Introduction:
Tile adhesives and stone adhesives are two different types
of adhesives used in construction projects. These adhesives are used to attach
tiles and stones to various surfaces. They are known for their strength,
durability, and flexibility. In this essay, we will discuss the properties,
uses, and differences between tile adhesives and stone adhesives.
Properties of Tile
Adhesives:
Tile adhesives are made from a combination of cement, sand,
and polymers. They have a smooth texture and are available in different colors.
They are water-resistant and have high bonding strength. Tile adhesives are
also flexible and can withstand a certain amount of movement without cracking.
Uses of Tile
Adhesives:
Tile adhesives are used to attach tiles to various surfaces
such as walls, floors, and countertops. They are ideal for use in areas that
are exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They are also used in
areas where there is heavy foot traffic, such as commercial spaces and public
areas.
Properties of Stone
Adhesives:
Stone adhesives are made from a combination of epoxy and
hardeners. They have a thick texture and are available in different colors.
They have a high bonding strength and are heat and water-resistant. Stone
adhesives are also flexible and can withstand a certain amount of movement
without cracking.
Uses of Stone
Adhesives:
Stone adhesives are used to attach stones to various
surfaces such as walls, floors, and countertops. They are ideal for use in
areas that are exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. They are
also used in areas where there is heavy foot traffic, such as commercial spaces
and public areas. Stone adhesives are also used to repair and fill cracks in
stones.
Differences between
Tile Adhesives and Stone Adhesives:
The main difference between tile adhesives and stone
adhesives is the materials used to make them. Tile adhesives are made from
cement, sand, and polymers, while stone adhesives are made from epoxy and
hardeners. Tile adhesives are ideal for attaching tiles, while stone adhesives
are ideal for attaching stones. Stone adhesives have a thicker texture than
tile adhesives and are better suited for repairing cracks in stones.
In conclusion, tile adhesives and stone adhesives are
essential components in the construction industry. They are known for their
strength, durability, and flexibility. While they share some similarities, they
also have distinct properties and uses. Tile adhesives are ideal for attaching
tiles, while stone adhesives are ideal for attaching stones and repairing
cracks in stones. It is important to choose the right adhesive for the job to
ensure a strong and long-lasting bond.
Tile Adhesives & Stone Adhesives Market Dynamics
Drivers in Tile
Adhesives & Stone Adhesives Market
The growth in the global construction industry is a major
driver of the tile adhesives and stone adhesives market. According to ICIS, the
volume of the global construction industry is expected to increase by 35% to
USD 5.8 trillion by 2030, with the US, China, and India being the main
contributors to this growth. This surge in construction activity will fuel the
demand for tile and stone adhesives in various construction applications. The
Asia Pacific region is at the forefront of this growth due to the increasing number
of residential, commercial, and institutional engineering projects in countries
like China and India. The construction industry in ASEAN countries is expected
to witness remarkable growth compared to the rest of the world, driving the
demand for tile and stone adhesives globally. The market growth is also
influenced by the rising demand for ceramic tiles for decorative purposes,
innovations in the concept of thin tiles, and advancements in technology
related to low VOC emitting products.
Despite being top users of ceramic tiles for flooring and
building applications, countries like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, and
Argentina utilize tile and stone adhesives in only 25%-30% of their
construction projects due to a lack of awareness of the benefits of tile
adhesives, less-known techniques of placing tiles using adhesives, and
misunderstanding of their prices. In contrast, in regions like Europe and North
America, where there is a high level of awareness of tile adhesives, demand is
not as high as the majority of flooring space in these regions is occupied by
carpets, rugs, and hardwood floors.
Challenge: Limited
awareness of tile and stone adhesive usage in developing nations
While countries like India, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, and
Argentina are major consumers of ceramic tiles for wall and flooring
applications, among other uses, only 25-30% of these projects incorporate tile
and stone adhesives. This low adoption rate is attributed to the inadequate
understanding of the benefits of these adhesives, the unfamiliarity with the
installation process, and the misconception that they are expensive. In
contrast, developed regions such as North America and Europe, where carpeting,
rugs, and wooden floors dominate, have a high awareness of tile adhesives but a
lower demand.
The Asia Pacific region's demand for tile and stone
adhesives is growing due to the popularity of exotic stones like granite,
marble, and vitrified ceramic tiles in high-end residential projects. In the
Middle East, the usage rate of these adhesives is expected to increase from 70%
to 100% over the forecast period due to the limited availability of basic raw
materials such as sand and cement and the use of premium ceramic tiles and
exotic stones. Extreme weather conditions in the region also damage grouting
and loosen exterior stones and tile fittings, highlighting the importance of
appropriate adhesives.
