Feature: New event showcases energy storage industry growth in the “Battery Belt”
Battery Show South features expos, seminars and exhibitors offering information and material solutions for the dynamic battery industry.
Advanced battery manufacturing capacity in the US has doubled since 2022, according to a report by the International Energy Agency. And much of the investment in the industry is happening in the southern states, prompting the region to adopt the nickname “The Battery Belt.”
So it’s not too surprising The Battery Show, which now conducts industry conferences in a handful of locations worldwide (including a significant annual event in Detroit), has introduced a yearly event in the U.S. South.
The Avery Dennison team “surges” to Atlanta
The first-ever Battery Show South was held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta April 16 and 17, 2025. It brought together engineers, executives and innovators interested in solutions for energy storage, EV systems, materials, and manufacturing. Our Max VanRaaphorst, market manager, Energy Storage, and Steve DeMaagd, business development manager, were among the 3,000 people in attendance.
The show consisted of three parts: An expo focused on the latest products and technologies produced in the region, an educational opportunity featuring four technical tracks, and an exhibit that gave participants an opportunity to network with manufacturers and other professionals.
Avery Dennison often chooses to establish a significant presence at industry events, such as a booth or hosting a keynote. But the inaugural Battery Show South was mainly a chance for Max and Steve to walk the floor, engage with customers and prospects, and explore opportunities for pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes in the industry.
Max’s and Steve’s key takeaways
Chatting about the event a few days after their return, Max and Steve agreed on some main takeaways.
1. The regional battery industry is indeed booming
“There was a variety of exhibitors,” says Max. “And a real focus on cell manufacturing and quality control, and functional materials that go into the battery packs. There were some battery pack and module suppliers as well. So it was really a wide range of companies and organizations in the electrification value chain.”
“There was also heavy emphasis on the actual production of the battery cells and manufacturing services,” added Steve. “The show is, after all, in close proximity to some of the manufacturing plants that are in that southern ‘Battery Belt.’”
2. An opportunity for our sustainability story
Steve noticed an emphasis on recycling and sustainability. “There were a few companies emphasizing a more sustainable approach to energy storage, including recycling. I didn’t notice quite this level of emphasis at the Battery Show in Detroit.”
Avery Dennison has a strong sustainability story, including ambitious goals for greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and waste reduction in our manufacturing. This aligns well with this growing emphasis in the battery industry.
3. New materials R&D
Max took note of the numerous companies showcasing new materials, from gel foams to inorganic composites for flame barriers, or new flame-resistant polymers.
“There's still a considerable amount of development and time spent creating new materials to solve really crucial problems in the battery pack, like thermal runaway and dielectric protection,” says Max. “And that ties into our capabilities with our converters. Together we can take these novel materials and combine them with a PSA so they can be applied in high-volume production.”
4. A renewed emphasis on domestic supply chains
The interest in domestication has been growing since the pandemic disrupted global supply chains. The uncertainty around the Executive branch’s approach to global trade and tariffs has only intensified that trend, including in the Battery industry. “Domestification was a hot topic,” says Max. “It was a theme suppliers at the show really showcased.”
5. New technologies to help ensure quality
Steve witnessed an interesting new technology aimed at helping manufacturers ensure quality control.
“Companies are doing ultrasonic scanning of the actual battery cells,” he says. “So a complete inspection of a battery cell can take place without having to take it apart. And you can actually see very good detail of the different components within the cell.”
If you’re interested in the Battery Show South, know that the 2026 event is moving to Charlotte N.C. Information about the event is already available at The Battery Show website.
No matter the region, there are opportunities to grow in the battery industry
PSA tapes offer so many advantages to this fast-growing industry. They’re an easy-to-use bonding material that can be integrated into solutions for thermal runaway mitigation and thermal management, dielectric protection, cell wrapping, gasketing, and general bonding. And many PSA solutions for the industry require the capabilities of tape converters — those who can supply tapes formed to manufacturers’ specs, locally, and at the scales needed.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss growth opportunities in the Battery industry with interested converters or battery manufacturers. To learn more, visit www.tapes.averydennison.com/evbattery. You can also connect with Max VanRaaphorst or Steve DeMaagd through LinkedIn.