Sustainable packaging with our eco-friendly hot-melt adhesives

In our last article we studied the difference between biodegradable, compostable, and bio-based in relation to packaging following the global trend of both companies and consumers seeking to produce and purchase more environmentally friendly products. Today we will explain the role of adhesives and how they can fit into this equation.

It is true that knowledge and awareness of more environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging materials (e.g., compostable, reusable, biodegradable, etc.) is growing, yet it is often difficult for some to assess the impact adhesives have on the sustainability model of this sector.

What are stickers made of and can they be recycled?

Most hot-melt adhesives consist of a combination of polymers, resins, waxes and functional additives that go into forming a thermoplastic material. Thermoplastics, are easily recyclable, but some microplastics can end up as in the marine environment. This is one of the biggest challenges for the adhesives industry.

Adhesives are an integral part of packaging production, and state-of-the-art waste management measures ensure that glue from these materials does not enter the marine environment. When it comes to recycling paper and cardboard packaging, the EU agenda states that standard paper mill technology is designed to separate and remove adhesives during the papermaking process.

Most hot melts are not readily recycled, but it is critical that they be compatible with recycling-that is, the glue in the packaging must not affect the product’s ability to be recycled. Some adhesives make this process more difficult, as they can soften to form gelatinous globules that are difficult to dispose of, but generally these do not cause great concern and are an accepted part of the process.

Unused quantities of hot-melt adhesives can be recycled into similar products, and although not always practical, if there is the ability to remove the adhesive from its applied surface, it too can be recycled into similar types of products. When Beardow Adams produces hot melt, there is virtually zero material waste, and any unused adhesive is reprocessed.

How can adhesive and packaging manufacturers work together to provide greener solutions?

In our industry, it is critical that adhesives enable proper disposal of packaging materials: they must be removable and not compromise the finished product, the manufacturing process or the environment. However, it is equally important for adhesives companies to produce adhesives that ensure a sustainable future.

There are several ways in which adhesive manufacturers can do this. Modern companies like Beardow Adams continually improve their existing products and services and create new ones that are as environmentally friendly as possible while still serving their original function.

FECIA-the European Adhesives and Sealants Industry Association-said,“Day after day, the adhesives and sealants industry is developing technologies to support a growing world population to live a better life and use the planet’s resources responsibly and efficiently.”

Beardow Adams, has a multi-organizational, interdepartmental Green Team, and hot melt production facilities in Milton Keynes regularly produce adhesives with 40-60% organic content. The resins that form this content come from sustainable materials. In 2019, on average, more than 30 percent of the raw materials used by Beardow Adams to produce hot-melt adhesives were biobased, from renewable resources.

Sustainability in terms of production processes is also a key part of the Green Team‘s agenda. Hot-melt adhesives are considered among the most sustainable glues because they produce virtually zero waste and no fumes. Products in our BAMFutura ™ range run cleanly – facilitating machine longevity – and offer real cost savings through lower consumption, maintenance and inventory costs, as well as extremely versatile performance. All this helps to reduce environmental impact.

Ecological services in Beardow Adams

Producing eco-friendly hot melts with virtually zero waste, analyzing in-house production processes at manufacturing sites to reduce energy, waste and water consumption are just some of the ways Beardow Adams is contributing to a greener economy. In addition, we are always trying to increase and improve our offering of greener products and services.

Options we can offer clients include:

• Dextrin and starch-based adhesives
• Vegan adhesive available – BAMFutura 43VE
• Biologically based adhesives – glues with high biological content
• Dispersible alkali adhesives: help PET recycling and closed-loop recycling processes
• Adhesives for pallet stabilization – reduces the need for excessive use of plastic
• Returnable plastic pallets – closed recycling loops
• Paper bags / sacks available for carrying adhesives rather than their plastic alternative
• Adhesive optimization services: work with customers to reduce adhesive consumption and optimize machines to reduce energy consumption