India represents significant potential for the tile and
stone adhesives market. The current usage rate of adhesives in the country is
only 20-25%, but this is expected to reach almost 50% in the forecast period.
This growth is attributed to the increasing use of adhesives in high-end
residential projects, commercial spaces like airports, metros, and shopping
malls, and the hospitality industry's constant upgrades.
Opportunities in Tile
Adhesives & Stone Adhesives Market
In recent times, there have been significant advancements in
the production technologies of ceramic and porcelain tiles, resulting in the
creation of thinner and larger tiles. This innovation has facilitated the
creation of almost seamless surfaces, making them highly coveted in the
architecture industry. Additionally, there has been an increasing demand for
soundproofing and thermal insulation in buildings. As a result, conventional
concrete substrates are being replaced with newer and more innovative materials
such as gypsum boards, chipboards, plaster boards, cement fiber panels, metal
surfaces, and heated floors. The development of new substrates, such as
fiberglass and cementitious screed, for swimming pools has also given rise to
the creation of new adhesives by major companies like Mapei S.p.A and
Saint-Gobain Weber.
Challenges in Tile
Adhesives & Stone Adhesives Market
However, established infrastructure in developed countries
like the US, Germany, the UK, Japan, and other Western European nations poses a
significant challenge for the tile and stone adhesives market. These countries
already have a well-developed infrastructure for their public, commercial, and
transportation sectors. As a result, there is limited scope for new
construction activities, and the infrastructure built is intended to last for
an extended period, leaving little room for growth in the tile and stone
adhesives market. Nonetheless, the construction sector is expected to witness
moderate growth in the next five years, which will inevitably drive the demand
for tile and stone adhesives.
During the forecast period, the cementitious chemistry
segment is predicted to experience the highest compound annual growth rate. The
demand for cementitious adhesives is driven by their ability to bond large
ceramic tiles on walls by blending high-quality polymers. Cementitious
adhesives have numerous advantages, including their low cost, excellent
adhesion properties, slip resistance, self-curing properties, and the ability
to mix large quantities of material in a single batch. With the reduction in
thickness and increase in size of ceramic tiles, along with the need for
continuous surfaces with high architectural value, the demand for cementitious
adhesives is projected to remain strong.
Similarly, the repairs and renovation segment is expected to
grow at the same pace as the new construction market in the tile and stone
adhesives industry. Major economies such as the US, Germany, Italy, and France
are upgrading their infrastructure related to housing, airports, and metros.
High-end hotels, which regularly update their flooring every five to eight
years, are also becoming significant end-users of tile and stone adhesives.
Additionally, there is an increase in demand for granite and exotic stones for
renovations in high-end residential applications. European and North American
countries, where carpets and rugs are prevalent, are also gradually shifting
towards tiles as a preferred flooring option, which is expected to boost the
repairs and renovation segment, thereby driving the demand for tile and stone
adhesives.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the
highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the tile & stone adhesives
market during the forecast period. This is because ceramic tiles and natural
stones like marble and granite dominate almost 60-70% of the flooring market in
the region. The increasing awareness of the benefits of tile adhesives, including
improved tile strength and slip resistance, as well as the availability of low
VOC emitting products, are driving the growth of the market. Additionally, the
region is experiencing a surge in residential construction activities in
countries like Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and China.
According to ICIS, the global construction industry is
projected to grow by 35% to USD 5.9 trillion by 2030, with the United States,
China, and India leading the way. This growth is expected to boost demand for
tile and stone adhesives in various construction applications. The construction
industry in Asia Pacific is at the forefront, with rapid growth in residential,
commercial, and institutional engineering projects, particularly in China and
India. The building sector in ASEAN countries is also projected to grow at a
faster pace than in the rest of the world, further driving demand for tile and
stone adhesives on a global scale.
Challenge: Middle
East & Africa as a significant market for tile and stone adhesives
During the forecast period, Middle East & Africa is
projected to hold the second-largest share of the global tile & stone
adhesives market. The market study in the region includes Turkey, UAE, South
Africa, and the rest of Middle East & Africa. The construction industry in
this region is expanding rapidly, with countries competing to develop top-notch
infrastructure to promote tourism and trade. The Middle East & Africa has a
high construction rate, making it one of the largest markets for tile & stone
adhesives.
Ceramic tiles dominate 75-80% of the floor coverings in the
GCC countries, making them crucial to the tile & stone adhesives market.
