New products items (posted and viewed from 1/1/16 to date) focused on finished adhesives were once again popular with readers.

Below are the year’s most-viewed market trends stories on the ASI website (posted and viewed from 1/1/16 to date).

Industrial adhesives manufacturer DELO has long gone its own way in terms of optimized and sustainable packaging and shipping of adhesives. Thanks to its packaging and logistics concept, which is being constantly revised, the company was awarded second place in the Responsible Care Competition held by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI).

“Green” and “sustainability” are no longer simply trendy catch-phrases—these terms represent the new normal for companies up and down the supply chain. From raw materials formulation and selection through to final product delivery, the articles at the link below can help you ensure that your company is providing the sustainable products your customers are looking for.

Food safety has long been a concern for packaging material manufacturers and the packaging and food industry. In addition to plasticizers and mineral oils, special attention has to be paid to primary aromatic amines (PAAs). Dennis Bankmann, Ph.D., Product Development, Loctite Liofol Europe, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, explains where risks exist in flexible packaging and what steps the packaging and food industry can take to ensure highest safety.

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.

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.

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.

Consumer and industrial products succeed in the marketplace because their performance meets expectations; adhesive and sealant materials are no exception. Ease of handling and use, ability to fasten together and seal, straightforward cleanup after application, and longevity for reliable performance are all points of evaluation that distinguish top performers from average products.