New adhesives are in the ascendant

According to a study conducted by the New York City Business Unit Marketing Department, the global market for adhesives and sealants in 2003 was 45.4 million tons, which was 3.1% higher than in 2002. North America consumed 2.9 million tons of adhesives, an increase of 2.3%. In 2003, the adhesive market in Western Europe increased by 2.1% to 2.6 million tons. Due to increasingly stringent global environmental regulations, the end product model is changing, from solvent-based processes to water-based ones. The latter's global market share has risen to 58%, the hot-melt type is 20%, and the solvent type has dropped to 9%.

The growing UB, EB and VL (Visible) curing process for end-adhesives shows excellent adhesion performance. It can be instantaneously polymerized under anhydrous, heat-free, solvent-free conditions. In addition, it is environmentally friendly and is highly favored. According to the statistics of JPM organization, in 2002, the market price of radiation curing adhesive system was 254 million US dollars. Of these, 105 million (41%) were attributed to North America, 71 million (30%) in Western Europe, and 72 million (28%) in Japan.