May 2025

An Open Letter to Policy Makers about Tariffs

At Teckrez, we’re proud of our journey as an American entrepreneurial success story. Since our founding in 2006, we’ve built a thriving business supplying specialized resins - critical raw materials for adhesives, sealants, and paints - to manufacturers across the U.S.

Over the years, we've grown steadily by partnering with reliable global suppliers and investing in innovation. Our products support a wide range of industries, from food packaging to automotive and aerospace, helping our customers deliver quality, performance, and consistency.

However, recent tariff increases on key raw materials - some exceeding 170% - are threatening the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. These resins are not widely produced domestically, making imports essential. The new tariffs significantly raise costs, forcing some companies to reformulate products, reduce production, or consider moving operations abroad.

We urge policymakers to recognize the unintended consequences of these trade actions. Without a practical exemption process for essential inputs, these tariffs risk weakening - not strengthening - U.S. manufacturing. Teckrez will participate in the Alliance for Chemical Distributors (ACD) Washington DC fly in on May 14-15.

We’ve created short videos to share more about our story and the real-world impact of these changes. I invite you to contact me if you want to learn more and join the conversation: info@teckrez.com.

—

Marc Jackson

President & CEO, Teckrez, LLC

As CFO of a global chemical distributor, I know firsthand that policy shapes business as much as numbers do. That’s why we’re heading to Washington, D.C., for the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) Fly-In, May 14–15. This annual event brings industry leaders together with policymakers to address the regulations and legislation that impact our operations.

Why It Matters

Our business depends on the smooth, cost-effective flow of specialty chemicals through a complex supply chain. Policy decisions around trade, taxation, infrastructure, and the environment directly affect how we operate, price, and serve our customers.

Our Key Priorities

Trade Stability: We’ll advocate for the inclusion of key products on the Annex II list and support the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB), which reduce costs on imported materials. ACD members will urge Congress to pass the RETRO GSP Act and renew the MTB to maintain access to essential, non-domestically manufactured chemicals.

Superfund Excise Tax Reform: This tax has raised costs significantly. We’ll push for its reform ... READ MORE

Clear Performance

Did you know that some of the clarity and stickiness of clear caulks and sealants often come from a specialized ingredient known as hydrogenated tackifier resin? These resins are critical in formulating high-performance, transparent sealing products used in construction, automotive, and household applications. Unlike traditional tackifier resins, hydrogenated tackifier resins are chemically modified to reduce color and improve stability, making them ideal for applications where aesthetics and durability are paramount. Their unique ability to enhance adhesion while maintaining optical clarity ensures that clear caulks and sealants can bond effectively to surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic without compromising the visual appeal.

In clear caulks and sealants, hydrogenated tackifier resins work by improving the adhesive properties and cohesion of the formulation. They provide the “tack” or stickiness that allows the sealant to grip surfaces securely, even under stress or environmental exposure. Additionally, these resins contribute to the flexibility and elasticity ... READ MORE

Monomers with Mustard on the Side

We had cheeseburgers for dinner the other night with the condiment bottles sitting on the table between us all. As I sat there enjoying my meal, my eye caught the Heinz mustard bottle perched right in front of my plate. What a classic label! It had gold trim and a faint serif on the font. There was something reminiscent of the olden days about the whole look of the product. Then, I noticed a subtle phrase right under the words “YELLOW MUSTARD”. It said - get ready for this… - “A common condiment, done UNCOMMONLY WELL.”

I was so moved by the phrase that I told my husband right then that I was going to incorporate the Heinz mustard inspiration into my next Monomers Moments article. He laughed and asked if he could be mentioned in each one of my articles. Challenge accepted… I thought.

Then, in a very serious tone he looked at me and said, “Don’t tell me… you’re going to say that Teckrez monomers are common chemicals, done UNCOMMONLY WELL.” I jumped up from the table and declared, “Precisely!”

As I sat down and returned my gaze to the bottle, one last detail stood out. In small red lettering ... READ MORE

Eric Rigel joins Teckrez as Vice President of Product Development, where he leads innovation and product strategy for tackifier resins and acrylic monomers.

He holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech and an MBA in Finance from The Citadel. He brings over 16 years of experience in the specialty chemicals industry, including expertise in new product development, business management, and strategic planning.

His background includes developing and implementing distribution strategies, growing product portfolios, and strengthening supplier relationships across the coatings and chemical sectors. Eric has a strong track record of expanding market presence and navigating challenging market conditions.

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