Sales of DIY adhesive products had a tough time during the first six months of the year, although a rise in the value of the adhesive tapes sector provided one bright spot.
New research from GfK reveals that since the start of 2012 sales of DIY adhesives fell 11% by volume and 9% by value.

Similarly, there were volume declines in all segments of DIY adhesive tapes other than mounting tapes, adding up to an 8% fall. However, these products achieved 5% value growth, which GfK puts down to shifts in the relative popularity of different types of tape, but mainly to an increase in average price. 


The market-leading segment of masking tapes has grown by 10% in value terms thanks to innovation, competition at the premium end of the market and the relatively robust performance of the complimentary product area of emulsion paint.

Cloth tapes achieved 15% value growth, again driven by on-going rivalry within the premium sector of the segment. For now, however, volume growth remains elusive.

Looking at DIY adhesives, the decline in volume sales is across all segments of the product group with the exception of glue gun sticks, while value has fallen across the board.

Furthering the value decline is the increased importance of the grab adhesive segment within this market, which commands a lower average price than other segments such as PVA and building adhesives, epoxy adhesive and wood adhesives.

And with a number of grab adhesives in the market fulfilling the project requirements of many DIYers, this trend looks likely to continue, says GfK.