As continued research and development races to meet the growing appetite for sustainable adhesives, manufacturers must also push innovations in processing that reduce both waste and energy consumption.
Manufacturers and scientists are continually pushing the envelope on eco-friendly adhesives, sealants, coatings, and potting and encapsulation compounds. Demand for green and sustainable formulations is expected to keep growing due to tightening legislation, consumer awareness, and new opportunities. Various sustainability efforts (including, among others, next-generation fuel-efficient vehicles; wind and solar energy products; lighter, stronger aircraft; and biodegradable packaging) cut across different market segments, indicating an unabated demand for both conventional and sustainable adhesive options.
Most adhesives are complex mixtures of multiple components. The mixing operation is thus at the heart of adhesive production. An energy-efficient, low-waste mixing process is a necessary piece of the big puzzle that is sustainability.