In Latin America, end users in growth markets are eager for new adhesive technologies and products that improve throughput, mitigate against health and safety risks, and reduce total production costs. For suppliers bringing new adhesive products to market in Latin America, their speed to market is essential for winning new customers, as is product differentiation achieved through rapid development cycles and product launches. Success in this region, according to our sources, depends on adapting to local end-use markets.
The supply side is reportedly fragmented: flexibility in meeting customer requirements is said to be an effective equalizer for local adhesive producers competing with multinational formulators in various markets. In paper and packaging, for example, there continues to be movement on metallocene technology for frozen food, beverage, and cosmetic packaging.