January 8, 2025
Whether it's related to growing governmental regulations or just a desire to go green, a lot of companies are looking to be more environmentally friendly this year. One area of improvement for many companies is their bonding choices. While traditional adhesives are not considered the best option for sustainability, there is a growing need for different types of sustainable adhesive glues.
What Are Sustainable Adhesives?
Sustainable adhesives are adhesives that are designed to reduce their environmental impact compared to traditional adhesives. These adhesives also sometimes meet specific government regulations regarding their biodegradability or recyclability. They are commonly made from renewable materials and tend to contain little to no solvents.
More sustainable adhesives are important because they can reduce the negative impact on the environment compared to traditional adhesives. They may help companies reduce waste, lower their carbon footprint, or decrease their use of toxic chemicals. Not only is this great for companies looking to be more environmentally conscious on their own, but also there have been a growing number of government environmental regulations over the last few decades. These different types of sustainable adhesives can be a cost-effective solution for many of these regulations.
Types of Sustainable Adhesives
Adhesives that are considered more sustainable options include a wide range of products with various special properties regarding their sustainability. In general, some of the different types of sustainable adhesives include:
- Biodegradable adhesives- These adhesives are designed to break down naturally. They are typically made from plant-based or renewable materials. Because of strict requirements, not all biodegradable glues are considered compostable glues.
- Compostable adhesives- These environmental adhesives will break down within a certain timeframe and leave no harmful residue behind. They typically undergo specific testing to make sure they meet certain requirements in order to be labeled compostable.
- Recyclable adhesives- Recyclable adhesive glues are adhesives that can be easily separated from the materials they bonded and melted down into a new material for future use.
- Repulpable adhesives- Repulpable adhesive glues are adhesives that can completely dissolve in water during the re-pulping process without leaving behind any residue.
Sustainable Adhesive Applications
These more sustainable glues can be used in a wide range of applications. Some of the more popular applications for sustainable adhesive solutions include:
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The Paper & Packaging Industry- With a push for more eco-friendly materials and processes, biodegradable hot melt adhesives are popular in the packaging and paper industry. Traditional package glue often contains harmful solvents and is not biodegradable, but more sustainable adhesive options can help eliminate these issues.
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The Automotive Industry- The automotive industry is another business sector that is starting to turn to more sustainable adhesive solutions. These products are becoming increasingly popular with the manufacturing of electric vehicles in particular as these automobiles are already considered a more environmentally friendly option to traditional cars.
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Construction- Construction can have a large negative effect on the environment, but more sustainable adhesive solutions are helping to minimize this impact. These products can be used to bond a variety of types of substrates for numerous different uses while decreasing the release of harmful chemicals or reducing waste.
Find a More Sustainable Adhesive for Your Needs
As environmentally friendly solutions continue to be a priority in the global market, the demand for more sustainable adhesive options will only grow. Make the switch to a more sustainable glue product.
If you are not sure which adhesive is right for your needs, let us help. Our team of experts can recommend a product specifically for your needs. Just contact us today.
