Adhesives/Sealant Report Describes Market, Applications

The Adhesive and Sealant Council is making its latest report on the industry available for purchase by the public at www.ascouncil.org. In addition to data on global adhesives and sealants marketplace, the study includes a global overview with market information on hot melts and two end-user markets, construction and assembly.

The Council says the world market is 20-billion wet lbs, or $26.2 billion. North America uses 34% of the adhesives and sealants, and the U.S. uses 91% of that total.

Among the top suppliers listed in the report: Henkel Loctite, H. B. Fuller, National Starch, Bostik Findlay, and 3M.

Release of the report is part of the industry's efforts to promote the reliability of adhesives. "Focus groups have told us we have to communicate that reliability better," says Larry Sloan, of the Council.

The Council plans to eventually launch an Adhesive Fastening Institute. Part of that effort
will be a program to add new tools for engineers to aid in selecting bonding agents.