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2013 can only be characterized as the first year in the recent past where all was quiet on the front lines of the adhesives and sealants industry—especially as compared to the significant volatility the industry has been experiencing since the beginning of the 2008 recession.

Most manufacturers are currently or have been involved in some form of lean process. Your company may be well down the path or just starting out, or your customers or suppliers may be going lean. The Lean Enterprise Institute characterizes lean as “creating more value for customers with fewer resources.”

Current government austerity policies in the U.S. and Europe appear to be lowering GDP through reduced government spending and increased taxes. At the same time, central banks in developed countries around the world continue efforts to boost economic growth with unprecedented accommodative monetary policies.

For many years, we have been hearing about green adhesives, paints, household cleaners and buildings—basically, green everything.

In August 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a joint final rule for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for 2017-2025.

In this fiercely competitive environment, it is important to stay ahead of the curve on external uncertainties that could shape the future market landscape.