Workshop 4: Engineering Sustainability: Next-Generation Adhesive, Coating, and Packaging Technologies

Explore the breakthroughs reshaping modern production—from precision adhesive-dispensing systems and emerging de-bond-on-demand methods to rapid UV/EB curing innovations and the newest advances in chemical recycling and de-polymerization. This session highlights how these disruptive technologies are driving efficiency, enabling design freedom, and supporting a more circular manufacturing economy.

Michael Bonner, Vice President of Engineering & Technology at Saint Clair Systems Inc., will present “UV/EB: An Enabling Technology for Advanced Air Mobility Manufacturing.” Bonner will introduce the emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector—sometimes called the Low Atmosphere Economy—and explain how it differs from traditional aerospace manufacturing. The session will examine how the industry’s unique requirements, combining aviation safety, EV lightweighting, and automotive-scale production, are driving new manufacturing approaches and why energy-curable coating technologies are well suited to meet these demands.

Dwight Carlson, Chairman & CEO of Coherix Inc., will present “Next-Generation Adhesive Inspection: AI, 3D Vision, and Machine Learning in High-Speed Manufacturing.” This session explores how artificial intelligence, 3D computer vision, and machine learning are transforming adhesive dispensing and inspection across automotive, medical equipment, and consumer electronics assembly lines. Carlson will demonstrate how software-managed systems automatically adjust adhesive application without slowing production, achieving near-zero defect rates while reducing costs and improving quality. The session is especially relevant for manufacturing, automation, process-control, operations, and quality-control professionals.

Joseph Grefke, Sales Director at AlliedUV, will present “Energy-Efficient Industrial Coatings: Advancing Sustainable Manufacturing with Next-Generation UV Technologies.” Grefke will discuss innovations in UV-curable and energy-efficient coating systems that reduce emissions, lower energy consumption, and improve throughput while maintaining durability and performance. He will also address viscosity control, curing efficiency, and process optimization techniques that help manufacturers minimize waste, improve consistency, and meet evolving environmental regulations.

Michel Mies, Director of Product Development at Tesa, will present “Next-Generation Sustainable Adhesive and Bonding Technologies.” Mies will explore how advanced adhesive solutions support sustainability goals while improving production performance. The session will highlight recyclable and low-impact bonding materials, waste-reducing application methods, and technologies that enable lightweight design and circular-economy initiatives without compromising quality or throughput.

Adam Peer, Senior Director of Plastics Sustainability at the American Chemistry Council, will present “Packaging Sustainability Policy and Regulatory Developments.” Peer will review the rapidly evolving legislative landscape surrounding packaging sustainability, including extended producer responsibility frameworks, recyclability standards, and reporting requirements affecting U.S. manufacturers. Attendees will learn practical strategies to remain compliant while advancing sustainability initiatives, along with opportunities for collaboration among industry, policymakers, and manufacturers to support scalable circular packaging solutions.