One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at Priest & Associates Consulting is helping manufacturers navigate the path from product innovation to market acceptance.

Recently, we had the opportunity to support Mitsubishi Chemical America's ALPOLIC Division during the evaluation process for ALPOLIC™/NC-US. The project highlights a challenge many manufacturers face today: bringing innovative products to market in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

As Paul Olson, DBA, General Manager of Mitsubishi Chemical America – ALPOLIC Division, shared:

"Priest & Associates Consulting provided exceptional technical guidance throughout our new non-combustible metal composite material product evaluation process. Their command of the building code, coupled with their ability to interpret and apply complex requirements, was instrumental in advancing our ALPOLIC™/NC-US to market. Their expertise opened regulatory pathways we would not have identified independently, and their contributions materially strengthened the integrity of our evaluation work."

— Paul Olson, DBA General Manager Mitsubishi Chemical America – ALPOLIC Division

The Challenge of Bringing Innovation to Market

The building products industry continues to evolve as manufacturers develop new materials and systems to meet changing performance, safety, and design demands.

ALPOLIC™/NC-US represents an important advancement in the exterior wall industry as the first non-combustible metal composite material (MCM) developed for use in the United States. While innovative products create new opportunities for architects, designers, and building owners, they can also present unique challenges when it comes to demonstrating compliance and achieving market acceptance.

Today, bringing a new product to market often requires much more than successful testing. Manufacturers must navigate building code requirements, evaluation criteria, approval pathways, and technical documentation requirements that continue to grow in complexity.

Where PAC Provided Support

Throughout the evaluation process, PAC worked alongside the ALPOLIC team to help navigate the technical and regulatory considerations associated with the product's path to market.

As Mike Luna, President & Principal / Partner of Priest & Associates Consulting, explained:

"Through review of the available fire test data and application of accepted fire engineering principles, Priest & Associates Consulting determined that the system meets the criteria to be considered noncombustible under the framework of the 2024 International Building Code. The product demonstrates how innovation in material design can support both architectural flexibility and elevated fire performance expectations for modern constructions."

This evaluation work helped support a compliance pathway for an innovative product entering the market while demonstrating how engineering expertise can complement testing data and code requirements.

Projects like this often require manufacturers to answer critical questions:

• What compliance pathway is most appropriate for the product?
• How should available test data be evaluated and applied?
• What documentation will approval agencies and code officials require?
• Are there alternative approaches available when traditional pathways are not clearly defined?
• How can potential regulatory obstacles be identified before they impact project timelines?

By addressing these questions early, manufacturers can make more informed decisions and move through the evaluation process with greater confidence.

Why Collaboration Matters

The most successful product evaluations are built on collaboration.

Manufacturers bring product innovation and technical expertise. Consultants, engineers, testing organizations, and evaluation agencies contribute specialized knowledge that helps transform innovative concepts into approved, market-ready solutions.

The ALPOLIC™/NC-US project demonstrates how technical guidance and collaboration can help identify opportunities, clarify requirements, and support a successful path toward market acceptance.

A Growing Industry Trend

The challenges associated with this project are not unique.

Across the building products industry, manufacturers are introducing increasingly sophisticated materials and systems while navigating a regulatory environment that continues to evolve. As products become more advanced, understanding the relationship between testing, engineering evaluations, code compliance, and product approvals becomes increasingly important.

Success often depends not only on product performance, but on having a clear strategy for demonstrating compliance and navigating the approval process.

Looking Ahead

We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the ALPOLIC team and appreciate Paul Olson's kind words regarding our involvement in the project.

At PAC, we remain committed to helping manufacturers navigate complex compliance challenges and identify practical pathways to market acceptance.

To learn more about ALPOLIC™/NC-US, visit:

https://alpolic-americas.com/products/nc-us/

If your organization is developing a new product, pursuing an evaluation report, navigating code requirements, or seeking guidance on product approvals, we'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how PAC can help.