Market Intelligence

Ceresana is a leading international market research and consultancy company for the industrial sector and operates branch offices in Constance, Vienna and Hong Kong.

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Green Adhesives Are Trending: Ceresana Report on the European Market for Bio-Based Adhesives

Hotmelt, construction adhesives, or thermoplastic adhesive films for lightweight composites: Bio-adhesives are increasingly meeting even demanding standards for high-performance industrial products. On the one hand, adhesives are still produced in large quantities from crude oil. On the other hand, adhesive products that are at least partially made from renewable plant or animal raw materials are conquering more and more areas of application. For the first time, Ceresana has now specifically analyzed the European market for “green” adhesives. The new market study “Biobased Adhesives – Europe” forecasts that sales of sustainable adhesives in this region of the world will grow to around EUR 1.5 billion by 2034.

Rising Demand for Bio-Adhesives for Bags, Plywood, and Furniture

The demand for environmentally friendly and high-performance bio-adhesives is increasing, particularly in the paper and packaging industry, the construction sector, and wood processing. Paper bags, corrugated board, bottle labels, and other packaging materials alone currently account for almost a third of sales generated with bio-based adhesives across Europe. The packaging industry can combine bio-adhesives well with bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA), while the construction industry may use them together with bio-based paints, coatings, and insulating materials. Ceresana expects market growth of 3.4% per year for the European bio-based adhesives market. In addition to market data and forecasts, the bio-based adhesives market report by Ceresana also contains background information on the general economic situation and the situation in the construction industry in the individual countries.

Further Information on the Market Study “Bio-Based Adhesives – Europe Report” (1st Edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/biobased-adhesives-market-report-europe

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Green Solutions: First Ceresana Study on the European Market for Bio-Based Solvents

Sometimes, water is simply not enough: Stronger solvents are often needed to dilute paints, remove dirt, or extract active ingredients for medicines. Unfortunately, xylene, toluene, and other petrochemical products are not only highly effective but can also be highly toxic. In beauty and care products in particular, more environmentally friendly and healthier alternatives that are at least partially made from renewable raw materials are increasingly being used. For the first time, Ceresana has now specifically analyzed the European market for “green” solvents. The new bio-based solvents market report forecasts that European sales of these products will grow to more than EUR 2.2 billion by 2034.

Sustainable Solutions for the Bioeconomy

Solvents are among the most economically important chemicals. They are required in many industrial sectors and different application areas. Among other applications, bio-based solvents that are harmless and ideally also biodegradable are needed for bio-based cleaning agents or bio-based paints. The ingredients for natural and organic cosmetics, for example, should meet the international standard ISO 16128. The largest consumers also include manufacturers of printing inks, adhesives, and pharmaceutical products. The food industry uses solvents, for example, to decaffeinate coffee, to dilute flavors, or to degrease surfaces. Solvents are also used for chemical manufacturing processes, cooling circuits, and de-icing agents. The market growth of green solvents is driven by stricter environmental regulations and ESG requirements. In addition to data, analysis, and forecasts regarding the market size, the new bio-based solvents market report by Ceresana also contains background information on the regulatory framework in the EU as well as the general economic situation in the individual countries.

Further Information on the Market Study “Bio-Based Solvents – Europe Report” (1st Edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/biobased-solvents-market-report-europe

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Accelerating Sustainability: Ceresana Event on Artificial Intelligence and Bioeconomy

Time is of the essence! The transition to a circular economy and bioeconomy is urgent: Crude oil and natural gas must now be rapidly replaced by affordable and viable alternatives from renewable raw materials. On May 12, 2026, “Future of BioAI”, the latest Ceresana event, brings together experts who are using digitalization to speed up the process of turning green ideas into successful industrial products. Artificial intelligence is driving the bioeconomy forward: AI can accelerate the testing and development of bio-based products, but also, for example, enable innovative materials, reduce the energy consumption of biorefineries, or facilitate recycling.

