Power Adhesives, the UK-headquartered manufacturer of hot melt adhesives for the construction, product assembly, manufacturing, packaging and DIY sectors, has announced the launch of its new website featuring a refresh of the brand.
The comprehensive rebranding initiative comes as a strategic move to strengthen Power Adhesives’ identity across its markets, and further differentiate the company from its competitors. The new visual identity and messaging strategy reinforces its position as the premier choice for bonding solutions.
Carly Newman, Power Adhesives Marketing Manager, comments: “With the business going from strength to strength and with the launch of our biodegradable adhesive Tecbond 214B, as well as many other new innovations coming to market, we recognised the need to revitalise and strengthen our brand.
“We want to showcase to our customers, new and old, what Power Adhesives can do for them – whatever their bonding need – with an up-to-date look and feel providing easier brand recognition and making it even easier to do business with us.”
The new website features insight into the company’s latest adhesive technologies, industry applications, and the work it is doing to drive sustainability into the industry. Easy to navigate, with blogs and social media links to keep Power Adhesives at the forefront of industry discussion, the new website was launched on Monday 23rd September.
The rebrand marks a key commercial milestone for Power Adhesives and signals a new era of growth and innovation for the company and its distributors, delivered through a more cohesive and connected brand experience. The refresh also aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, positioning Power Adhesives as one of the most forward-thinking leaders in the adhesives industry.
To discover the latest range of hot melt adhesive solutions from Power Adhesives, please visit www.poweradhesives.com.
Hot melt adhesives are intrinsic to many industries and how they operate. In many circumstances, hot melts promote greater efficiency, increased output and safer working environments.
Despite this, hot melt adhesives seem to carry the preconception that they’re mainly for craft or hobby purposes. But what if we told you that they could be used for everything from sealing boxes on a production line, to attaching cables, assembling oil filters, and more?
At Power Adhesives, we’re on a mission to educate as many people as we can so that more industry users can recognise the benefits of using hot melt adhesives over other adhesive systems.
What is a hot melt adhesive?
We have a more in-depth blog going into everything you need to know about hot melts, but as a starting point, a hot melt adhesive is a thermoplastic adhesive that forms bonds through melting and solidifying as opposed to drying like cyanoacrylates (super glues) and solvent-based adhesives (spray mounts).
The main benefits of hot melts are their fast bonding and setting speeds, combined with environmental benefits. In most circumstances, a hot melt adhesive will provide a near-instant hold between substrates. Although this initial bond won’t be at its strongest until several hours later, most bonds will be resistant to small movements between the materials, allowing these parts to progress along the assembly process.
As for the environmental benefits, hot melt adhesives are 100% solid content and are VOC-free (volatile organic compounds). This not only reduces overall waste, but allows operators to use them without the need for any respiratory PPE.
So what industries and applications are they used in?
Beyond crafting, hot melts are prevalent in a variety of different industries, covering applications great and small. Below are just some of the diverse applications hot melts are used for:
Packaging Solutions – Paper, Cardboard and Plastics
One of the more common uses for hot melt adhesives thanks to their cost-effectiveness and reliability, hot melts have been used for securing cartons and packaging inserts for over 50 years.
Alongside being more dependable than tapes or staples, hot melt adhesives provide a tamper-proof seal for cardboard boxes and will even work on more difficult substrates including triwall cardboard and varnished surfaces, most commonly found in food and retail POS packaging.
Plastics – Automotive to Electronics
As hot melt technology improves, so does its bonding potential. Plastics are particularly difficult to bond due to being very “low surface” causing adhesives to reticulate (gather upon themselves to avoid contact with the substrate) and therefore, decrease their ability to bond.
However, many grades in the Tecbond range have been specifically formulated to bond so-called “shiny” surfaces and offer a less-destructive alternative to screws and bolts. Some of these applications include:
Interior trim on automobiles
Internal electrical components (trunking, junction boxes, alarms and sensors etc)
Electrical cabling
White goods (assembly of fridges, freezers, washing machines etc)
Assembly applications involving polypropylene
Woodworking – The alternative to wood glue
A vast majority of wood products, whether they’re mass-produced or hand-made, will have construction points held together with a traditional wood glue. These solvent-based solutions have long drying times, contain VOCs and tend to cure in the bottle if not used within a certain time frame.
Switching to hot melt adhesives eliminates all the issues involved with solvent-based adhesives by offering long or short open times to suit the application, near-instant initial bonds, and rapid setting speeds, all of which increase production rates.
Some of the most common places to find hot melt adhesives in wood applications include:
For more demanding applications, hot melt adhesives can be used in conjunction with nails and pins to provide a more robust join.
