Demand for converted flexible packaging in the U.S. is projected to increase 3.3% annually to $20.7 billion in 2019. Although advances will decelerate from the pace of the past decade, converted flexible packaging will remain a growth area in both food and nonfood applications due to the inherent cost and performance advantages of lightweight bags and pouches.

The Internet of Everything, cloud computing/big data and 3D printing are three of the technologies most likely to transform the world during the next five years, according to IHS Technology.

Light-curing adhesives are essential in many industries because they speed up the production process. Many applications in the optoelectronics and automotive industries, such as cameras, electronics displays, and LEDs and sensors, wouldn’t be possible without the use of these types of adhesives.

It’s tough to be perfect when producing millions of custom boxes every year—but customers expect it. If defective boxes turn up in a shipment, customers gladly return them—along with a complaint.

Scientists and engineers have long used biomimicry as a way to find solutions to today’s problems in nature. For example, studying shark skin has led to new materials that bacteria cannot attach to, birds and bats have inspired aircraft design, and investigating plant leaves has resulted in light absorption efficiency innovations in solar panels.

Hot-melt adhesives have played a key role in the packaging process for decades, but traditional technology using heated tanks is less efficient when compared to new systems available today.

Doing business in the Asia-Pacific region today is not the same as it was 50 years ago. Around the region, countries are pushing for greater connectivity through initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative (B&R) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) efforts to integrate and harmonize regulatory regimes.

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) are lightweight and high-strength composites designed for enhanced performance in a number of applications. They offer improvement in structural, functional or cosmetic properties.

Sherwin-Williams recently announced the launch of Paint Shield™, reportedly the first EPA-registered microbiocidal paint that continuously kills more than 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), MRSA, E. coli, VRE, and Enterobacter aerogenes within two hours of exposure on painted surfaces.

In today’s world of rapid innovation, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to gain a competitive edge. H.B. Fuller intends to put its latest acquisition to work to fast-track engineering adhesives innovation in markets such as automotive; electronics; solar; wind; maintenance, repair and operations (MRO); appliance; and heavy machinery.