“Future of BioAI” will take place on May 12, 2026. The keynotes and panels will be presented in the morning via Microsoft Teams. In the afternoon, b2match will serve as a platform for networking. The English-language online event is free of charge. Further information and registration: https://ceresana.com/en/events/future-of-bioai

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Bonding in Demand: Ceresana Forecasts for the Growing Global Adhesives Market

Vinyl is thriving! Although competition is becoming fiercer and adhesive technology is advancing rapidly, vinyl adhesives continue to lead the market in terms of demand. More than 14 million tonnes of adhesives are currently sold worldwide each year. Of this total, approximately 4.1 million tonnes are vinyl-based. Ceresana has now analyzed the global adhesives market for the seventh time: According to the market research institute, vinyl could see even further growth, particularly in packaging, consumer products, and simpler applications. However, the use of polyurethane, acrylic, and epoxy adhesives is currently growing even faster, at a rate of up to 3% per year.

Opportunities and Challenges for Adhesives

The construction industry is the world’s largest consumer of adhesive materials: Wall and floor coverings, cladding and panels, insulation materials, and other building products currently account for more than 27% of all adhesives used. However, the “shoes, textiles, and leather” sector is seeing the strongest growth in demand for adhesives, at around 3.1% per year: Particularly in Asia and Africa, the shift of production to emerging markets and the growth of the middle class are driving up demand for reactive PU adhesives in the fashion and apparel industry. In the automotive industry, lightweight car bodies and batteries for electromobility are increasing the demand for adhesives; thermosetting composites for wind turbine rotor blades are also bonded. By region, the Asia-Pacific region accounts for approximately 43% of global adhesive sales, followed by North America and Western Europe. In Europe, most adhesives are used in the “paper and packaging” segment. The main drivers of growth are e-commerce and the rising demand for transport and shipping packaging – while packaging manufacturers are increasingly succeeding in reducing material usage and improving efficiency. In addition to market data and forecasts, the global adhesives market report by Ceresana also contains background information on the regulatory framework in the EU as well as the general economic situation and the situation in the construction industry in the individual countries.

Further information on the new edition of the market study “Adhesives – World”: https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/adhesives-market-report-world

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Organic Growth: First Ceresana Report on the European Bio-Based Surfactants Market

Green chemistry is becoming more and more important for the chemical industry: The packaging of cosmetics and natural cleaning products increasingly promises ingredients that are “100% organic, vegan, biodegradable, and renewable”. Glycolipids, for example, can be obtained from corn sugar or rapeseed oil. Ceresana has now analyzed the European bio-based surfactants market for the first time. Surfactants are among the first everyday chemical products that are already being produced in large quantities from renewable raw materials. Ceresana’s market researchers expect these “green” chemicals to generate sales of more than EUR 10.1 billion in Europe by 2034.

Further information on the new market study “Bio-Based Surfactants – Europe Report” (1st Edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/biobased-surfactants-market-report-europe

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“Future of BioAdhesives”: Ceresana Event on Bonding with the Power of Nature

The future will be sticky. And bio-based: the development of high-performance adhesives made from vegetable oils, lignin, and other renewable raw materials is making rapid progress. The number of application areas in which bioadhesives can demonstrate their advantages is constantly growing – from packaging and wood-based materials, textiles, and construction products to high-tech for electronics, mobility, and defense. These alternative adhesives promise no fossil raw materials, no toxins, no microplastics, no unpleasant odors and, last but not least, no waste problems, but compostability. Ceresana’s latest online event, “Future of BioAdhesives”, will thus provide information on the opportunities, challenges, and current status of innovative bonding technologies.

