Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) can be found literally everywhere I look. Tape secures my daughter’s pictures and notes to my computer monitor, and a simple turn of my head reveals folder labels and the multiple (some might say mountainous) sticky notes without which I could not function. PSAs are so commonplace that a lot of us take them for granted.

The Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) is pursuing a number of objectives to promote PSA awareness while supporting a more responsible tape manufacturing process. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Patrick Deconinck, vice president and general manager of 3M’s Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division, who serves as president of the PSTC. “We are trying to influence the industry that whatever is sold in the North American market should be made according to North American or U.S. environmental, workplace and quality standards,” he says. To learn more, read “Responsible Tape Manufacturing".

This issue also includes articles detailing labels for durable goods, adhesives packaging options, ASTM’s D 3359 crosscut adhesion test, and UV curing. Please be sure to take a look at the full Table of Contents.

Planning for 2012

It doesn’t seem possible that it’s that time of year already, but we’re beginning to plan for 2012-and we’d love your feedback. What articles were most useful to you over the last year, and what could you have done without? What new topics or technologies would you like us to cover next year? How do you prefer to receive the information we make available (e.g., print, digital, website, e-newsletters, etc.)?

We strive to make ASI as useful to you and your business as possible, and your input is essential. Please send your comments and suggestions to me at suttons@bnpmedia.com, or feel free to give me a call at (330) 336-4098. I look forward to hearing from you!