Packagers and converters are always seeking the most efficient, cost-effective adhesives. Many times, synthetics are not the most reliable solutions. This is especially true in an era when U.S. companies of all types are encouraged to find more environmentally friendly options.
Modern technology has allowed “green” choices to become increasingly sensible both for environmental and economic reasons. While ingredients are constantly advancing, eco-friendly adhesives are not new. The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) uses a table1 to show the evolution of adhesives used in packaging and converting applications from the 1920s on, marking the initial era as one classified by Band-Aid® as the first pressure-sensitive adhesive. The timeline’s list of changes expands with each decade—from VAE-based emulsion to recyclable hot melts and shrink labeling. As the chart concludes with the 2000s, we are left with just two new movements: reduced application temperature hot melts and increased emphasis on sustainable adhesives.