“Future of BioAdhesives” will take place on February 24 and 25, 2026. The keynotes and panels will be presented in the morning via Microsoft Teams on both days. The English-language online event is free of charge. Further information and registration: https://ceresana.com/en/events/future-of-bioadhesives

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Renovating Europe: New Ceresana Report on the European Market for Paints and Coatings

From niche products to everyday standard in a short space of time: Acrylic and polyester-based paints and coatings are currently experiencing the greatest growth in Europe. Acrylics dominate in water-based dispersions, polyesters in powder coatings – as low-emission and more environmentally friendly alternatives to solvent-based paints, both benefit from the trend towards sustainability and from EU regulations. However, the latest, seventh edition of the Ceresana market study “Paints and Coatings – Europe” shows that not only plastics such as epoxy or polyurethane (PUR) are on the rise: Increasingly, bio-based coatings are also being used, which can be easily combined with bio-based insulation materials, bio-based adhesives, and other construction materials made from renewable raw materials. In total, Europeans consume around 9.1 million tonnes of paints and coatings per year.

Further information on the market study Paints and Coatings – Europe Report” (7th edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/paints-and-coatings-market-report-europe

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More Sustainable Cleaning: Ceresana Sees Opportunities for Bio-Based Surfactants

Cleaning with the help of bacteria, fungi, or algae: Detergents and shampoos do not necessarily have to be made from climate-damaging crude oil or controversial palm oil. Surfactants can also be fermented by microorganisms from organic waste, for example. The latest, already second edition of Ceresana’s biobased surfactants market report forecasts that the global market for these green chemicals will experience sales growth to more than USD 32 billion by 2034. In North America, Ceresana’s market researchers expect sales to increase by around 3%, and in other regions of the world by more than 6%. Surfactants are among the first everyday chemical products that are already being manufactured in large industrial plants from renewable raw materials, i.e. at least partly on the basis of biogenic materials such as sugar, corn, or vegetable oil. Further information on the new edition of the market study Biobased Surfactants – World (2nd edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/biobased-surfactants-market-report-world

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Connecting Europe: Ceresana Forecasts Growing Market for Plastic Pipes

Will in Europe the economic upturn finally come in 2026? There is hope, at least for manufacturers of plastic pipes. For some time, the European market for PVC pipes, polypropylene pipes, and pipes made of other polymers stagnated at around 5 million tonnes per year. However, Ceresana market researchers are now expecting a slight recovery in demand: EU directives on drinking water (DWD) and urban waste water treatment (UWWTD) are gradually coming into force and driving the expansion of water pipe networks. Adapting to climate change and extreme weather events requires investment in new pipes in agriculture and horticulture, but also in many municipalities, for example for pressure pipes, plumbing pipes, or water treatment. In addition, there is a growing need for empty conduits to protect power and telecommunication lines: For cable protection, often made of polyethylene, Ceresana expects growth of 1.7% per year.

Further information on the new edition of the market study “Plastic Pipes – Europe” (8th edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/plastic-pipes-market-report-europe

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From Field to Facade: Ceresana Event on Bio-Based Building Materials

New skilled workers for our construction sites do not necessarily have to be robots: Sheep produce insulating mats, fungi grow panels, blue-green algae provide limestone. Innovative building materials made from renewable raw materials are not only interesting for ecological reasons. Climate-friendly, healthy alternatives to conventional, fossil-based construction materials are also becoming increasingly important in economic terms. “Future of BioBuilding”, Ceresana’s next international online event, will provide information on the opportunities that bio-based solutions open up for the construction industry. European experts in particular will also be discussing the hurdles and challenges on the way to a “green” construction industry: from securing biogenic raw materials to industrial scaling and successful implementation on the market.

Inspiring Examples of Sustainable Building

On December 10 and 11, 2025, several keynotes will present new building products based on mycelium, i.e. renewable construction materials made from fungal structures. For example, Helge Schritt of MycoLutions will present acoustic and thermal insulation made from biodegradable composite materials that are held together by fungal threads as a kind of bio-adhesive. Bert Rademakers from Mycelium Materials Europe and Nelson Vaga Galleguillos from Fungarium will also highlight perspectives related to mycelium. Furthermore, hemp is an old crop that is being rediscovered in the context of the Green Deal and the circular economy: Henrik Pauly from Hanfingenieur is enthusiastic about the revolution in the construction industry, while Schönthaler Bausteinwerk GmbH manufactures bricks made from hemp and lime in South Tyrol. Insulation materials made from sheep’s wool have already established themselves on the market: Felicitas Lehner of Isolena Naturfaservliese will provide insights from the field and report on new developments. The keynote speakers and other representatives of the bio-economy promise exciting panel discussions.

