This issue of ASI features the annual raw materials and chemicals overview from the experts at ChemQuest. The article discusses raw material cost drivers, provides an overview of the chemical feedstock industry, and gives an outlook for key adhesive and sealant raw materials. It is a must-read to keep you up to date on key industry metrics. Also included in this issue is a back-to-basics article about industrial mixing, a preview of the annual FEICA conference coming up in September, and several articles about new sustainable technologies for adhesive formulation.

Reading about the raw materials landscape reminds me that we are working in an environment of constant and swift change. From geopolitical shifts and ever-changing climate and environmental challenges to massive global demographic changes and the rapidly approaching AI revolution, it is imperative that companies and individuals learn to adapt quickly. This means that manufacturing within the United States must be ready to reskill and upskill its workforce. Additionally, with new technologies becoming available almost daily, highly skilled workers need to continuously refresh their knowledge base.

With that in mind — and to further serve the industry — ASI is launching a new way for people within the adhesive and sealant industry to fine-tune and expand their knowledge: ASI Academy. Designed to provide easily accessible information from experts in the field, ASI Academy will offer virtual short courses covering a variety of foundational and cutting-edge topics for a broad segment of the industry.

The first virtual short course from ASI Academy will be "How to Formulate and Test Adhesives," taking place October 23 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. EST. The course offers an overview of adhesive chemistries and test methods and provides guidance on how to formulate adhesives from scratch, along with important resources for formulators. Attendees will learn how adhesives work, the types of adhesives and how to formulate them, adhesive testing, surface preparation, and how to investigate failure.

The presenter is Paul Lewis, president of E2C, a consulting firm that provides technical expertise to the chemical industry in areas such as formula development, technical support, chemical analysis and interpretation, and expert witness services. With a degree in chemistry from Nottingham University in the UK, Paul has held hands-on technical management roles at leading adhesives and coatings companies including Rust-Oleum, Johnson Wax, JohnsonDiversey, and Quest Industrial Products (now Diamond Vogel). He most recently served as Technical Manager at the Univar Solutions lab in Houston and has successfully led the development of numerous multimillion-dollar products, holding several patents.

I am very excited about ASI Academy, and I encourage managers to evaluate their organizations and identify employees who would benefit from this additional training. To learn more, visit the Events dropdown in the top navigation bar of ASI’s homepage and select ASI Academy.