Episode Transcript
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Lucas Adheron (00:00):
What if we told
you that the future of electric
vehicles, green buildings, eventhe everyday packaging you rely
on, what if it hinges onsomething as seemingly mundane
as glue?
Today, we're taking a deep diveinto the hidden powerhouses of
industry.
Adhesives and sealants, youmight think of them as merely,
you know, glues and sealants,simple sticky stuff maybe.
(00:20):
But these materials are reallythe quiet champions of
industrial and manufacturingapplications.
They play a critical role inproducts you encounter daily.
your car to your smartphone.
Elena Bondwell (00:31):
Yeah, it's
really remarkable, isn't it?
Despite their foundationalimportance, I mean, their full
value proposition often justgoes unrecognized.
So today we'll uncover not justwhat these materials do, but
also the pivotal organizationleading the charge in this vital
multibillion dollar industryand crucially, how they're
shaping its future.
Lucas Adheron (00:49):
Right.
We're going to explore theAdhesive and Sealant Council or
ASC.
It's the preeminent NorthAmerican trade association
dedicated to this industry.
We'll trace its origins,understand its mission and
really see how it activelydrives innovation, workforce
development, and sustainabilityall across a sector that, well,
quietly makes so much possible.
Elena Bondwell (01:10):
And we'll also
be drawing some insights from a
comprehensive review of ASC'sown Connected to ASC podcast
series.
So that gives you kind of aninsider's view into the key
challenges and the opportunitiesthis industry has been
grappling with over the past fewyears.
Get ready to see the world as,well, far more connected and
definitely more strategicallybonded than you probably ever
imagined.
Lucas Adheron (01:29):
Okay, let's start
with just the sheer scale this
industry.
In North America alone, theadhesive and sealant sector is
valued at an estimated $22billion, and it employs over
28,000 people.
That's significant.
The market is projected to growpretty significantly from about
$76.1 billion in 2024 to animpressive $86.6 billion by
(01:51):
2029.
Wow.
Elena Bondwell (01:53):
So why do these
numbers matter so much?
I mean, beyond just being bignumbers, because these aren't
just figures on a spreadsheet,right?
They represent materialsintegral to countless products.
They enhance quality.
They enable the very creationof things.
So the real question is, whereexactly do you see their impact
Well,
Lucas Adheron (02:15):
think about it.
In automotive andtransportation, structural
adhesives are actively replacingtraditional fasteners, like
bolts and rivets.
Now, this isn't just a minorswitch.
It's crucial forlightweighting.
which directly translates tobetter fuel efficiency and
extended range for electricvehicles, that's huge.
They're also essential forbattery assembly, ensuring
(02:36):
thermal management andstructural integrity in those
really critical components.
Elena Bondwell (02:39):
Right.
The batteries are key.
Lucas Adheron (02:40):
Absolutely.
Then in constructioninfrastructure, they're
indispensable for green buildinginitiatives, playing a critical
role in things likewaterproofing and thermal
insulation.
That leads directly to improvedenergy management in buildings.
Elena Bondwell (02:53):
Saving energy.
Lucas Adheron (02:54):
Exactly.
And in packaging and consumergoods, they enable greener
products.
Think water-based adhesiveswith low VOCs, you know,
volatile organic compounds andchemicals that can off gas.
So this is a huge win for bothair quality and product safety,
right?
While still creating attractivefunctional packaging.
Elena Bondwell (03:10):
Definitely a
win-win there.
Lucas Adheron (03:11):
And even in
electronics and electrical, the
drive towards miniaturizationdemands adhesives with superior
precision.
And formal management, too.
They're used in semiconductors,LEDs, wearable devices, where
every millimeter and, frankly,every degree matters.
Elena Bondwell (03:26):
Yeah, tiny
components, big challenges.
Lucas Adheron (03:27):
Totally.
And finally, automation androbotics.
Advancements in adhesiveapplication technologies offer,
well, unprecedented precisionand efficiency in manufacturing.
