In October 2024, the U.S. Styrene market experienced ongoing price shifts due to diminished demand fluctuations in feedstock prices and a challenging economic scenario. Styrene prices showed significant reductions, mainly influenced by the volatility in the feedstock markets. Key feedstocks, such as ethylene and benzene, showed different trends, impacting the Styrene production landscape. Ethylene witnessed significant price declines in early October, due to a temporary oversupply following hurricane-induced supply chain delays. Benzene prices also saw substantial reduction in costs, reflecting subdued demand from the downstream sectors.

The adhesives and sealants market is critical to numerous industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, packaging, and electronics. These products are essential for bonding, sealing, and protecting materials, which is crucial in product durability and performance. As industries evolve and technology advances, the adhesives and sealants market continues to grow, driven by increasing demand for high-performance materials and sustainable solutions. According to a report available from research firm Growth Market Reports, the global adhesives and sealants market size was $60.78 billion in 2022 and is likely to reach $94.27 billion by 2031, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2031. The market growth is attributed to the rising demand for adhesives and sealants in various industries such as construction, automotive, furniture, and packaging.

Research and Markets (RM) anticipates that the global adhesives and sealants market size to reach US$ 99.5 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% during 2023-2032. The market is experiencing steady growth driven by the increasing demand for adhesives and sealants across various industries, growing environmental awareness, surging demand for eco-friendly formulations, ongoing research and development (R&D) activities, and evolving consumer preferences for convenience and aesthetics.

At 2024 Battery Show North America, Henkel showcased material solutions that enable its OEM and battery manufacturer customers to reduce impact across all emissions categories, while improving battery performance, safety, cost and process efficiency. Battery debonding technology is critical to enable end-of-line repair and disassembly of batteries at end of life.

According to an exclusive report offered by management consulting firm MarketsandMarkets, the global market for bio-adhesives is expected to be worth approximately $14.60 billion by 2029. The report, Bio-adhesives Market by Product Type (Natural, Synthetic), Type (Plant-base, Animal-based), Application (Paper & Packaging, Construction, Woodworking, Medical, Personal Care), and Region — Global Forecast to 2029, projects the market to grow from $9.65 billion in 2024 to $14.6 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.6%. The study reports that Europe accounts for the largest share of the bio-adhesives market. The demand for bio-adhesives is experiencing significant growth across various applications, including paper and packaging, construction, woodworking, medical, personal care, and more. Nations including Germany, the UK, France, China, Japan, India, and the United States, are expected to play a crucial role in driving the bio-adhesives market forward.

BOBST, a supplier of packaging processing, printing, and converting equipment and Henkel, a solution provider for adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings worldwide, have started a collaboration, harnessing their complementary expertise. Elisabeth Skoda spoke to Nanni Bertorelli, product line director for coating & laminating at BOBST, and Mauro Bonfiglio, business development director for Packaging at Henkel Adhesive Technologies to find out more.

In the first week of October, China's Butadiene market exhibited stability after a period of robust trading in prior weeks. This stability was closely linked to the strengthening dynamics of the downstream automotive sector, where September's auto sales rebounded by 4.3%. This rebound significantly influenced Butadiene procurement rates, which are crucial as Butadiene is primarily used in producing synthetic rubber, particularly styrene-Butadiene rubber (SBR) for the tire and automotive industries. Demand remained steady, primarily driven by Butadiene's critical role in synthetic rubber production, especially for high-performance tires that are essential for the automotive sector. The ongoing recovery of this sector, alongside the rise of electric vehicles, has led to increased demand for tires and, consequently, for Butadiene.

Research and Markets (RM) anticipates that the North American adhesives market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.19%, reaching a market size of US$17.015 billion in 2029 from US$13.210 billion in 2024. Adhesives are used in many consumer goods, the automotive industry, building, and packaging as the population has increased. At the same time, the number of cars being driven has also increased, leading to more demand for strong and energy-efficient cars. Several technological advancements in the automotive field have enabled electric cars (electric vehicles) to be made possible, accompanied by increased demand for other fuels besides traditional ones. The automotive adhesives market’s growth can be expected soon, with the likely increase of electric vehicle demand anticipated by the U.S. government.

As part of our Sustainability Awards Finalist Interview series we spoke to co-founder and CEO of Reelables, Brian Krejcarek, about its 5G Smart Label for shipment tracking, nominated in the Commercialized Renewable Materials category.

Moisture resistance is a critical factor in the adhesives and sealants industry. It enhances the performance and durability across many industrial applications. When exposed to moisture, these materials can experience significant changes in their physical properties and adhesive strength. This potentially leads to joint failure. Hence, strategies for improving moisture resistance in adhesive systems are crucial. This article focuses on the bulk adhesive properties and the crucial interface between adhesive and substrate. Explore how polymer selection, chemical modifications, additives, and surface treatments can be optimized to enhance moisture resistance.

Avery Dennison has revealed its first range of INGEDE12-certified paper label solutions, using a new adhesive technology said to result in higher quality output for new cardboard and paper production.

Henkel Adhesive Technologies launches Technomelt Supra 079 Eco Cool, a HMA which offers both bio-based materials and low-temperature technology at the same time for sustainable packaging. Technomelt Supra 079 Eco Cool is a bio-based product that combines 49 percent directly bio-based raw materials with 30 percent ISSC-certified mass-balanced material. It bonds folding cartons, trays and wrap-around packaging at a processing temperature that is up to 40 degrees Celsius lower.