Food & Packaging Enjoy!
Whether we are meat lovers enjoying a steak or vegetarians enjoying a special lasagna recipe, most of us find eating a pleasant experience. Steaks, pasta,...
The Buzz on Remote Diagnostics
Walk into any room these days where numerous people are assembled and mention remote diagnostics. Immediately, you will become the central attraction....
Avoiding Surface Contamination
Many readers of this column undoubtedly have undertaken projects in their living quarters that involved painting. All cans of paint come with many items...
Safety in Converting: Part III
The previous two columns in this series on safety discussed two of the three important safety issues in a converting operation: heat hazards and pinching...
Safety in Converting: Part II
Last month this column began a series of three articles on safety in the converting industry. It noted that safety concerns in the converting industry...
Safety in Converting: Part I
Safety must be foremost in all our actions, from the time we awake in the morning until we go to bed at night. Failure to be alert to the safety aspects...
Converters' Wish Lists: Part III
The previous two columns in this space discussed items on the wish lists of converters as presented at the Converter's Spotlight session during the 2003...
Converters' Wish Lists: Part II
This column will address what converters want when they deal with their suppliers' personnel. Suppliers might consider this information a primer on making lasting friendships with their customers....
Converters' Wish Lists: Part I
The recently concluded TAPPI 2003 PLACE Conference and Global Hot Melt Symposium featured a popular session entitled “Converter's Spotlight.”...
There's a Duck in My Duct!
Duck tape generally is a clear plastic film using an equally clear polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive. It has use in packaging and protective applications. Duct tape frequently is a gray cloth-like material with a very aggressive rubber-based p-s backing. It finds use for many miscellaneous applications....
Exercising Environmental Responsibility: Part 3
The columns appearing in this space for the past two months presented instances in which people were not being environmentally responsible in their jobs....
Exercising Environmental Responsibility: Part 2
The column in this space last month presented two examples that indicated a lack of environmental responsibility. Unfortunately, numerous other examples exist. Chemical bashing is very popular today. Many people automatically assume that anything chemical is bad....
Exercising Environmental Responsibility: Part 1
As a concerned user of a particular consumer product, I used the toll-free telephone number recently to contact the manufacturer. The friendly voice that...
Permanent & Removable Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives
An intriguing aspect of pressure-sensitive adhesives is the wide variety available. They come in different forms for application as solutions in solvent,...
An Innovative Approach to Coloring Adhesives & Coatings
In the April 2003 issue, this column (Do You Really Want to Color That Adhesive or Coating?) explained that coloring adhesives and coatings often is not...
Defoamers or Antifoamers? How Best to Combat Foam
In the war against foam that often is waged when using aqueous coatings and adhesives, the first line of defense simply might be a dictionary. The battle...
Despite Problems, China Presents Hot Market for Packaging
Often called a sleeping giant in the past, China certainly has stirred from its slumber and awakened in many areas. In the approximately 25 years since...
Controlling Color Change in Adhesives and Coatings
The column in this space last month discussed color in adhesives and coatings with emphasis on avoiding color during the manufacture of the products....
Colorful Adhesives and Coatings? Probably Not a Good Idea
Most people have color preferences. My favorite color is black. Some individuals have very strong feelings about their favorite color. A granddaughter...
It's a New YearTime to Ask, What Does the Future Hold?
January is always a good time for introspection or reflection. The month is an excellent opportunity for assessing past accomplishments or failings, resolving to improve, and guessing about the future....
Is Your Laboratory Safe?
The popular press did not cover it, but the March 18 issue of Chemical & Engineering News reported an unusual incident at the University of Texas, San...
In the Converting Industry, an Audit Can Be a Good Thing
In the US one word almost certainly will bring feelings of apprehension and fear to everyone. That word is audit. Mention of the word causes visions of...
Halloween Is Coming: PSA Ghosts Can Be Pretty Scary
October is an exciting month. In many areas Mother Nature creates an amazing display of colors. The weather is often ideal without the extreme hot and...
More Food for Thought
A few months ago the column in this space addressed the use of edible wraps. It discussed a new edible film made at the Agricultural Research Service...
Knowing Your Limitations Can Accentuate Your Strengths
A baby can place a big toe into his or her mouth. Adults usually cannot accomplish this feat. Mathematicians can solve differential equations. Many accomplished...