And that significantly reduceswaste.
Elena Bondwell (03:40):
It's quite
remarkable, isn't it, how these
foundational materials, thesesort of unsung workhorses, are
quietly enabling major societalshifts.
Everything from sustainablemanufacturing practices to the
most advanced technology weinteract with every single day.
Lucas Adheron (03:54):
Okay, so we've
seen the sheer scale of this
industry and why it matters somuch.
But what's the driving forcebehind it all?
Who's unifying this sprawlingcritical sector?
That would be the Adhesive andCeiling Council, or ASC.
Elena Bondwell (04:09):
Right.
So...
Picture the chemical industryback in 1958.
It was a period of explosivegrowth, right?
The rise of all these newsynthetic materials.
But with that growth came newchallenges.
How do you standardize thesecomplex new adhesives?
How do you navigate emergingregulations, ensure a skilled
workforce?
It was getting complicated.
And that's where ASC steppedin.
It became the guidingarchitect, you could say, for
(04:31):
this nascent but clearlycritical industry.
It was really a strategicresponse to the growing
intricacy and the strategicimportance of these materials.
Lucas Adheron (04:40):
ASC is the
primary representative body for
the North American adhesive andsealant value chain.
Full stop.
Its membership is incrediblydiverse.
We're talking 110manufacturers, raw material and
equipment suppliers,distributors, industry
consultants, the wholeecosystem.
It's an impressive reach.
It accounts for more than 75%of the U.S.
industry.
Elena Bondwell (04:59):
Yeah, and that
high percentage of
representation, that's actuallyquite uncommon for a trade
association.
It gives ASC considerablelegitimacy and, frankly,
authority.
When the council speaks, theindustry genuinely listens.
Now, while this broad tentprovides immense influence, it
also raises an interestingdynamic, doesn't it?
How does ASC ensure the voicesof, say, smaller members are
(05:21):
equally heard alongside industrygiants, you know, like 3M, Dow,
DuPont, Henkel, PPG?
It's really a testament totheir leadership I think, that
they maintain such cohesion.
Lucas Adheron (05:32):
Good point.
So let's dig into ASC'sfundamental purpose.
Their mission isn't just aboutglue, right?
It's about accelerating theadoption of adhesives and
sealants specifically tostrengthen their member
businesses.
That's the goal.
And to achieve this, theydeliver comprehensive career
education, they foster robustinnovation collaboration, they
facilitate extensive communityknowledge sharing, and they
(05:53):
articulate that unified industryvoice we talked about.
Elena Bondwell (05:55):
and their vision
statement, it's quite
forward-looking, innovatorssecure the future with adhesives
and sealants.
That's not just a catchyphrase, you know.
It truly underscores their deepcommitment to technological
advancement.
It positions innovation asabsolutely central to the
industry's long-term viabilityand its impact.
Lucas Adheron (06:14):
Okay, so how do
they make this vision a reality?
ASC focuses on three corestrategic priorities.
These are outlined in itslong-range plan for 2024.
First, advocacy, giving voiceand representation to the
industry in those crucial policyand regulatory discussions.
Second, end user engagement,actively engaging stakeholders
(06:35):
in key sectors like automotive,construction, packaging, getting
out there.
And third, sustainability,providing insights, fostering
partnerships and initiatingefforts to advance environmental
responsibility right across theboard.
Elena Bondwell (06:46):
You know, that
end user engagement piece is
really interesting.
It's a critical aspect oftenoverlooked in trade
associations.
Many tend to focus solely ontheir producers, right?
But ASC demonstrates astrategic shift.
It's a truly market-drivenapproach.
They clearly understand thatlong-term growth hinges on how
these products are perceived andintegrated into their
(07:07):
customers' value chains, notjust how they're made.
That's a key difference.
Lucas Adheron (07:11):
Right.
So how does ASE actually do allthis?
How do they put it into action?
It's a truly multifacetedeffort.
