FEATURE: ADHESIVES & SEALANTS


BONDING THE FUTURE: HOW NEW ADHESIVE & SEALANT TECHNOLOGIES ARE TRANSFORMING DIY RETAIL


Innovation in adhesives and sealants is accelerating, driven by hybrid chemistry, sustainability and DIY convenience. For independent retailers, understanding these developments is key to meeting evolving consumer expectations. Here, we explore the latest technologies shaping the category, and how to turn them into profitable in-store opportunities.


T


he adhesives and sealants category has long been a dependable performer for independent DIY


retailers, but in 2026 and beyond, it is undergoing a significant technological evolution. Driven by sustainability demands, hybrid chemistry, and convenience-led innovation, today’s products are no longer simple ‘glues,’ but advanced solutions engineered for modern homes, materials and lifestyles. For retailers, this shift presents a major opportunity: those who stock the right mix of next-generation products can not only meet rising consumer expectations but also increase basket spend and trade up customers into premium solutions.


A growing category with DIY at its core Globally, the adhesives and sealants market is forecast to grow from around $77 billion in 2025 to over $138 billion by 2035, reflecting steady demand across construction, renovation and home improvement sectors. Crucially for independent retailers, DIY


activity remains


a key growth driver, supported by homeowners taking on more renovation and repair projects. In the UK specifically, demand is being shaped by housing refurbishment, energy efficiency upgrades and the continued popularity of ‘weekend DIY.’ At the same time, consumers are becoming more discerning – seeking products that are easier to use, safer indoors, and capable of handling multiple tasks.


The rise of hybrid adhesives: One product, multiple solutions Perhaps the most significant technological development in recent years is the rapid rise of hybrid adhesives and sealants, particularly MS polymer-based products. These formulations combine the best properties of different


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chemistries, such as silicone flexibility and polyurethane strength, resulting in products that offer improved durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental stress. Recent product launches have focused on: • Enhanced UV resistance for outdoor applications • Greater elasticity for movement joints • Improved adhesion across multiple substrates


Importantly for DIY users,


hybrids often eliminate the need to choose between adhesive or sealant. A single product can now bond, seal and fill, simplifying decision- making and reducing project complexity. For retailers, this creates a strong upselling opportunity. Stocking hybrid ‘all-in-one’ solutions allows staff to recommend higher-value products that solve multiple problems at once, increasing average transaction value.


Low-VOC and indoor-friendly formulations


Sustainability is no longer a niche concern; it is reshaping product development across the category. One of the clearest trends is the growth of low-VOC (volatile organic compound) adhesives and sealants, designed for safer indoor use.


Manufacturers are increasingly


introducing formulations suitable for occupied buildings, with reduced odour and emissions. This aligns with both regulatory pressure and consumer demand for healthier home environments. Water-based and solvent-free technologies are also gaining traction, supported by wider industry efforts to reduce carbon footprints and hazardous chemicals. For independent retailers, the commercial implications are clear: • Eco-friendly products can command premium pricing • Clear labelling (‘low odour’,


‘indoor safe’) drives conversion • Sustainability messaging resonates strongly with younger DIY consumers


Convenience is king: Faster, cleaner, easier Modern DIY consumers prioritise speed and ease of use, and manufacturers are responding with innovations designed to remove friction from the application process. Key developments include:


• Instant grab adhesives that eliminate the need for mechanical fixings • No-nails construction adhesives with improved initial tack • Wet surface bonding, allowing use in bathrooms and kitchens • Tool-free application systems, including squeezable tubes and trigger packs These features are not just technical upgrades, they directly influence purchasing decisions. Shoppers are increasingly choosing


MARCH 2026 DIY WEEK 13


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