At the 2014 China International Printing Exhibition, Hong Kong Valence Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. showcased its environmentally friendly solvent-free adhesive. Compared to the booths of large equipment manufacturers, Valence's adhesive booth seemed rather inconspicuous, much like the adhesive industry itself. However, Xiong Qing, general manager of Valence Adhesives Hong Kong Company, didn't think so. He said that while the adhesive industry may seem small, it is actually full of potential.

Since its establishment in 2009, in just a few years, this professional adhesive supplier has won over hundreds of customers with its innovation and latecomer advantages, including most of the industry's leading companies. Today, green environmental protection has placed higher demands on adhesive R&D, creating a new stage for Valence Adhesives, which excels in R&D.

Small Industry, Large Market

When Xiong Qing first entered the adhesive industry, some people didn't understand why a graduate from a prestigious university would become a "glue master." But Xiong Qing was quite firm in his belief that the entire industrial manufacturing process relies on adhesives, and that the adhesive market has a bright future. Now, after more than two decades in the adhesive industry, he still marvels, "Adhesives are almost everywhere, sticking to everything. Even now, I've only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adhesives."

As a raw material for printing, adhesives, while not a large procurement expense (only 3%–5% of a company's total procurement), can cause 100% or even 200% losses if the quality is unstable. Valence Adhesives' pursuit of the highest product quality has made it a reputable adhesive supplier in the paper processing, wood processing, cigarette and food packaging, and hygiene product industries.

Driven by R&D and Innovation

In 2014, while many printing companies were struggling, Valence Adhesives saw its sales increase by 30%, thanks to the company's continuous pursuit of R&D and innovation.

From its inception, Valence Adhesives has placed R&D at the highest level of its business development. Every year, it invests more than 4% of its sales revenue in R&D to support innovation.

R&D and innovation, as Valence Adhesives' core competitive advantages, are helping it to get closer to customers and the market. Compared to its peers, Valence Adhesives is better at understanding user needs and constantly creating new products. Valence Adhesives continuously improves its market response mechanism to understand customer's individualized needs more accurately and quickly. Xiong Qing says that customer trust and affirmation are Valence's most valuable assets.

Winning the Market with Green Environmental Protection

"Environmental protection is not an option, but a responsibility that every company must fulfill." Valence Adhesives' proactive exploration in green environmental protection has earned it a good reputation.

The solvent-free adhesive, a key product showcased at the exhibition, is a prime example of this commitment to green environmental protection. Valence Adhesives' solvent-free product contains no harmful solvents such as toluene, effectively helping users solve problems with excessive volatile organic compound content. With increasingly stringent volatile organic compound emission monitoring, this product allows customers to stay ahead of the competition and win consumer trust.

The demand for green environmental protection has increased the difficulty and cost of product R&D. From the research and design of raw materials to commercial production, Valence has invested a great deal of effort. Innovation is endless. Valence's next step will focus on the packaging field, exploring how to make colorful, beautiful boxes easier to bond and more environmentally friendly—Valence Adhesives' next challenge.

Along the way, Valence Adhesives has always adhered to the concept of innovation. Xiong Qing says that the more difficult the industry becomes, the more innovation is needed; without innovation, it will inevitably be eliminated. Innovation and environmental protection are the dual drivers of Valence's development, and also the direction that all printing companies should strive for.