It spans several crucial areas.
Elena Bondwell (07:19):
Well, first, as
you mentioned, building that
unified industry voice andengaging in robust advocacy.
They directly engage withfederal, state, local regulatory
agencies.
They meet with electedofficials, they submit formal
comments on legislative andregulatory issues, their
regulatory affairs committeeproactively responds to
developments, and importantly,always strictly adhering to
trade and antitrust laws, youknow, to ensure fair market
(07:42):
practices.
This isn't just reacting, it'sproactively shaping the
environment for their members.
Lucas Adheron (07:47):
Okay.
Second, ASC excels atcultivating collaboration and
knowledge exchange.
That seems vital.
They streamline knowledgesharing through specialized
committees.
Things like the globalresources, technical and
sustainability committees.
That's where members providevital input.
And their major events, likethe annual convention and XBO
and the executive leadershipconference, those serve as
(08:09):
crucial platforms fornetworking, exchanging best
practices.
It ensures the industry isn'tconstantly reinventing the
wheel, but building on sharedadvancements.
Elena Bondwell (08:18):
Exactly.
Third, they are activelydriving adoption and
strengthening member businesses.
They proactively promote thevalue of adhesives and sealants,
really educating end users onmaybe underutilized And one of
(08:43):
the
Lucas Adheron (08:47):
most dynamic ways
ASC supports the industry is by
actively pushing the boundariesof innovation and technological
progress.
This is really interesting.
They promote groundbreakingdevelopments through their
annual innovation award.
For instance, the 2025 awardwent to 3M for their 3M fast
bond pressure sensitive adhesive1049.
It's a water-based adhesivethat apparently matches or even
(09:09):
exceeds solvent-basedalternatives while significantly
cutting VOC emissions.
Big deal.
They also highlight otheradvancements like Wacker's fast
curing tin-free polymer and HBFuller's hot melt adhesives for
auto assembly.
Elena Bondwell (09:21):
Yeah, and that
award program, it isn't just
about, you know, getting atrophy, it's a powerful signal.
It actively shapes theindustry's research priorities.
Pushing towards breakthroughslike, say, sustainable EV
battery assembly, it ensuresthat innovation isn't just a
buzzword but a tangible,profitable direction for their
members.
And beyond awards, ASC activelypromotes research in areas like
(09:43):
bio-based solutions.
And also, de-bonding on-demandadhesives now, imagine a glue
that holds strong but can beeasily unglued when a product
needs recycling or repair.
That's vital for pushingforward these circular, That's
Lucas Adheron (09:59):
fascinating.
Deep bonding on demand.
Okay, fifth, ASC is deeplycommitted to empowering the
workforce and professionaldevelopment.
Their ASC Training Academyoffers tailored technical
business regulatory education,virtual and on-site sessions.
They've had 800 graduates fromtheir certificate program just
since 2016, with 85 new grads in2024 alone.
(10:20):
And that commitment, it'sreally evident in the Training
Academy, which delivered over amillion dollars worth of content
in 2024.
That's truly investing in thehuman capital of this complex
sector.
Elena Bondwell (10:32):
Absolutely.
And this directly addresses acritical skills gap, doesn't it?
It ensures professionals canacquire and update the expertise
they need to navigate theindustry's increasing
complexities, securing itsfuture talent pipeline, really.
Lucas Adheron (10:44):
Sixth, they play
a vital role in navigating
complex regulatory landscapesand advocating for policy
changes.
This sounds like a minefield.
Their Regulatory AffairsCommittee specifically evaluates
and responds to issues likeVOCs, the big one, TSCA, Toxic
Substances Control Act, alsoPFAS, PER, and polyfluoroal
gansyl substances, the so-calledforever chemicals, and
(11:04):
formaldehyde.
Elena Bondwell (11:05):
Hmm, navigating
such a Yeah, it's a fascinating
Lucas Adheron (11:23):
dance, isn't it?
