Adhesives & Sealants Industry Top Stories

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After two postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 World Adhesive and Sealant Conference (WAC 2022) was held in April. More than 1,250 industry professionals from 26 countries had the opportunity to come together in Chicago, make meaningful connections, and build opportunities for long-term growth.

Design engineers are increasingly embracing a shift from mechanical fasteners to structural adhesives in sectors ranging from automotive and aerospace to energy and construction. In fact, the market for structural adhesives is projected to grow at a 6.9% CAGR (2021-2030) to reach a value of $27.9 billion worldwide by 2030.

Quantum chemical computation is capable of simulating chemical reactions at an unprecedented level of accuracy. Together, Microsoft and AkzoNobel will explore how this can contribute to creating more advanced and sustainable products through collaborative experimentation and development. 

The concept of sustainability has evolved to become one of society’s key megatrends, and companies in all industries—including adhesives and sealants—are striving to reach aggressive goals to reduce their carbon footprints. It can be a tricky process to maneuver, as sometimes overwhelming options and myriad buzzwords often make it difficult for companies to determine the best course of action for their business.

I recently took the Bonding with ASI podcast on the road, sitting down with Joe Tocci, president of the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) at Tape Week in Orlando, Fla. Postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inaugural Tape Week was held May 3-5, 2022.

For both specialty chemicals and adhesives and sealants, quality training is paramount. Ensuring the safety of employees and their ability to successfully operate equipment is the number-one priority. In these unprecedented times, workforce development issues seem to compound each other, making onboarding new operators and training long-term employees a necessary and integral part of a chemical plant’s success—in safety and in business.

The global market for bio-adhesives reached nearly $2.2 billion in 2021. These bio-based materials find extensive applications across numerous industries, including medical, packaging and paper, construction, wood, and personal care.

Additive manufacturing/3D printing has grown into a $14 billion industry since its inception, according to McKinsey, and the market’s annual growth rate is 22%. Many can agree on the potential 3D printing has when it comes to innovation and being able to create prototypes and items with minimal material use, but its value is extending beyond that original purpose.

Automobile manufacturers have identified approximately 200 sensor areas around the vehicle that will be instrumental in achieving commercialization and meeting safety goals for autonomous vehicles. The main commonality is the need to protectively seal these key sensor platform areas from the heat, cold, moisture, and stress that result from the rigors of the automotive environment.

The global epoxy adhesives market is expected to reach $11.6 billion by 2026. These adhesives offer high shear strength while bonding efficiently to substrates like wood, glass, and metal. They also provide minimal shrinkage, superior thermal and chemical resistance, and cohesive strength.