Coatings World - November 2012

The Adhesives andSealants Market

Photo courtesy SCIGRIP

Adhesives and sealants manufacturers report on the state of the market for 2012.

by Kerry Pianoforte, Editor

Adhesives and sealants are used in a diverse number of markets, from commercial construction to DIY. While the uncertain economy and sagging U.S. housing market has created a difficult situation for adhesive and sealants manufacturers, certain segments such as DIY remain strong.

“Current economic conditions have certainly changed the land-
scape of today’s marketplace,” said Chuck Houk, president, Tremco
Inc.’s commercial sealant and waterproofing division. “Commer-
cial construction was hit hard by the economic downturn and while
the results have been devastating for many in our industry, the need
to build or restore existing structures to high performance stan-
dards has not changed. During this difficult period, we have kept
focused on product and system innovation that incorporates con-
nectivity solutions – providing documented, proven performance to
our customers that need a total envelope solution. This strategy has
positioned us well during this challenging period and our outlook
is positive for an early return to growth.”
“The economy has affected every segment in the home im-
provement industry, adhesives and sealants are no exception,
however they are necessity items for the successful completion
of a wide variety of projects,” said Joseph McGraw, director of
marketing and advertising, United Gilsonite Laboratories (UGL).
“The adhesives and sealants category is stable. UGL has found
that many dealers have been purchasing on an as needed basis in-
stead of past histories of maintaining larger inventory. But we
have seen that demand has remained seasonally strong in the
construction sector.”
DAP has seen a significant shift as do-it-yourself consumers
account for a much more significant share of purchases in caulks,
sealants and adhesives. “This result has certainly been the by-
product of the downturn in the housing market going back to
2008,” said Michael Gorman, vice president of marketing, DAP
Products Inc. “We remain committed to both our trade profes-
sional and DIY consumers though as our focus on developing
innovative application solutions has not been altered by the eco-
nomic conditions.”
DAP’s focus remains on the residential construction re-
pair/remodel market. “We are driving our message towards prod-
uct solutions for energy improvements and painting projects,”
said Gorman. “Weatherization and energy improvements for the
home remain a major focus for our consumers as they are look-
ing to live both more cost effectively and responsibly when it
comes to home energy use.”
“The use of adhesives is widespread through a number of
manufacturing sectors so drops in general economic activity in-
evitably reduce historic demand,” said Keith Darnell, vice presi-
dent of SCIGRIP sales and marketing. “However, SCIGRIP is
involved in such a wide variety of market segments that the im-
pact on our company specifically is mitigated. The specific prop-