The sources show that ASCreally helps members anticipate
changes and prioritizeeco-friendly product
development.
So, ensuring compliance whilestill advocating for feasible
solutions that don't just stifleproduct development.
It's a reminder that even, youknow, sticky stuff exists within
this vast web of policy.
Elena Bondwell (11:42):
Right.
Seventh, ASC is championingsustainability and environmental
stewardship.
Their sustainabilityinitiative, established back in
2021, defines sustainability forthe industry pretty clearly.
It's about using materials andmanufacturing processes,
developing products, andproviding solutions with
environmental benefit.
Lucas Adheron (11:59):
And here's the
surprising part, or maybe it's
not surprising once you thinkabout it.
Adhesives and sealantsinherently contribute to
sustainability They enable thereduction of tools and parts
needed in manufacturing.
That leads to decreased energyand resource consumption.
For example, a single bottle ofengineering adhesive might
replace hundreds of washers.
(12:19):
Think about that.
They prevent leaks, reducingwaste.
They're lighter thantraditional mechanical
fasteners, which leads to lowerenergy requirements in
transportation because oflightweighting.
We talked about EVs.
They also provide critical airsealing in buildings, enhancing
energy efficiency.
You know, when you think aboutit, who knew the secret to a
lighter EV or a moreenergy-efficient building wasn't
(12:41):
just exotic materials?
But something as humble as ahigh-tech glue, it really makes
you rethink how everyday objectsare put together.
Elena Bondwell (12:48):
It really does.
Okay, and finally, ASC deliverscritical market intelligence
and resources.
This is key for businessstrategy.
They publish the North AmericanMarket Report.
It's a comprehensive analysis,market size, growth forecasts,
key drivers, Exactly.
It's actionable intelligence.
(13:12):
And to tie it all
Lucas Adheron (13:21):
together, ASC
excels at facilitating industry
networking and communitybuilding.
From their major conventionsand XPOs to encouraging
participation in committees,they foster strong professional
relationships.
They're truly building aconnected ecosystem.
They even support the futurethrough scholarship programs and
(13:41):
recognize industry giants intheir Hall of Fame.
And speaking of how theindustry adapts and shares
knowledge, we discovered a realtreasure trove of insights by
reviewing ASC's very own podcastseries.
It was called Connected to ASCPodcast, and it ran for 37
episodes from 2022 to 2025.
Now, while we don't have thefull transcripts, a detailed
(14:03):
review of their episodedescriptions and summaries, it
reveals incredible insights intohow this industry navigated
some significant globalchallenges.
Elena Bondwell (14:09):
Yeah, the true
marvel there, I think, is how
the podcast, hosted by ASCPresident Bill Allmont himself,
how it provided authoritativeand actionable understandings
directly from industry figuresand experts.
It really showcased aremarkably proactive approach to
a rapidly evolving market, madecomplex topics pretty
digestible.
Lucas Adheron (14:27):
Yeah, you can
really see how the industry's
focus evolved over those yearsjust from the episode
descriptions.
Early episodes likely tackledthe immediate aftermath of
global disruptions like thepandemic, the initial supply
chain shocks.
But as time went on, thediscussions clearly matured.
moving from simply identifyingproblems to exploring strategic
(14:48):
long-term solutions and adaptingto what sort of became a new
normal of persistent disruption.
Elena Bondwell (14:54):
So what were the
most compelling insights?
What emerged from thoserecurring themes you
Lucas Adheron (14:58):
saw?
Well, several stood out.
Sustainability and greentechnologies were a consistent
commitment.
They didn't just talk about it.
They explored tangiblebio-based products, confronted
the real obstacles to adoption,and they featured experts like
Chuck Paul from GlueIQ todiscuss the future of green tech
in a really practical sense.
Elena Bondwell (15:15):
OK, practical
application.
Good.
Lucas Adheron (15:17):
Then supply chain
resilience and risk mitigation
became paramount.
They didn't just lamentdisruptions.
