Top 10 Companies in the Water Based Packaging Adhesives Industry (2024-2028): Market Leaders Driving Sustainable Packaging Solutions

In Business Insights
November 21, 2025

The Global Water Based Packaging Adhesives Market was valued at USD 14.5 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 19.8 Billion by 2028, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.4% during the forecast period (2023–2028). This robust growth is primarily fueled by stringent environmental regulations, rising consumer demand for sustainable packaging, and the superior performance characteristics of water-based formulations over solvent-based alternatives.

As the packaging industry pivots toward eco-friendly solutions and circular economy principles, the focus intensifies on the adhesive manufacturers at the forefront of innovation, safety, and performance. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Water Based Packaging Adhesives Industry—a diverse group of chemical giants and specialized formulators shaping the future of packaging integrity and sustainability.

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2023-2028 Global and Regional Water Based Packaging Adhesives Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
Key Offering: LOCTITE® adhesives, Technomelt® hot melts, AQUENCE® water-based solutions

Henkel is a global powerhouse in adhesive technologies, with a comprehensive portfolio of water-based solutions for flexible packaging, labeling, and carton sealing. Their products are designed for high-speed application, excellent bond strength, and compliance with food-contact regulations.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Aiming for 100% recyclable or reusable packaging for its consumer goods by 2025

  • Significant R&D investment in bio-based and compostable adhesive formulations

  • Committed to climate-positive operations by 2030


9️⃣ 2. H.B. Fuller Company

Headquarters: Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Swift®tak, Full-Cryl®, Aquence®

H.B. Fuller is a leading global adhesives provider, offering a wide array of water-based adhesives for case and carton sealing, lamination, and specialty packaging. Their expertise lies in creating formulations that meet specific performance requirements while adhering to environmental standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Active member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste

  • Development of adhesives that enable easier recycling of multi-material packaging


8️⃣ 3. Arkema (Bostik)

Headquarters: Colombes, France
Key Offering: Bostik water-based adhesives for packaging

Through its Bostik division, Arkema delivers high-performance water-based adhesive solutions for the packaging industry. Their products are renowned for strong initial tack, fast setting times, and reliability in demanding packaging operations.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in bio-circular raw materials through its BIO-CIRCULAR program

  • Focus on developing adhesives compatible with paper and board recycling streams


7️⃣ 4. 3M Company

Headquarters: Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: 3M™ Water-Based Adhesives, Scotch-Weld™ tapes and adhesives

3M’s adhesive division offers innovative water-based solutions for a multitude of packaging applications, including tapes, labels, and laminates. Their technology is often tailored for high-speed automated packaging lines.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Goal to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and waste

  • Product stewardship programs ensuring environmental compliance and safety

Download FREE Sample Report:
2023-2028 Global and Regional Water Based Packaging Adhesives Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Dow Packaging (Dow Inc.)

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: DOW™ Laminating Adhesives, MOR-FREE™ solventless and water-based solutions

Dow is a key supplier of advanced polymers and adhesives for flexible and rigid packaging. Their water-based laminating adhesives are critical for creating high-barrier packaging films used in food and beverage industries.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering adhesive technologies that support mono-material, fully recyclable packaging structures

  • Commitment to delivering 100% recyclable or reusable packaging applications by 2035


5️⃣ 6. Avery Dennison Corporation

Headquarters: Glendale, California, USA
Key Offering: Water-based adhesives for pressure-sensitive labels and tapes

Avery Dennison is a world leader in labeling and packaging materials. Their adhesive technologies are integral to their pressure-sensitive label stocks, providing clean convertibility and secure adhesion on various substrates.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of adhesive technologies for wash-off labels to improve PET bottle recycling

  • Ambitious 2030 sustainability goals focusing on circularity and reducing carbon footprint


4️⃣ 7. Jowat SE

Headquarters: Detmold, Germany
Key Offering: JOWAT® water-based dispersion adhesives for packaging

Jowat is a globally active, independent adhesives manufacturer with a strong focus on packaging solutions. They offer a diverse range of high-performance water-based adhesives for carton sealing, laminating, and labeling.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Emphasis on developing formaldehyde-free and low-odor adhesive formulations

  • Investment in resource-efficient production processes and renewable raw materials


3️⃣ 8. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Aqualite™, Hystretch® waterborne adhesives

Ashland provides specialty chemicals, including a robust line of water-based adhesives for packaging. Their formulations are known for excellent mechanical stability and bonding performance on challenging substrates.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Product portfolio aligned with green chemistry principles

  • Development of solutions that enhance the recyclability of packaging materials


2️⃣ 9. SIKA AG

Headquarters: Baar, Switzerland
Key Offering: SikaMelt®, SikaForce® adhesives for industrial packaging

While renowned for construction chemicals, Sika also supplies high-performance adhesives for industrial and heavy-duty packaging applications, including water-based systems for specialized needs.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on reducing the carbon footprint of its products and operations

  • Innovations aimed at increasing durability and lifecycle of packaged goods


1️⃣ 10. Wacker Chemie AG

Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Key Offering: VINNAPAS® vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) dispersions

Wacker is a leading producer of polymer binders, the essential raw materials for formulating high-quality water-based packaging adhesives. Their VAE dispersions are prized for their strong adhesion, flexibility, and clarity.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Production of dispersions using renewable raw materials (e.g., bio-based acetic acid)

  • Commitment to carbon-neutral production by 2030 as part of its “RESPONSIBLE CARE” initiative

Read Full Report:
2023-2028 Global and Regional Water Based Packaging Adhesives Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Water Based Packaging Adhesives Is Sustainable and High-Performance

The water-based packaging adhesives market is experiencing a transformative phase driven by regulatory pressure and consumer consciousness. While traditional formulations continue to serve a vast market, the industry is rapidly innovating to deliver solutions that support a circular economy without compromising on performance.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated shift from solvent-based to water-based adhesives due to VOC emission regulations

  • Growing demand for bio-based and compostable adhesive formulations

  • Innovations focused on adhesives that enable easier recycling of multi-material packaging

  • Increasing adoption in e-commerce packaging for secure and sustainable parcel sealing

Read Full Report:
2023-2028 Global and Regional Water Based Packaging Adhesives Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just supplying adhesives—they are enabling the sustainable transformation of the global packaging industry.