand in electronics packaging.
  • India: Forecasted at 6.5% CAGR, benefiting from retail expansion, agricultural packaging, and government-imposed plastic bans.
  • Japan: The fastest-growing market with 7.3% CAGR, thriving in premium food, healthcare, and cosmetics packaging thanks to advanced recycling infrastructure.
  • South Korea: Projected at 7.2% CAGR, led by e-commerce, cosmetics, and electronics packaging innovations.

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Industry Voices and Competitive Landscape

The compostable adhesives sector is moderately fragmented, creating opportunities for both established leaders and innovative newcomers.

  • Industry Leaders: Companies such as H.B. Fuller, Henkel, BASF, Arkema (Bostik), and Ashland are heavily investing in R&D to integrate bio-based resins, PFAS-free coatings, and automation-ready adhesive systems. Their global reach ensures that sustainability standards are met across supply chains.
  • Emerging Innovators: Rising players like Nvirovate Materials, Paramelt B.V., Coim Group, and 3M Company are making their mark by offering specialized bio-resin solutions and regional supply flexibility. Their agility allows them to address niche demands and strengthen localized markets.

Recent developments highlight this commitment:

  • In 2024, Henkel launched bio-based hot-melt adhesives under its Technomelt brand to meet Europe’s growing need for recyclable packaging.
  • In 2023, H.B. Fuller expanded its compostable adhesive portfolio for flexible packaging, reinforcing its pledge to the circular economy.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite strong momentum, challenges remain. Production costs are higher compared to conventional adhesives, and global certification standards for compostability remain inconsistent. Small and mid-sized converters, especially in price-sensitive markets, face barriers to scaling adoption.

However, the opportunities far outweigh the constraints. Healthcare and cosmetics packaging are emerging as high-value growth areas, where compostable adhesives can enhance safety and sustainability. Multifunctional adhesives with antimicrobial and barrier properties are already in development, paving the way for advanced applications.

The Road Ahead

Compostable adhesives are no longer just a sustainability initiative—they are becoming a business imperative. As international regulations tighten, and consumers demand eco-friendly choices, manufacturers are racing to scale up capacity and integrate bio-based systems into global supply chains.

By 2035, the market’s value of USD 2.3 billion will reflect not only strong demand but also the successful transition of adhesives into the broader ecosystem of circular and sustainable packaging. With Asia-Pacific spearheading growth and established leaders working alongside agile innovators, compostable adhesives are set to redefine the future of packaging, healthcare, and consumer goods.

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