They brought in experts likeLisa Anderson, who shared
actionable strategies fornavigating global shocks.
They even explored thesurprising feasibility of
reshoring production, buildingmore robust domestic supply
lines.
Now, that's a tangible insightfor any business leader in a
(15:38):
volatile world, right?
Elena Bondwell (15:39):
Absolutely.
Reshoring is a hot topic.
Lucas Adheron (15:42):
And innovation,
R&D, and emerging technologies
were consistently highlighted asfoundational.
The podcast underscored theimportance of continuous
scientific understanding,fostering innovation innovative
thinking throughoutorganizations, showing how
they're actively pushingboundaries in areas like, well,
Smart adhesives.
Elena Bondwell (16:00):
Smart adhesives.
Interesting.
So this whole series provided asort of longitudinal
perspective, didn't it?
Really showing how the industryrefined its approach to a
complex and ever-changing globalenvironment, moving from
reaction to proactive strategy.
Lucas Adheron (16:15):
Precisely.
So what does this all mean foryou, the listener, and the
broader future of industry?
Our comprehensive analysis ofASC's activities and their own
podcast reveals some profoundstrategic implications for
everyone involved in thissector.
Elena Bondwell (16:30):
Yeah, I think we
can anticipate several key
future trends based on all this.
First, the continued dominanceof sustainability.
No surprise there.
This will remain the paramountmarket driver influencing
everything from productdevelopment to consumer
preferences.
Expect new certificationstandards, more demand for
eco-friendly adhesive solutions.
Lucas Adheron (16:49):
Right.
Second, persistent geopoliticalvolatility.
Unfortunately, that seemslikely.
Expect ongoing impacts onglobal trade, supply chains, raw
material availability.
That necessitates continuousmonetization Third,
Elena Bondwell (17:04):
accelerated
innovation.
The demand forhigh-performance,
multifunctional, and sustainableadhesive solutions.
That will drive rapid researchand development, fostering even
greater collaboration acrossindustries, I believe.
Lucas Adheron (17:15):
Fourth, workforce
development.
The increasing complexity ofthe industry will heighten the
need for a highly skilledworkforce.
That puts a strong emphasis oncontinuous learning and also on
attracting diverse new talent tothe field.
Elena Bondwell (17:29):
Definitely need
the talent.
And finally, digitaltransformation.
Expect further integration ofthings like AI, IoT, advanced
data analytics andmanufacturing, supply chain
management, customer engagement,all enhancing efficiency and
optimization throughout thevalue chain.
Lucas Adheron (17:45):
So ultimately,
the industry's future success
really hinges on its ability toembrace sustainability, build
truly resilient supply chains,foster a culture of continuous
innovation, and strategicallydevelop its human capital.
It's a complex balancing
Elena Bondwell (18:00):
act.
It absolutely is.
Lucas Adheron (18:01):
So what does this
all mean for you?
When next time you look at anelectric vehicle, walk through a
modern building, or even justunwrap a package, consider the
vital adhesives and sealants atplay, those quiet champions
holding our modern worldtogether.
Elena Bondwell (18:13):
And think about
the adhesive and sealant council
working behind the scenes sinceway back in 1958, bringing
together giants of industry andthis thriving community of
experts, their commitment toinnovation, sustainability,
education.
It really isn't just aboutglue, is it?
It's about securing the futureof diverse industries, one
(18:33):
strong bond at a time.
Lucas Adheron (18:35):
It certainly
gives you a new perspective,
doesn't it, on just how muchingenuity and, frankly,
organized effort goes into thehidden components, the things
that make our modern worldfunction so seamlessly.
Elena Bondwell (18:46):
Yeah, it makes
me wonder what other
foundational elements oftenoverlooked like this are quietly
enabling the innovation shapingour world right now.
Lucas Adheron (18:55):
That's a great
question to ponder.
We hope this deep dive gave yousome surprising facts, maybe a
shortcut to being well-informedabout this foundational yet
often overlooked industry.