The 2022 World Adhesive and Sealant Conference (WAC2022) will be held this month in Chicago, and I’m thrilled that our global industry will have the opportunity to reconnect, safely and in person. WAC2022 will offer fascinating keynotes, a broad range of technical sessions, the much-anticipated EXPO, and—perhaps most importantly, given two postponements due to COVID-19—plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues.

We share a sneak peek in “Global Gathering: Previewing the 2022 World Adhesive and Sealant Conference” in this issue. Be sure to also turn to the Schedule-at-a-Glance and Exhibitors pages to help you plan your visit and get the most out of this much-anticipated event.

The pandemic and other factors have prompted many adjustments in the packaging sector, and converters are looking for ways to cost-effectively accommodate these changing demands. “Depending on the application, slitter rewinders can integrate time-saving technologies including dual-unwind configurations, automatic knife cleaning systems, automatic cut transfer systems, and automatic roll unloading systems,” writes Catbridge Machinery’s Michael Pappas in this issue. “Additional solutions cut waste, enable large roll production, and help improve end-user experience.”

Which of these technologies could be most beneficial for your operations? Check out “New Challenges and Solutions in Converting Packaging Adhesives” to explore the possibilities.

In addition to COVID-19, several extreme weather events caused multiple issues with the supply chain. But what impact does the weather have on adhesives and sealants themselves? To learn more, turn to “Testing Adhesives for Weathering” by Florian Feil of Atlas Material Testing Technology. 

The Pressure Sensitive Tape Council will be holding its inaugural Tape Week early next month in Orlando. This rebranded event was also postponed twice due to the pandemic, but organizers are enthusiastic about what the week has in store. For more information, take a look at “Welcome to Tape Week 2022” and “Tape Industry Gathers for Learning and Networking.”

What are you most looking forward to at WAC2022 and Tape Week? Please contact me to share your thoughts. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago and Orlando!