“Future of BioBuilding” will take place on December 10 and 11, 2025, both as a half-day event. The English-language online event is free of charge. Further Information: https://ceresana.com/en/events/future-of-biobuilding

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Print Is Still Showing Growth: Current Ceresana Study on the Global Market for Printing Inks

Are young people returning to printed books, or at least to books-on-demand or photo books? In any case, the decline in this sector of the printing industry is slowing down. By contrast, the slump in magazine printing and newspaper printing has even accelerated since last year: The migration of readers and advertising customers to digital worlds is probably unstoppable. The latest edition of Ceresana’s global printing inks market report shows opposing trends: Publication printing continues to decrease, including the printing of advertising brochures and catalogs. However, demand for other print products is increasing. Despite trade wars and disrupted supply chains, growing consumption, particularly in the emerging markets, is driving packaging printing, for example of labels. Not only packaging of all kinds is printed, but also products such as decorative papers and textiles. Market researchers at Ceresana forecast that global demand for printing inks will increase by an average of 0.9% annually until 2034. The various regions of the world, areas of application, and printing processes are expected to develop very differently.

Further information about the 6th edition of the market study “Printing Inks – World”: https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/printing-inks-market-report-world

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Green Wrapping: Ceresana Examines the Global Bioplastic Packaging Market

New factories for bioplastics open up new prospects for the packaging industry. Larger production capacities for polylactic acid (PLA), thermoplastic starch (TPS), and other biopolymers improve supply capability and predictability, lower prices, and make sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics economically attractive. Ceresana has now analyzed the global market for packaging materials made from bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics for the second time and presents the findings in its bio-based plastic packaging market report. Films, containers, bottles, and cups of all kinds, closures and lids, as well as labels, adhesive tapes, and loose-fill packaging chips made from renewable resources: The market research institute expects global sales generated with these products to grow to around USD 32.1 billion by 2034. In the context of the bioeconomy and circular economy, bio-based packaging is also being promoted by government regulation, for example through the new EU packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR), compostability requirements, or the obligation to reduce CO2 emissions.

Further Information on the market study “Bioplastic Packaging – World” (2nd edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/biobased-packaging-market-report

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Improved Packaging: Ceresana Event on Packaging Made from Bioplastics

The packaging industry is unsettled. A global ban on single-use plastics is off the table for the time being; the oil-producing countries have prevented a UN agreement against plastic waste. In Europe, however, the new EU packaging regulation (PPWR) has come into force: Over the next few months, stricter regulations on minimizing and reusing packaging as well as on recycling and compostability must be implemented and information obligations fulfilled. What opportunities do bioplastics now offer in this challenging environment? “Future of BioPackaging”, Ceresana’s next online event, will provide information on the potential of alternative packaging for a more environmentally friendly economy, but also on the challenges along the way.

Focus on Innovation and Theory-to-Practice Transfer

Bio-based plastics had already played a prominent role at the first two events in the digital event series “Future of Bio”. On October 28 and 29, 2025, the focus will be on by far the largest – and still rapidly growing – area of application for bioplastics: the packaging industry. Keynotes by renowned experts will present trends and international best practices. Interactive panels with direct participation of the participants will enable them to jointly develop ideas and perspectives for a sustainable economy. From food and beverage packaging to cosmetics and pharmaceutical products through to transport and industrial packaging: in the context of the “Green Deal” and the circular economy, bioplastics can offer convincing solutions for this economic sector in particular. However, the availability of suitable biogenic raw materials and the implementation of innovations in the form of creating marketable and sustainable products are major challenges.

