Australia Medical Adhesive Market Size & Forecast 2025–2033

Australia Medical Adhesive Market Outlook

The Australia Medical Adhesive Market is witnessing steady and transformative growth as healthcare systems evolve toward minimally invasive procedures, advanced wound care, and digital health monitoring. According to Renub Research, the market is projected to grow from US$ 201.91 million in 2024 to US$ 370.58 million by 2033, expanding at a strong CAGR of 6.98% during 2025–2033.

Download Free Sample Report

Medical adhesives have become an essential component of modern healthcare delivery in Australia. From securing wound dressings and surgical incisions to attaching wearable devices and implantable equipment, these specialized adhesives offer safe, biocompatible, and effective alternatives to traditional sutures and staples. Their increasing adoption is closely tied to Australia’s aging population, rising surgical volumes, growing chronic disease burden, and continuous healthcare infrastructure investment.

What Are Medical Adhesives and Why They Matter

Medical adhesives are specially engineered bonding agents designed to securely attach medical devices, tissues, and dressings to skin or internal surfaces without causing irritation or harm. These adhesives are manufactured to meet strict biocompatibility and performance standards, ensuring they are safe for prolonged contact with the human body.

Common forms include tapes, films, liquid adhesives, sprays, and hydrogel-based products, each used for specific medical applications. Unlike industrial adhesives, medical variants must be breathable, non-toxic, flexible, and easily removable to avoid skin damage or discomfort.

In Australia, medical adhesives are widely used in:

Advanced wound care and chronic wound management

Surgical procedures and incision closure

Securing catheters, IV lines, and medical tubing

Wearable health monitoring devices (CGM, ECG, patches)

Orthopedic, dental, and cosmetic procedures

As healthcare providers emphasize patient comfort, infection prevention, and faster healing, demand for next-generation adhesives is accelerating across hospitals, clinics, aged care facilities, and home healthcare environments.

Key Growth Drivers in the Australia Medical Adhesive Market

1. Rising Demand for Advanced Wound Care Solutions

Australia is experiencing a growing burden of chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, and surgical wounds, especially among elderly and diabetic populations. This has significantly increased demand for modern wound management solutions where medical adhesives play a central role.

Medical adhesives enable suture-free wound closure, faster healing, reduced infection risk, and improved patient comfort. As hospitals shift toward outpatient care and shorter hospital stays, adhesive-based solutions are replacing traditional wound closure methods.

A major policy boost came through the Australian Government’s Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme (CWCS), which subsidizes essential wound care products—including dressings, bandages, and adhesives—for eligible older Australians and First Nations populations. This initiative is expanding accessibility and encouraging widespread adoption of medical adhesive products.

2. Expansion of Wearable Medical Devices

One of the fastest-growing application areas for medical adhesives in Australia is wearable medical technology. Devices such as glucose monitors, ECG patches, biosensors, and drug delivery systems require high-performance adhesives that remain secure on skin for extended periods without irritation.

The Australian healthcare system is increasingly focusing on remote patient monitoring, preventive care, and digital health integration, all of which rely heavily on skin-compatible adhesive technologies.

In November 2023, researchers at RMIT University developed a lightweight, waterproof, gel-free ECG sensor that offers superior comfort and continuous monitoring compared to traditional devices. Innovations like these are driving demand for adhesives that provide long wear time, sweat resistance, and easy removal—further boosting market growth.

3. Growth in Healthcare Infrastructure Investment

Australia continues to invest heavily in healthcare infrastructure, including new hospitals, aged care centers, specialty clinics, and diagnostic facilities. As healthcare access expands, so does the need for reliable medical consumables such as adhesives.

The Australian Government has committed to a record healthcare investment of $537 billion over four years, with annual spending rising from $132 billion in 2022–23 to $140 billion by 2025–26. This sustained investment supports rising surgical volumes, higher medical device usage, and broader adoption of adhesive-based medical solutions across the country.

Challenges Confronting the Australia Medical Adhesive Market

Skin Sensitivity and Allergic Reactions

Despite technological advancements, skin sensitivity remains a key challenge. Elderly patients, infants, and individuals with chronic illnesses often have fragile or sensitive skin that can react to prolonged adhesive use, causing irritation, dermatitis, or allergic responses.

To address this, manufacturers are increasingly developing hypoallergenic, silicone-based, breathable, and moisture-friendly adhesives that reduce skin trauma while maintaining strong adhesion. Continuous innovation in this area will be critical to sustaining market expansion.

Stringent Regulatory Requirements

Medical adhesives sold in Australia must comply with strict standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These regulations ensure product safety and performance but also increase development timelines and costs for manufacturers.

Smaller companies often face challenges navigating complex approval pathways, which can limit innovation and slow market entry. However, regulatory compliance also raises product quality standards and strengthens long-term market trust.

Australia Medical Adhesive Market Segmentation

By Resin Type

Acrylic

Silicone

Polyurethane

Epoxy

Others

Acrylic adhesives dominate due to strong bonding and cost efficiency, while silicone adhesives are gaining traction for sensitive skin and long-term wearable applications.

By Application

Dental

Medical Devices & Equipment

External Applications

Internal Applications

Others

External applications such as wound dressings and wearable devices currently lead demand, though internal surgical adhesives are expanding rapidly with advances in minimally invasive surgery.

By Technology

Water-Based

Solvent-Based

Hot-Melt

Reactive

Others

Water-based and hot-melt technologies are increasingly preferred for their lower toxicity and environmental safety, aligning with Australia’s sustainability goals.

By State

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

Western Australia

South Australia

Australian Capital Territory

Tasmania

Northern Territory

New South Wales and Victoria dominate due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, higher surgical volumes, and strong medical device adoption.

Competitive Landscape: Key Players in the Market

The Australian medical adhesive market is moderately consolidated, with global and regional players competing on innovation, biocompatibility, and regulatory compliance. Each company is evaluated across five key viewpoints: overview, key personnel, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and revenue performance.

Major Companies Operating in Australia

H.B. Fuller Company

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Avery Dennison Corporation

Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

The Dow Chemical Company

3M Co.

PPG Industries

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

These companies are investing heavily in next-generation adhesive materials, skin-friendly formulations, and solutions tailored for wearable health technology and advanced wound care.

Future Outlook: Where the Market Is Headed

The future of the Australia Medical Adhesive Market looks highly promising. Over the forecast period 2025–2033, growth will be driven by:

Rising aging population and chronic disease prevalence

Growth in outpatient and home-based care

Increased adoption of wearable health devices

Technological innovation in biocompatible materials

Strong government healthcare investment

Expansion of minimally invasive surgical techniques

Manufacturers that focus on skin safety, long-wear comfort, sustainability, and regulatory compliance will be best positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Medical adhesives have evolved from simple tapes to critical enablers of modern healthcare delivery in Australia. As hospitals, clinicians, and patients increasingly demand safer, more comfortable, and more efficient medical solutions, adhesives will continue to play a central role in improving treatment outcomes.

With strong backing from healthcare investment, technological innovation, and supportive policy frameworks, the Australia Medical Adhesive Market is on a clear path of sustained growth, reaching US$ 370.58 million by 2033. The next decade will likely see adhesives become even more integral to wound care, surgery, and digital health—solidifying their place as a cornerstone of Australia’s healthcare ecosystem.