Global Industrial Gelatin Market Description

The global industrial gelatin market represents a specialized segment of the bio-based materials and industrial adhesives industry. Industrial gelatin is a protein-based product derived primarily from collagen obtained from animal bones, hides, and connective tissues. Unlike food or pharmaceutical gelatin, industrial gelatin is formulated for non-edible applications where binding strength, film-forming ability, viscosity control, and adhesion properties are critical. These characteristics make industrial gelatin an essential raw material across woodworking, furniture manufacturing, paper processing, textile finishing, and other traditional and modern industrial applications.

In 2025, the industrial gelatin market demonstrated stable demand, supported by continued usage in established industries such as furniture, paper, and textiles, particularly in regions where traditional manufacturing techniques remain prevalent. Industrial gelatin is valued for its renewable origin, biodegradability, and strong bonding performance, which align with increasing interest in sustainable and bio-based industrial materials. Over the forecast period from 2026 to 2036, the market is expected to grow steadily, driven by expansion in furniture manufacturing, demand for eco-friendly adhesives, and renewed interest in natural polymers as alternatives to synthetic chemicals.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Industrial Gelatin Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a moderate but noticeable impact on the industrial gelatin market during 2020. Lockdowns, factory shutdowns, and supply chain disruptions reduced production activity in furniture, textiles, and paper industries, leading to a temporary decline in demand for industrial gelatin. Restrictions on transportation and labor availability also affected raw material sourcing and processing operations.

However, the impact was uneven across regions. While some industrial segments slowed significantly, others recovered relatively quickly as manufacturing resumed. In particular, demand from paper and packaging-related applications stabilized earlier due to increased consumption of packaging materials. Post-pandemic recovery has been supported by reopening of manufacturing facilities, infrastructure investments, and renewed focus on domestic supply chains. The pandemic also reinforced interest in biodegradable and renewable materials, indirectly supporting the long-term outlook for industrial gelatin.

Global Industrial Gelatin Market Segmentation

By type, the industrial gelatin market is segmented into bone glue, hide glue, protein gel, and others. Bone glue represents a significant segment, traditionally used in woodworking, furniture assembly, and restoration due to its strong bonding properties, reversibility, and compatibility with natural materials. Hide glue, derived from animal hides, is widely used in furniture, musical instruments, and specialized woodworking applications, particularly where flexibility and reworkability are required.

Protein gel products are increasingly used in paper processing, textile finishing, and surface treatment applications where film formation, binding, and viscosity control are important. Other types include specialized gelatin formulations tailored for niche industrial uses, such as abrasives, match production, and specialty coatings. Demand across these types is influenced by application requirements, regional manufacturing practices, and availability of raw materials.

By application, the market is segmented into plank, furniture, paper, textile, and others. Furniture applications account for a substantial share, as industrial gelatin adhesives are widely used in wood bonding, veneering, and assembly processes. Plank and wood-based panel applications rely on gelatin for binding and surface finishing, particularly in traditional and small-scale manufacturing.

Paper applications include surface sizing, coating, and binding processes where gelatin improves strength, printability, and surface quality. In the textile industry, industrial gelatin is used for sizing, finishing, and stiffening fabrics, supporting improved handling and processing. Other applications include packaging, abrasives, foundry processes, and specialty industrial uses where protein-based binders are required.

Regional Analysis

North America represents a mature market for industrial gelatin, supported by established furniture, paper, and specialty manufacturing industries. The region places emphasis on quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance, with growing interest in sustainable and bio-based materials.

Europe follows closely, driven by strong furniture manufacturing traditions, paper processing industries, and heritage woodworking applications. The region’s focus on sustainability and circular economy principles supports the use of renewable materials such as gelatin. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing regional market, fueled by rapid industrialization, expanding furniture and textile production, and abundant availability of raw materials. China, India, and Southeast Asian countries are key contributors due to cost-effective manufacturing and rising domestic consumption.

South America and the Middle East & Africa represent emerging markets, with growth supported by gradual expansion of furniture manufacturing, construction-related industries, and increasing adoption of traditional and bio-based industrial materials.

Key Players Analysis with DROT

The industrial gelatin market is moderately fragmented, with global gelatin producers and regional manufacturers competing on quality, scale, and application expertise. PB Gelatins benefits from strong production capabilities and diversified gelatin grades, supporting broad industrial applications, though exposure to raw material price volatility remains a challenge. Nippi is recognized for consistent quality and technical expertise, particularly in specialty gelatin products.

Kenney & Ross Limited focuses on customized industrial gelatin solutions, offering flexibility and customer-centric services while operating at a smaller scale. Nitta Gelatin benefits from global reach, advanced processing technology, and strong R&D capabilities, balanced against higher operating costs.

Gelken Gelatin and SAMMI INDUSTRY capitalize on cost-efficient production and regional demand. Weishardt Group emphasizes quality, sustainability, and diversified end-use markets, supporting premium positioning.

Narmada Gelatines, India Gelatine & Chemicals, and Cda Gelatin serve domestic and export markets with competitive pricing and application-specific offerings. Market drivers include demand for bio-based adhesives and traditional woodworking practices, while restraints involve competition from synthetic adhesives and raw material supply fluctuations. Opportunities exist in sustainable materials and emerging markets, whereas threats include substitution by synthetic polymers and regulatory challenges.

Value Chain Analysis

The industrial gelatin value chain begins with sourcing of animal by-products such as bones and hides from slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities. These raw materials undergo cleaning, degreasing, and controlled hydrolysis to extract collagen, which is then processed into gelatin through filtration, concentration, drying, and grading. Quality control is essential to ensure consistency in viscosity, gel strength, and purity.

Manufacturers distribute industrial gelatin through direct sales, distributors, and long-term supply agreements. Downstream users include furniture manufacturers, paper mills, textile processors, and specialty industrial producers. Value creation across the chain depends on efficient raw material utilization, process optimization, quality assurance, and application-specific technical support.

Market Outlook

The global industrial gelatin market outlook for 2026–2036 remains stable and cautiously optimistic. Continued growth in furniture manufacturing, paper processing, and textile industries, particularly in Asia-Pacific, will support demand. Increasing interest in biodegradable, renewable, and low-toxicity industrial materials is expected to create new opportunities for industrial gelatin as an alternative to synthetic adhesives. While competition from synthetic binders remains a challenge, technological improvements, customization, and sustainability positioning will strengthen market relevance. Overall, the industrial gelatin market is positioned for steady long-term growth as industries balance performance requirements with environmental responsibility.