Textiles – From handbags to high-heels
Many clothing and accessory manufacturers, including designer brands, are choosing to use hot melts over regular stitching or other fabric adhesives, thanks to their ability to provide long-lasting bonds across a variety of different materials.
Hot melts are crucial to many manufacturers as the bond is often not visible, and is flexible enough to allow for regular movements of wear and use that clothing goes through. Tecbond hot melts are already used in clothing applications such as:
Shoes – Soles and insoles
Handbags – inner fabric and accessory attachment
Clothing interlining
Underwear – Seam and lining bonding
Sensitive Substrates – Foams, polystyrene and polyethylene plastics
You may think that a hot melt adhesive’s downfall is its inability to work with heat-sensitive materials. However, certain hot melts are specifically formulated to melt and bond at lower temperatures – without damaging the material it’s designed to bond.
Alongside these low melt grades, at Power Adhesives, we manufacture specialist sprayable hot melts. These adhesives work together with Tec spray applicators to dispense hot melt in a spiral pattern. These adhesives cool much faster than a traditional bead application, and therefore, make contact with substrates at a much lower temperature.
Low melt and sprayable formulations are used on many of the substrates and applications listed above, as well as:
Furniture manufacturing – Cushions and seat padding
Leather accessories – Purses & wallets
Pallet Stabilisation – Alternative to shrink wrap on cartons and sacks
Protective cases – Foam inserts
High Temperature & Chemical Rich Environments
The range of Tecbond hot melts features several grades that are polyamide-based. Polyamide adhesives exhibit greater temperature and chemical resistance than EVA or polyolefin-based formulations, which makes them the ideal adhesive for:
Oil filters – Attaching pleated paper to the centre tube
Despite their resistance, polyamide adhesives have the same characteristics as traditional hot melts, with variable open times depending on the formulation, and faster setting speeds (without the need for heating or extended compression periods).
Hot melt adhesive technology is constantly advancing, providing greater benefits not only to the user but also to the environment. Many Tecbond formulations, for example, are non-toxic and made from up to 44% bio-based materials, with a brand-new formulation being fully biodegradable.
Unlike many traditional bonding and fixing methods, hot melt adhesives offer versatility in areas where it’s more efficient and cost-effective to stick to one formulation for a variety of applications. Most hot melt adhesives have a near-infinite shelf life and can be used sparingly to further save the user money.
For more information on the Tecbond adhesive range, or to understand how hot melts could benefit your industry, contact our sales team.
From promotions to job roles changes, along with some new staff, it’s safe to say our sales support team have had a busy 2024 so far.
With the increase in customer support requirements, we’ve made some changes to our current team to improve workflow, and provide a more personalised customer service experiences for our distribution network.
Firstly, we would like to welcome Joanna as our new Sales Support Manager. Joanna brings a wealth of experience to the role, and will coordinate the Sales Support team, driving collaboration and efficiency, but also working with each member on a one-to-one basis to aid in their development.
Along with Joanna, we welcomed Lynsey as a new Sales Support Coordinator, along with job role changes for some long-standing employees in Charlotte and Franco.
Both Charlotte and Franco have moved into new roles as Internal Sales Associates, and will be working much more closely with distributors to help them promote Power Adhesive products and understand any pain points individual companies may be facing.
Throughout 2024 and beyond, we’ll be looking to offer more first-hand support to our distribution network, and our Sales Support team are a crucial part of this journey. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Joanna and Lynsey to the company and congratulating Charlotte and Franco on their new roles.
At the start of 2024, we launched a new Premium Partnership scheme to reward our top distributors for their dedication to stocking and selling Power Adhesives products. In May, we officially welcomed Kenyon Group to this scheme.
Kenyon Group, a UK-based distribution partner, have pioneered Tec and Tecbond products for over 20 years. Along with championing many new tools and adhesives over that time, their industry knowledge and expertise in the UK adhesive market has helped us to better tailor our products to end-users needs.
We will continue to explore our distribution network and offer premium partnership opportunities to distribution partners who work closely with us, stock a range of both Tec and Tecbond products, and are keen to contribute to the continued growth of the business.
Marking a world-first, UK-headquartered Power Adhesives has announced the launch of its fully certified, biodegradable, shaped hot melt adhesive designed for use by carton, corrugated packaging & POS converters, as well as contract packers.
Certified to completely break down in the presence of oxygen, leaving behind only non-harmful products and no microplastics, Tecbond 214B is manufactured with 44% bio-based materials and certified to ASTM D6400 and EN13432; the EU standard that sets out the requirements for compostable and biodegradable products.
