Please Contact:
Glen R. Anderson, Executive Vice President
Tel: 847-562-2630
E-mail: ganderson@pstc.org

For Immediate Release

Manufacturers Stand Ready to Meet Increased Demand for Duct Tape

Northbrook, Ill., February 13, 2003 - The Pressure Sensitive Tape Council announced today that its member companies have mobilized to meet the increased demand for duct tape. The United States Department of Homeland Security has recommended duct tape as a means of "sealing" off rooms to protect against possible chemical or biological terrorist attacks.

"Duct tape as well as other polyethylene tapes provide an effective seal, and they adhere easily to most surfaces," said Glen R. Anderson, executive vice president of the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC), headquartered in Northbrook, Ill. "Our tape manufacturers stand ready to keep stores stocked with all pressure sensitive adhesive tapes in line with the recent recommendation from the Department of Homeland Security that all Americans include a roll of pressure sensitive tape in home disaster supply kits."

The PSTC represents 26 North American manufacturers who produce more than 90 percent of the pressure sensitive tapes in North America.

"We have most definitely seen an increased demand for our products," said James B. Shuford, president of PSTC-member Shurtape Technologies, Inc., based in Hickory, N.C. "I would say that duct tape sales have spiked 900 percent since the Department of Homeland Security announcement. I would expect these levels to continue another five to 10 days, maybe longer if there is an actual attack in the U.S."

Shuford and Anderson indicated that duct tape can be purchased in local Do-It-Yourself hardware stores, mass merchants, paint stores and industrial supply wholesalers.

"Duct tape has always been one of the best problem solvers around," Anderson stated. "No handyman's toolkit should be without a roll of pressure sensitive adhesive tape."

The PSTC was formed in 1953 by seven pressure sensitive tape manufacturers who identified the need for an organization that would focus on helping the industry manufacture products high in quality and performance. Throughout its 50-year history, the PSTC has focused on education and the establishment of test methods to offer customers greater assurance of quality products.