Leading global players have established manufacturing plants to cater to the
growing demand for these adhesives in the region. Additionally, the market is
driven by an increase in affordable housing projects, growth in the retail
sector, rising tourism, and a growing population.
Numerous ongoing and planned projects in the residential,
commercial, and institutional segments in Saudi Arabia and Qatar are expected
to contribute to the region's tile & stone adhesives market growth.
Tiles are an essential component of home decor worldwide.
With the advancements in ceramic tile production technology, the appearance and
quality of ceramic tiles have undergone significant changes. As a result, there
is an increased need for auxiliary materials such as appropriate adhesive
between tiles and wall substrates. The ideal adhesive should possess high bond
strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to fading and frost.
Gypsum-based adhesives are suitable for installing a wide range of tiles,
including ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, and stone, in interior spaces.
Gypsum is an eco-friendly gelling substance that can
regulate indoor humidity and improve the living environment due to its cemented
porous structure. Additionally, the neutral pH of gypsum minimizes the
occurrence of panning and other related phenomena. The dimensional stability of
gypsum-based adhesive is superior to that of cement-based adhesive, making it
compatible with vitrified bricks and stone materials. The global demand for
gypsum-based tile adhesive is on the rise, driving the growth of the market.
Key Players in Tile Adhesives & Stone Adhesives Market
- ARDEX GROUP
- TERRACO GROUP
- SIKA AG
- SAINT-GOBAIN WEBER
- H.B. FULLER
- KALEKIM KIMYEVI MADDELER SANAYI VE TICARET A.ª.
- MAPEI S.P.A.
- FOSROC INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
- PIDILITE INDUSTRIES LIMITED
- LATICRETE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- ARKEMA (BOSTIK)
- BASF SE
- 3M COMPANY
- HENKEL AG
- THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY
- CUSTOM BUILDING PRODUCTS
- CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS PTY
- FLEXTILE LTD.
- NORCROS ADHESIVES
- MAGICRETE BUILDING SOLUTIONS
- PERMA CONSTRUCTION AIDS PRIVATE LIMITED
Recent Developments in Tile Adhesives & Stone Adhesives
Market
The tile adhesives and stone adhesives market has witnessed
several recent developments in terms of product innovations, partnerships, and
mergers and acquisitions.
The tile adhesives and stone adhesives market has seen
various developments recently. Berger Fosroc Ltd, a joint venture between
Berger Paints Bangladesh and Fosroc International Ltd, established a
construction chemicals factory in Bangladesh in March 2022 to meet the
increasing domestic demand for construction chemical materials and solutions.
In February 2022, Sika expanded its operations in Tanzania to provide locally
produced mortars and tile adhesives in addition to concrete admixtures. The
company also extended its site in Ivory Coast to double production capacities
in tile adhesives and repair mortars while simultaneously increasing
warehousing capacities. In August 2021, Sika acquired Bexel International S.A.
de C.V., a leading manufacturer of tile adhesives and stuccos in Mexico, to
strengthen its position in the large, fast-growing Mexican construction market.
In February 2021, Laticrete launched a premium adhesive mortar for glass tiles
and mosaic tiles that meets the highest standards for polymer-modified
adhesives. Finally, Mapei South Africa expanded its range of C2 tile adhesives
in January 2021 with a new addition to the Kerabond family called Kerabond
Plus. This cementitious adhesive offers improved adhesion and extended open
time, making it suitable for bonding all types of tiles and mosaic on internal
and external substrates.
One major trend in the market is the shift towards
environment-friendly products. Companies are focusing on developing adhesives
that have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and are free from
hazardous chemicals. For instance, Bostik launched its zero-VOC adhesive product,
which is suitable for installing ceramic tiles and stone materials.
In addition, major players in the market are entering into
strategic partnerships to expand their market presence and enhance their
product portfolio. For instance, in 2021, Henkel Adhesive Technologies and
Covestro AG entered into a partnership to develop new solutions for the
adhesives market, including tile and stone adhesives. Similarly, in 2020, H.B.
Fuller Company partnered with Covestro to develop a water-based adhesive for
ceramic tile installation.
Mergers and acquisitions are also prevalent in the tile and
stone adhesives market. For example, in 2021, Sika AG announced the acquisition
of Kreps LLC, a manufacturer of tile adhesives and grouts based in Russia.
Similarly, in 2020, Laticrete International acquired the remaining shares of
Laticrete Australia Pty Ltd, a leading supplier of tile and stone installation
systems.
Overall, these recent developments in the tile and stone
adhesives market reflect the industry's focus on innovation and sustainability,
as well as the growing demand for high-quality and efficient installation
solutions.