March 10, 2025
Whether it is from outside environmental regulations or an internal commitment to go green, many businesses are looking to reduce their negative environmental impact. One key area where some businesses can make a difference is with their packaging processes.
Using more material or tape than necessary can be wasteful. Non-recyclable packaging materials can be problematic. And case and carton sealing with traditional hot melts can lead to harmful microplastics being released into the environment. Especially for businesses that go through a lot of packaging, a simple switch to a more environmentally friendly case and carton sealing EVA could make a huge difference.
Benefits of Sustainable Carton Sealing Adhesives
Compared to traditional case and carton closing adhesives, a more eco-friendly case sealing adhesive may have several benefits including:
-
Reduced Carbon Footprint - A more sustainable carton closing adhesive will often be partially bio-based and made from renewable materials compared to being made from petroleum-based materials like traditional hot melts.
-
Improved Recyclability - Adhesives in cardboard recycling can be problematic. Some more sustainable options allow packaging materials to be more easily recyclable by reducing contamination.
-
Lower VOC Emissions - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can be harmful to the environment as well as humans. More sustainable case sealing adhesives often have a lower VOC content.
-
Regulatory Compliance - Many businesses face strict environmental regulations, and these adhesives can help them stay compliant.
Explore More Sustainable Carton Sealing Adhesives
Sustainable case sealing glues have many benefits for your business. Our team of adhesive specialists are sharing some options we carry for more sustainable carton sealing adhesives than your traditional hot melts.
Automatic Applications
If you are looking for a more environmentally friendly carton sealing adhesive for automatic and high-speed applications, the Tecbond 110B biodegradable bulk hot melt may be the right choice. With a 10-second open time, it is designed specifically with high-speed, end-of-line packaging operations in mind. It is ASTM D6400 certified, so it has no harmful byproducts during break down and will begin to decompose when exposed to heat, UV light, and oxygen. It also can be applied at lower temperatures to reduce energy costs and can be used in some food packaging applications.
Manual Applications
Another option if you have a manual application in a lower volume is the Tecbond 214B biodegradable glue sticks. These glue sticks are ASTM D6400 certified, 45% bio-based, and completely non-toxic. They will not leave harmful microplastics behind like other glue sticks and are made primarily for cardboard and paper substrates. They are also compatible with standard glue guns and FDA-approved for indirect contact with food.
Sustainable case sealing glues have many benefits, but some people have concerns about their effectiveness and cost. The products we mentioned above have been tested for their adhesion and meet industry standards for performance for their applications. They are also similar in price to other comparable, non-biodegradable products, so you are not paying a pretty penny to just go green.
Not Ready to Take the Plunge?
When deciding on a more sustainable carton closing adhesive, it is important to keep your application in mind. The adhesive should not only be compatible with your substrates but also the environment.
You can explore our collection of biodegradable packaging adhesives or contact us to speak with one of our adhesive experts for more information. In some cases, we also have samples to allow you to test the product before rolling it out completely.
