Marcello Villahoz
Sr Director, Trecora
Mr Marcello D. Villahoz has served as Senior Director of Specialty Polymers at Trecora Wax Inc. since 2015. Trecora, headquartered in Pasadena, Texas, manufactures specialty polyethylene and poly alpha olefin waxes and provides custom processing services. The company’s polyethylene waxes are used in applications including HMA, PVC lubricants, its synthetic poly alpha olefin waxes support specialized applications such as printer toner. In addition to his role at Trecora, Mr. Villahoz oversees sales, marketing, and business development for specialty polymers from Nucera So HMA, personal care, cosmetics, EPS, and coatings markets in Latin America. He also supports business development activities development activities for Trecora Hydrocarbons LLC, that produces high-purity hydrocarbons, including isopentane, normal pentane, isohexane, etc. Mr. Villahoz brings extensive international experience to his role, having held senior leadership positions in multinational Companies.
Market Conditions & Outlook for the HMA Industry in Latin America
The Latin American (LATAM) HMA market continues to demonstrate resilience despite significant macroeconomic, geopolitical, and supply chain challenges. Over the past decade, both multinational and local companies have invested steadily in the region, supporting consistent market growth. However, current global conditions—including currency volatility, raw material shortages, feedstock constraints, import duties, and rising oil prices—are exerting pressure on local adhesive manufacturers. At the same time, demand growth remains evident in specific end use segments, particularly packaging, corrugated board, and hygiene applications. Additionally, there is growing regional interest in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and low carbon footprint solutions, especially related to waxes used in adhesive formulations. Market Environment and Investment Trends in Latin America has attracted sustained investment from global multinational corporations as well as loca producers. These investments have supported capacity expansion, modernization, and broader participation in global supply chains.
Despite this long-term commitment, the current market environment is increasingly complex. Adhesive manufacturers are operating in a landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, fluctuating exchange rates, and structural supply challenges. These conditions are affecting both production costs and pricing strategies across the region. The following factors are currently influencing the HMA market in Latin America: a. Macroeconomic and Currency Volatility: • Fluctuations in the US Dollar and Euro relative to local currencies are impacting raw material costs and margin stability and currency instability complicates long term planning and pricing consistency for local producers. Raw Material and Feedstock Constraints are affected by limited availability of key raw materials and feedstocks is disrupting supply chains. metrics. LCA & Low carbon footprint evaluation of waxes used in HMA will be discussed.
Breakout V – Market Dynamics & Collaboration – 17 September 2026 – 11:00 – 11:30 – Room Fleming – F3