Brendan Colgan, Power Adhesives Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is an exciting time for the packaging industry. All players in the supply chain are working hard to drive sustainable products and processes into the market to support brands and consumers, and this is truly a groundbreaking moment for the packaging adhesives sector.
“Brands and their packaging partners often expect new sustainable solutions to come at a premium cost. With Tecbond 214B, we’re delivering the adhesive quality and performance our customers have come to rely on combined with the same competitive pricing – no compromise. We recognise that the climate emergency is driving entire industries to step up and become more sustainable. While we’re working on our sustainability journey, we hope this innovation will lead the way for the packaging adhesives industry.”
Available globally, Tecbond 214B offers the same performance characteristics as standard Tecbond, with a high level of tack and fast setting speed providing an almost instant bond once applied and compressed. This enables companies to drive efficiency into packing procedures, improving workflow and output.
Tecbond 214B is also indirect food contact approved, enabling it to be used in all areas of the food packaging process, from wrap-around cartons and boxes to shipping packaging.
Power Adhesives are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Committee. This initiative, a huge step-forward in the business’ history, reflects our commitment to sustainable practices, ethical governance, and social responsibility. This blog will help you to understand what our ESG Committee is all about and how it can benefit both our business, and the local community.
What is the ESG Committee?
The ESG Committee is a specialised group within our organisation that’s dedicated to integrating ESG principles into our business strategies and operations. The committee primarily focuses on:
Environmental Stewardship: The concept of developing and implementing practices that reduce our environmental footprint. This ranges from energy efficiency through to waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing – all initiatives aimed at protecting our planet.
Social Responsibility: We want our business practices to contribute to social well-being. That means creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, supporting community development projects, and maintaining high labour standards.
Governance Excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of corporate governance. Transparency, ethical business practices, and accountability to stakeholders are at the core of what we do.
How Does the ESG Committee Benefit Our Business?
Company Responsibility: By embracing ESG principles, we gain a better understanding of how we operate, both internally and externally, allowing us to take more responsibility for our sustainability and ethical practices.
Risk Management: ESG initiatives improve our recognition of potential risks related to environmental impact, social issues, and governance. Taking a proactive approach protects not only our business and stakeholders, but the wider community too.
Operational Efficiency: Implementing sustainable practices helps to identify prospective improvements to our operations. For example, energy-saving measures can cut costs, and responsible supply chain management can streamline our operations.
Employee Engagement: A strong ESG commitment can make our employees happier; people want to work for companies that align with their values and make a positive impact on society.
How Does the ESG Committee Benefit the Community?
Environmental Protection: We hope that our efforts to minimise our environmental impact will, in turn, encourage other companies in a similar position to make comparable adjustments to their processes. Working together, companies can have a positive effect on the community’s health and sustainability.
Social Inclusion: We’re all about promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion within our company and beyond. By supporting community initiatives and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, we hope to contribute to a fairer society.
Economic Growth: The scope of our ESG initiatives often cover community development projects that can stimulate local economic growth. We are exploring investments in local businesses, job creation, and support for educational programs.
Transparency and Trust: We believe in maintaining high standards of governance and transparency to build trust with our community.
Our ESG Committee is the first big step we’re taking towards becoming a community-friendly business. By embedding ESG principles into our core operations, we strive for sustainable growth while benefiting the communities we serve. We’re excited to share our progress with you on this journey and hope we encourage other businesses explore how they can create a better local environment for everyone.
Contrary to what many believe, hot melt adhesives and hot melt technology have progressed far beyond the crafting and DIY industries. For new or inexperienced users of hot melts, it can be confusing trying to work out all the variables involved, and how to get the best from these adhesives.
In this blog, we’ll explore what hot melt adhesives are, what to consider before using them, and some tips to get the most out of the technology.
What is a hot melt adhesive?
A hot melt adhesive, or hot melt glue, is a type of thermoplastic adhesive that’s applied in a molten state and solidifies upon cooling to form a strong bond between two substrates.
They’re typically made up of a base polymer to which other raw materials are added. This polymer acts as the framework on which the adhesive and its properties are based. Other raw materials that may be part of the final formulation include tackifiers in the form of resins, waxes that adjust variables such as surface tack and viscosity, and additives to give the finished adhesive more stability.
Unlike many other forms of adhesive, hot melt adhesives are 100% solid materials with no solvents. At room temperature, they are safe to handle and, in many cases, have a near-unlimited shelf life. They’re also able to be remelted and set several times without compromising their adhesive properties.
Hot melt adhesives are commonly used in the packaging, woodworking, product assembly, and crafting industries, but they are also prevalent in the automotive, construction, and electrical sectors.
