The specialty chemicals value chain has risen to the challenge of retooling to fill large supply gaps for sanitation products, packaging containers and inks, and other essential products to meet spikes in demand as an outgrowth of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With increasing consolidation among adhesives manufacturers and the raw material suppliers that support them, global product formulation and availability of materials used in these formulations continue to grow in importance.

Meeting the technical and product needs of customers can be very challenging, especially if R&D resources are constrained or you do not have the right in-house expertise to deliver a timely response.

Independent testing and third-party validation of application-specific and customer-required adhesive products are expected across the value chain. It is especially important to validate adhesive performance for the electronics industry.

This first installment of a two-part series highlights the value proposition of today's adhesive chemistries and curing methods to high-value end-use markets.

Mobility trends point to the expanded use of sensors, cameras, and electronic controls in vehicle assembly.

Structural adhesives are displacing mechanical fasteners, welding and even tape in some fastening applications.

In ancient times, precious goods were kept in clay jars to protect them from the ravages of humidity and rot.

In Latin America, end users in growth markets are eager for new adhesive technologies and products that improve throughput, mitigate against health and safety risks, and reduce total production costs.

Buyers and end users of adhesives and sealants―who are new to adhesives technology―want to learn all they can about chemistries, resin types, application methods, performance properties, dissimilar substrates, engineering practices, and formulated products on the market.