Welcome to our twice-yearly green issue, where we feature the latest content on sustainability and regulatory issues for adhesives and sealants. We kick off our coverage on p. 16, where Mark Collatz of the Adhesive and Sealants Council discusses some of the critical changes that will need to be incorporated into the new label warnings as they pertain to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s (OEHHA) final revision to the Prop 65 labeling laws.

Speaking of regulations and safety, a Q&A article from Dennis Bankmann, Ph.D., product development, Loctite Liofol Europe, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, explains where risks exist in flexible packaging and what steps the packaging and food industry can take to ensure highest safety. Turn to
p. 20 for more.

U.S. demand for natural polymers is forecast to expand at a 4.3% annual pace to $5.1 billion in 2020, reaching 1.9 billion lbs. Growth is expected to be driven by demand for natural ingredients in the large food and beverage industry, which will bolster the use of cellulose ethers and starch and fermentation polymers. Read more in “Market Trends” on p. 18.

Adhesives and sealants manufacturers and suppliers are constantly looking for ways to increase sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint. On p. 24, we look at how DELO has made the packaging and shipping of its adhesives more sustainable. Thanks to its packaging and logistics concept, which is being constantly revised, the company has been awarded second place in the Responsible Care Competition held by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI).

How has green affected the way you do business? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at mcphersont@bnpmedia.com to let me know. ASI

Teresa McPherson is Editor of ASI magazine. If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please email mcphersont@bnpmedia.com. Letters must include the sender’s address, phone number and email address, when possible. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.

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