Global test methods committee agree to standardise with universal label
Harmonisation of test methods throughout the pressure- sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape industry is a step closer following the recent meeting of the Global Tape Forum (GTF) in Taipei, Taiwan.
Member associations of the international body that address key issues impacting this industry pledged closer collaboration to develop and harmonise the test methods. Once finalised the GTF-Harmonised TMs will establish a quality label providing international credibility.
One major benefit of the label is a reduction in time and financial commitment required compared to the first three ISO-certification procedures which cost these European, American and Japanese industry associations a total of €25,600 and took five years to complete.
The forum also made meaningful progress in establishing the role and practices of the international PSA tape forum.Â
Held biennially, the only purely global pressure-sensitive adhesive tape event was hosted by the Taiwan Regional Association of Adhesive Tape Manufacturers (TAAT).
It was attended by 29 member association delegates and four observers from the six current GTF/GTMC members:
The European Association for the Self-Adhesive Tape Industry (Afera)
The Middle East & India Association for the Self-Adhesive Tape Industry (Afera MEI)
The China Adhesives and Tape Industry Association (CATIA)
The Japanese Adhesive Tapes Manufacturers Association (JATMA)
The Pressure-Sensitive Tape Council (North America) (PSTC)
The Taiwan Regional Association of Adhesive Tape Manufacturers (TAAT).
While the GTF represents the majority of the world’s PSA tape industry through member associations it is still seeking to extend its reach with representatives in Korea and South America.
The meetings were held prior to TAAT’s Annual Technical Seminar themed: New Applications and Marketing for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tapes at the Taipei International Convention Centre. The international event was attended by 240 tape industry professionals and Taiwan’s Vice President, who also spent time meeting with the international tape industry guest delegates.