Water-Based Adhesives Forecast to Match Industry Growth
Consumption of water-based adhesives in 1999 was 4.6 billion dry pounds valued at $2.6 billion. Volume growth through 2004 is forecast at a mature 2% annual rate, although the robust U.S. economy has contributed to higher rates in recent years. As opposed to other industries, such as coatings and inks, most of the adhesives industry is already environmentally compliant.
Hot melt technology is 14% of the industry volume, and 100%-solid liquid products are 7%. Solvent-based products represent only 6% of the volume, but 15% of the dollars. Figure 1 summarizes adhesive technologies in 1999 by weight.