In contrast to the growing volume of additives in construction applications, the automotive segment has seen little growth in recent years. Automotive applications consumed 23% of additive volume in 2004. The leading automotive adhesive outlet for additives is found in film adhesives for safety glass. Plastisol body sealants and car body putties are the largest automotive sealant applications for additives. Textile adhesive formulations used 15% of additive dollars. Carpet-backing adhesives took the bulk of the additives in textile applications. Froth aids, thickeners and biocides are the leading additives found in textile adhesives.
Packaging adhesives consumed 10% of additive dollars. Emulsion-based and hot-melt adhesives for applications such as case- and carton-sealing are the largest users of additives in packaging. Plasticizers, biocides and foam-control materials are the major additives for water-based packaging adhesives. Antioxidants are the leading additive for hot-melt packaging adhesives. Plasticizers are also used in specialized hot melts. Other adhesive and sealant end uses took 10% of additive dollars in 2004. Woodworking, consumer, disposables, electronic, aerospace, etc., adhesives and sealants use a variety of additives for product optimization.