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.

Last week, readers were most interested in the simplification of Celanese’s brand structure.

Carton closure hot-melt packaging adhesives using ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer systems have been used for decades due to their availability, formulation latitude and performance attributes. Packaging adhesive formulations typically contain polymer, tackifier resin and wax.

Graco Inc. recently announced its new InvisiPac™ Tank-Free™ hot-melt delivery system for case and carton sealing applications is available through distributors.

In May 2009, The Coca-Cola Co. unveiled its new package. According to the press release, the PlantBottle™ is fully recyclable, has a lower reliance on non-renewable resources, and reduces carbon emissions compared with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles. The rest of the press release discusses the environmental virtues of the new package, but dialogue with Coke employees revealed a different (though equally important) driver: “We have been in business for over 100 years and we plan to be in business for over 100 more years. We are taking steps now to reduce our dependence on petroleum-based raw materials.”