What is your ROI as an adhesive tape manufacturer?

• Become part of the only European industry collective specifically focussing on adhesive tapes
• Obtain new contacts, business associates and friends through Afera’s European network and international connections
• Establish trade links, receive advice and resolve disputes through Afera’s membership company network
• Join in the industry fellowship – even among tape company competitors – demonstrated at Afera events and committee meetings
• Achieve shared goals by working with your contemporaries on adhesive tape industry projects through committee meetings, working groups and the Global Tape Forum.

“Certoplast, a producer of tapes primarily for the automotive industry but also for building & construction, is one of Afera’s oldest Members. Personally I am driven by connecting with interesting people from other countries with different views on tape-related topics. Professionally, it is the compelling network. I cannot imagine being in the tape business and not being involved in Afera. For the tape industry as a whole, I think it is important to have a pan-European organisation, if not simply for handling such topics as REACH (the European Chemicals Policy), the Circular Economy and customer norms and demands related to MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets). It was before my time, but having tapes classified as ‘articles’ under REACH was a huge achievement of Afera’s.” Read more

Thorsten Meier, Head of R&D, Certoplast Technische Klebebänder GmbH

“ABI Tape EAMER (European, African, and Middle Eastern Region), which is based in Ronse, Belgium, is focussed on a variety of applications of adhesive tape for automotive, signage, building & construction and high-end leather goods. Afera is about the people. The Annual Conference is the perfect opportunity for getting to know your industry peers in an informal setting. On a personal level, attending my first Conference was a hit since it allowed me to knock on doors that you usually wouldn’t get access to or even consider approaching. On a company level, Afera has helped ABI Tape in providing access to globally harmonised test methods and conducting business more efficiently.” Read more

Jacques Geijsen, Managing Director, ABI Tape EAMER

“I have been active in Afera since 1993, although my company, Advance Tapes, a leading European adhesive tape manufacturer for use in building, construction, agriculture, nuclear and industrial markets, has been for much longer as it is a family business. The Annual Conference has always been the event of the year for us. Not only is it informative, but I have forged many business and personal relationships with Afera members, including my most ardent competitors, and I enjoy seeing all of them there. The creation of the Global Tape Forum is an industry achievement that I am proud to have been a part of. I have always encouraged my employees to get involved in Afera so that they are able to benefit in the same way that I have:  forging and keeping up contacts, learning at events, and participating in projects. Advance has provided members to both the Technical and Marketing Committees, including chairs.  I think Afera’s current focus on raising the profile of adhesive tapes and our industry as a whole is on-target.”

Mike Ayres, Chairman & Chief Executive, Advance Tapes International Limited