Afera, the European Adhesive Tape Association, is set to host its inaugural European Tape Week from 22nd to 26th September 2025 at the Hyatt Regency in Thessaloniki, Greece. This landmark event consolidates Afera’s flagship gatherings – the 68th Annual Conference, the 11th Technical Seminar and various Committee and Sustainability Project Meetings – into a single, cohesive, linear programme. The three sub-events may be attended individually or collectively, with the aim of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across the adhesive tape value chain.
European Tape Week is designed to bring together professionals from all facets of the adhesive tape sector, including tape manufacturers, suppliers, converters, distributors, researchers, end users and national adhesive and tape groups. By merging technical and strategic discussions with industry and field leaders under the theme “Navigating the future of adhesive tapes: Transforming challenges into opportunities”, the event offers a comprehensive overview of current obstacles, demands and innovations within the business. Attendees can expect a blend of expert presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities, all tailored to address the evolving needs of the European tape community.
“European Tape Week promises to be the most engaging and insightful gathering for adhesive tapes manufacturers and all other organisations across the tape business value chain,” emphasies Astrid Lejeune, secretary general at Afera. “By uniting the entire community, the event creates a neutral forum where competitors and colleagues alike can openly discuss trends, share knowledge and work on common challenges.”
The week-long event kicks off with Committee Meetings on Monday, setting the stage for collaborative discussions. The 11th Technical Seminar follows on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, featuring 20 minute expert talks on topics such as pressure-sensitive adhesive formulations, flame retardant materials, recycling friendly polymers, UV curing techniques and AI driven tape technology. A joint plenary session will bridge the Technical Seminar and Annual Conference, focusing on overarching themes like regulation, sustainability and carbon footprint assessment.
From Wednesday afternoon to Friday, the 68th Annual Conference delves into strategic insights and market foresight. Sessions will explore European and global economic forecasts, industrial competitiveness, the battery technology revolution and the packaging tape market. Key topics include raw material price volatility, manufacturing resilience, regulatory shifts and strategic innovation planning. Each session concludes with a panel discussion, ensuring diverse perspectives and practical takeaways.
A notable feature is the introduction of Afera’s TACK tool, which enables standardised calculation of product carbon footprints, positioning sustainability as both a responsibility and an innovation driver. Furthermore, three CEOs from the adhesive tape industry – Carlo Maria Righetti, CEO of NAR, Sam Strijckmans, CEO of Nitto EMEA and executive vice-president of Nitto Denko Corporation and Melanie Ott, CEO of artimelt AG – are set to speak individually about strategy in the current market.
Recognising the value of informal interactions, European Tape Week incorporates extended networking breaks, shared meals and evening events. These settings provide ample opportunities for delegates to connect, exchange ideas and build lasting professional relationships. The event anticipates over 250 participants, making it the largest gathering of its kind in the European adhesive tapes sector.
Afera President Evert Smit, who is also director scouting for sustainability, technology and innovation at Lohmann GmbH & Co KG, highlights the collaborative spirit of the event: “Afera’s European Tape Week is more than just networking and knowledge sharing. It's about co-creating, transparency, changing mindsets and meeting the new generation on its terms – and ultimately making our technologies and businesses futureproof.”
Registration for European Tape Week is now open. Attendees can choose to participate in the Technical Seminar, the Annual Conference or both, with combination tickets offered at discounted rates to encourage full-week engagement. Accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki can be booked at Afera rates until 1 July.
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