In the adhesives industry two connected stories are unfolding. Market growth is steady and technical innovation is accelerating. At the same time companies are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the people who can take these innovations to market. For manufacturers and converters this creates a clear advantage for those who invest early in talent.
The global adhesives and sealants market reached an estimated value of more than USD 72 billion in 2024 and forecasts suggest continued expansion through the next decade [1].
Growth is coming from many directions. Packaging companies want bonding solutions that improve efficiency. Automotive manufacturers prefer lightweight materials and need adhesives that perform reliably at lower weight. Construction and electronics continue to demand specialist products that deliver performance, longevity and regulatory compliance [2].
Sustainability is also shaping the sector. Water based adhesives continue to hold the largest market share and interest in bio based and low VOC formulations is rising year on year [1]. These shifts create new opportunities for companies that invest in research, quality and process excellence [3].
Specialist producers of adhesive tapes, bonding films and high performance adhesives are well placed to benefit from this momentum. Competition is increasing because customers expect accuracy, speed and a coherent sustainability narrative. The companies that win are the ones that combine strong technology with strong teams.
Talent and hiring: the sticky challenge
Growth alone does not resolve the hiring pressure that the adhesives sector is experiencing. Manufacturers in the UK and Europe continue to report recruitment difficulty, particularly for technical and engineering roles [4].
R and D chemists, application engineers, production specialists and quality professionals remain in high demand. Employers also want people who adapt quickly, understand modern manufacturing practices and have awareness of sustainability and regulatory requirements [5]. The skills landscape is shifting and this is creating a tighter labour market across the CASE space [6].
For adhesives companies this means hiring is no longer transactional. It requires a strategic approach that considers specialist knowledge, cultural fit and long term development.
What companies and recruiters should prioritise
Manufacturing often suffers from outdated perceptions. Adhesives companies can stand out by showing the reality of their environments, which are clean, technology led and increasingly linked to sustainability. Candidates respond well to purposeful work and adhesives play a clear role in areas such as packaging circularity, lighter vehicles and efficient construction [3].
The adhesives talent pool is highly specialised. This creates value for recruiters or internal teams who understand bonding technologies, formulation work and the wider CASE landscape. Industry specific networks and long standing relationships help companies reach passive candidates who would not apply directly [7].
Many technical roles can be filled by people from adjacent fields such as coatings, composites, materials science or speciality chemicals. With structured onboarding and development these hires often become long term contributors. Research suggests employers across technical sectors are increasingly open to capability based assessment rather than rigid credential requirements [6].
Once hired, adhesives professionals look for clear development routes. This may include growth into senior formulation roles, application positions that work closely with customers or opportunities in technical sales or sustainability focused functions. Transparent progression supports retention and strengthens internal capability.
Sustainability is becoming a defining factor in how candidates choose employers. Adhesives companies that invest in cleaner production, low VOC technologies, water based or bio based formulations and responsible material sourcing can appeal to people who want their work to have meaningful impact [1].
Witan Search works closely with manufacturers in adhesives, tapes, coatings and wider CASE industries. Many companies want to grow but lack of specialist talent slows progress. With sector knowledge, technical understanding and established networks, Witan Search helps clients build teams that support innovation and long term competitiveness.
[1] Grand View Research
[2] Mordor Intelligence
[3] Manchester Professionals (Industry trends)
[4] The Access Group (Manufacturing recruitment insights)
[5] Senex Recruitment (Skills and talent commentary)
[6] Arxiv research (Shifts in skills demand and hiring behaviour)
[7] Chemicals Executive Search (CASE sector insights)
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