Adhesives & Sealants Industry Top Stories

RSS

According to a 2019 report by the U.S. Green Building Council, the number of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified homes has grown 19% since 2017. The current level represents an all-time high, with nearly 500,000 single-family, multi-family, and affordable housing LEED-certified units globally. More than 400,000 of these units are located in the U.S.

To address the evolving needs of the workforce and in evaluating the role that the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) can play in encouraging the continued health of our industry, we launched PSTC Tape Academy. The academy serves as a resource for individuals on a variety of career paths and in different roles, in addition to those who are new to the field of PSA tape or considering making a switch to our industry.

Bonding polystyrene foam to steel and wood is an application that was traditionally done with contact cements or other solvent-based adhesives. Due to health and flammability concerns, however, the modern trend is to use 100% reactive systems.

A new advanced modified polymer sealants line combines the best attributes of traditional silicones and polyurethanes, enabling construction professionals and do-it-yourselfers to benefit from a sealant that offers superior weatherability and durability.

As more manufacturers across the adhesives and sealants industry embrace sustainable manufacturing processes, they are finding their decisions are also improving their financial bottom line. There does not need to be a trade-off, and green manufacturing is proving to be a win-win. 

Sealants and adhesives play an integral role in the building envelope. However, not all adhesive formulations are created in the same way or from the same materials. Some may actually interact negatively with various building materials or perform temperamentally in areas of the country that experience broader seasonal temperature fluctuations. Choosing the correct adhesive saves valuable time and reduces labor, as well as the likelihood of costly rework.

The definition of “sustainability” is in flux. As it pertains to construction, sustainability is constantly evolving to encompass varying approaches and priorities. In the U.S., sustainable construction is the method of creating buildings and using processes that are environmentally reliable and resource efficient throughout the building’s life cycle, including design, construction, operation, and renovation. Western Europe defines sustainable construction as a way to build that aims to reduce health and environmental impacts affected by the construction process or by buildings.

Despite all the discussion and debate in society over reducing our waste and carbon footprint, sausage packages (also known as chubs) for adhesives and sealants continue to gain little support in the building industry—even though their reduced packaging and low waste factor represent a step change in sustainability.

Old mattresses, insulating material, furniture, and steering wheels—these raw materials are not particularly appealing. But the solvolysis process is enabling Rampf Eco Solutions GmbH & Co. KG to recycle these types of waste materials and create customized polyols for applications ranging from foams to adhesives.