The graphic arts market is dominated by two paper-based release liner options: clay-coated kraft papers (CCK) and polyethylene-coated papers (PCK). The AWA global market study “Pressure-Sensitive Graphic Films 2016” shows that CCK papers hold a share of 44%, and PCK papers have a share of 40%; both are mostly used worldwide as release liners.

U.S. demand for natural polymers is forecast to expand at a 4.3% annual pace to $5.1 billion in 2020, reaching 1.9 billion lbs. Growth is expected to be driven by demand for natural ingredients in the large food and beverage industry, which will bolster the use of cellulose ethers and starch and fermentation polymers.

The slow recovery from the historic downturn in residential construction continues in 2016. In the mid-2000s, increasing prices and easy credit led to a rush of investment in residential construction. At the end of 2005, new residential investment accounted for an unsustainable 6.5% of GDP above its long-term rate.

Today, pressure-sensitive graphic films are required to perform an extraordinary and ever-changing number of functions across a variety of industries, including building and construction, road traffic signage, home décor, and large-format weather-resistant labels, in addition to the “traditional” markets of outdoor advertising, point-of-purchase promotions, and vehicle graphics.

As any parent understands, you come to rely on certain adages or pronouncements when you want your children to understand your exasperation with their behavior. A favorite around the Collatz household over the years has been, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” It has gotten to the point that I can begin that sentence and get an eye roll and completion of my mantra before the words are actually out of my mouth. If I said the same thing to our friends at the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), I wonder if I would get a similar response?

The adhesives and sealants market is forecast to exceed $40 billion and $9.5 billion by 2023, respectively, according to a recent report from Global Market Insights Inc. Automotive, packaging and construction have traditionally been high consumption application avenues for the industry. Technology innovation focused on smart and sustainable product solutions could see over 4.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) by 2023.

Adhesives are often a better way to assemble plastics than by using mechanical assembly with fasteners. For example, fiberglass composites are routinely bonded with epoxy or reactive acrylic adhesives in the automotive and marine industries because they give high strength and durable bonds.

It was a simple email message, but it gave me pause. I had responded to an inquiry within minutes of its arrival in my email inbox, and received a compliment back, praising my prompt response. I was surprised not only that my response time was noticed, but that it was acknowledged with such positivity.

For many manufacturers, end-of-line packaging where goods are placed and sealed into secondary packaging such as corrugated cartons serves as one of the last lines of defense to ensure finished goods arrive to their final destination in excellent, saleable form.