The CrossLink Update:
“A Paperless Society? NOT SO FAST.” is the title of a Los Angeles Times article authored by Nicholas A. Basbanes published December 8, 2013. The article poses the question and critical predictions “of a paperless society” which has been debated for the past 50 years “driven by an unbridled faith that technology would eliminate the need for something as old fashioned as record-keeping on pulverized cellulose”. This could not be further from the truth. The article debunks these predictions by citing growth in expanding markets within the paper industry. According to the author, “P.H. Glatfelter Co of PA, redefined itself 15 years ago by concentrating its efforts on niche markets…paper for 1,000 different commercial products including U.S. postage stamps, Twining tea bags, Hallmark greeting cards, Bicycle playing cards, Band-Aid bandage components, Carlsberg and Heineken beer labels, and Reese’s Peanut Butter cup wrappers” growing the paper company from $579 million in 2000 to $1.6 billion last year. Paper companies are constantly changing over to other products like these as well as “fluff pulp based products” such as disposable diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, etc. Through product development and market expansion International Paper reported 2012 sales of $27.8 billion up almost $1.8 billion from the previous 12 months.
So what does this mean to the coatings industry? As the paper industry continues to evolve and develop new and innovative ways to utilize paper products, these companies will be continually reinventing and restoring production areas creating increasing demand for durable barrier coatings/linings/flooring/grouts with abrasion and predictable chemical resistant characteristics.
Specialty Product Preview: GPS 260 Liner
Greenstone Polymer Systems manufactures an engineered 100% solids epoxy based 1/8” trowel applied liner system with exception barrier characteristics. The GPS 260 Liner (vertical/overhead) on a prepared substrate with Primer and Veilcoat/Sealer, cures quickly to form an exceptionally tough, impact, abrasion and chemical resistant barrier (USDA acceptable). Specialty applications can include pulp/paper mill (tile vat rebuilds, etc) resurfacing food production plants, chemical spill containment areas and industrial production facilities. Available in LT-low temperature cure (down to 32°F), HT- high temperature applications, CR-Novolac Chemical Resistant, and AR-Abrasion Resistant (GPS 860 AR 100% silicon carbide/ceramic -see article in next issue). (Data Sheets/MSDS available)