Networking and Sustainable Impetus

Representatives of start-ups, SMEs, and large companies, specialist media, the investment and finance sector, science and research, politics or administration are invited to the event. There will be plenty of networking opportunities on both days of the event: Establish contacts, strengthen business relationships, and exchange experiences. A new edition of Ceresana’s market report on biobased packaging will also be published in October. Packaging materials made from polylactic acid (PLA) and other biopolymers are a promising future market.

“Future of BioPackaging” will take place on October 28 and 29, 2025, both as a half-day event. The English-language online event is free of charge. Further information: https://ceresana.com/en/events/future-of-biopackaging

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Green Opportunities: Current Ceresana Study on the Global Market for Bioplastics

Will there soon be more plastics than stones? The triumph of polymers is unstoppable: The world’s plastic consumption doubles approximately every 20 years; in the emerging markets of Africa and Asia, it is even expected to triple. Bioplastics are benefiting from this boom: There are “green” alternatives to plastics made from crude oil or natural gas for an increasing number of applications. To reduce the ecological footprint, even petrochemical products are increasingly being mixed with biomass. The latest and already ninth edition of Ceresana’s bioplastics market report anticipates further growth: Market researchers forecast that the global bio-based and biodegradable plastic market size will reach around USD 12 billion by 2034.

Further Information on the market study “Bioplastics – World” (9th edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/market-study-bioplastics

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Green Perspectives: Ceresana Examines the European Market for Bio-Based Paints and Coatings

Back to the roots? Natural dyes have long been displaced in the construction industry by acrylic, vinyl, and other plastic paints. However, renewable raw materials are now being rediscovered as part of the bioeconomy and circular economy. So far, these organic paints only make up a small part of the overall demand for paints and coatings. However, their sales are increasing significantly: The new Ceresana market study “Bio-Based Paints and Coatings – Europe” forecasts that European demand for these products will increase to around EUR 6.6 billion over the next ten years. In addition to market data and forecasts on bio-based coatings, the market report also contains background information on the regulatory framework of the paints and coatings industry in Europe as well as the general economic situation and the situation in the construction industry (including important companies, construction activities, investments) in the individual countries.

Further information on the market study “Bio-Based Paints and Coatings – Europe Report” (1st edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/biobased-paints-and-coatings-market-report-europe

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Growth despite Challenges: Ceresana Analyzes the European Market for Plastic Films

Are sophisticated specialty products the future of European industry? Demand is increasing for films and plastic packaging with special properties. In many European countries, however, the production of plastic films is becoming less and less competitive compared to other regions of the world, and the consumption of plastic carrier bags is continuing to decline. Ceresana has now analyzed the entire European market for plastic films for the third time. The company’s market researchers forecast that plastic film demand in Europe will grow to around 13.8 million tonnes by 2033.

Further information on the new edition of the market study “Plastic Films – Europe” (3rd edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/market-study-plastic-film-europe

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Focus on Sustainable Chemicals: Current Ceresana Study on the Global Market for Bio-Based Solvents

Bio and beauty go well together: Cosmetics are increasingly made using natural materials, from fragrances, colors, and emulsifiers to packaging made from bioplastics. Beauty and care products are one of the most important applications for bio-based solvents. The cosmetics, cleaning agents as well as the paints and coatings markets alone currently account for almost two thirds of sales of “green” solvents, which are at least partially produced from renewable raw materials. The latest bio-based solvents market report by Ceresana predicts that the global market for bio-based solvents will continue to grow and reach around USD 9.3 billion by 2034. For vegetable oils, alcohols such as bioethanol or biobutanol, and other organic solvents, the company’s market researchers expect average annual growth of 4.2% worldwide, and even more than 5.0% in Asia and Africa.

Further information on the new edition of the market study “Biobased Solvents – World Report” (2nd edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/biobased-solvents-market-report-world