Thanks so much to the executives at Henkel, 3M, H.B. Fuller, Bostik, and Jowat who participated in this year’s Voices from the Top series. Here you can discover what they are thinking about subjects such as their companies’ strategies for success, supply chain issues and other challenges, and what opportunities they anticipate for the adhesives and sealants industry.

One key theme at the 2022 World Adhesive and Sealant Conference was the industry’s ongoing commitment to innovation. It’s a topic that’s near and dear to my heart, and we’re exploring research and development activities in this issue with a discussion focusing on R&D-related challenges, opportunities, and digitalization strategies.

As we’ve all seen, the events of the past two years have posed significant potential roadblocks to research and development efforts. How are companies evaluating the multiple issues involved, exploring potential solutions, and pivoting to ensure their companies remain focused on innovation in these challenging times?

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.

Arkema has developed a digital interface offering quick, secure, and 24/7 access to real-time information on orders and materials. 

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. 

Quick thinking. Open communication. Digital solutions. Streamlined processes. Wide-ranging supply chain issues coupled with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed companies that supply raw materials and chemicals to their limits. But as the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention—and players in the adhesives and sealants industry are nothing if not inventive.

The supply chain has seen several major disruptions over the last 20 months or so. As a result of various issues arising from the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak and the pandemic’s extended impact to natural disasters and more, the adhesive and sealant industry has been dealing with lack of supply, supply and demand disparities, and logistics complications, to name just a few.

When it comes to managing your laboratory or R&D data, having flexible software is a must. It is critical to find software that is both configurable and meets your needs. Electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) software is a standard solution for many companies.

Join us on a walk down memory lane as we revisit our most popular content of 2021.