What factors affect hot melt choice?
Much like other adhesive systems, hot melts are not universally applicable and aren’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution. Although many formulations are classified as general purpose, there are specialised grades tailored to distinct applications and substrates.
These specialisations range from different viscosity levels for better gap-filling or tighter joins, to extended or shortened working times tailored to how quickly the bond needs to be formed.
For these reasons, it’s important to understand the following factors:
What materials are you bonding? How do they react to high temperatures?
How long after application do you need the adhesive to stay “tacky”?
Is it preferable to have a thicker or thinner adhesive bead?
Do you require an instant set when the materials are brought together, or do you need time for adjustments?
Will the final bond be under any extreme temperatures? Both high and low.
Will the final bond be visible, or does it need to blend with the materials to which it’s bonding?
Does the final bond need to have some flexibility?
If you can answer all of the above questions, you’ll be able to specifically search for your perfect hot melt adhesive.
Hot melt or Low melt?
Closely linked to factors that affect your hot melt choice, there are a range of hot melt adhesives specifically formulated for use with heat-sensitive substrates.
Regular hot melts are designed to run at temperatures exceeding 160°C (320°F). At these temperatures, sensitive materials such as plastic films, expanded polystyrene and many foams will melt or burn. For these substrates, a hot melt which functions at a lower temperature is required.
This is where low melt adhesives excel. These are specially formulated to maintain the same adhesive properties as their hot melt counterparts but are dispensed at much lower temperatures (120°C to 130°C or 250°F to 265°F).
So, before you look at buying a certain glue gun or hot melt adhesive, you should consider what materials you’re bonding, and whether you will need hot or low melt systems.
For a better understanding of hot melt adhesive grades and their chemistry, check out our Tecbond adhesive guide, which outlines our most popular hot melt adhesives and their specifications.
Application Method
Once you’ve decided what kind of hot melt you require, you can then join this choice with the most suitable application method.
The most common application method is a hot melt glue gun or glue applicator. As well as being the easiest to use, glue applicators are available in a variety of different models to best suit the application. These variations include:
Adhesive size (12 and 15mm sticks and 43mm slugs)
Melting/output temperature
Melt rate and output (linked to adhesive size)
Corded or cordless
Application form (bead or spray)
The biggest benefits of hot melt glue guns are their speed and precise control. With warm-up times of around five minutes or less, and the ability to control how much hot melt is dispensed with each pull, they’re the go-to choice for most users and industries.
The other common application method is bulk machinery. This application method is more common in fast-paced industrial environments where processes are automated, such as packaging and assembly lines. Bulk machinery tends to have much higher output and can operate all day with minimal to no downtime.
These machines work by having a tank filled with molten hot melt that is kept at a constant temperature. This molten hot melt is then dispensed automatically when required. The drawback to these machines is their high price and lack of portability.
Before choosing an application method, it’s important to understand if the hot melt you wish to use is compatible and the best fit. Certain hot melt formulations will work better with tools that run at a higher temperature, while others are available in formats that better suit bulk dispensers than glue guns. Always refer to technical data sheets for both the hot melt adhesive and applicator before making a purchase.
If you’re using a Tecbond formulation and Tec glue applicator, you can refer to our Tec glue gun guide, which details each applicator.
Tips for using hot melt adhesives
As with any adhesive technology, some best practices will ensure you get the most out of your hot melts.
Ensure your hot melt stick or slug is clean and dry before inserting it into your applicator – Moisture can not only potentially damage the internal components but also affect the adhesive qualities.
Ensure the hot melt isn’t misshapen – This can cause blockages in the applicator, leading to adhesive meltback.
Don’t leave glue guns on and idle for extended periods – Despite not being in use, the internal heating system will continue to melt adhesive currently in the glue chamber. This can lead to nozzle leakage or adhesive meltback.
Do not exceed recommended application temperatures – Running adhesives above recommended temperatures can cause burning or charring, as well as changing properties such as viscosity and open time.
Use the correct amount of adhesive – Don’t be tempted to over-apply adhesive. Not only will larger amounts of adhesive increase open time, but it may negatively affect the substrate you are attempting to bond (saturating a very porous substrate for example).
Conclusion
In conclusion, hot melt adhesives offer a versatile and efficient solution for bonding different materials across a wide range of industries. As we’ve explored in this comprehensive guide, understanding the composition, application methods, and factors influencing the choice between hot melt and low melt adhesives is crucial for achieving optimal results in your projects.
Outside of the bigger tool announcements this quarter, we’ve made other changes to popular products in our portfolio.
We started by upgrading our old plastic carry cases to a new, more sustainable fabric bag. Not only do they reduce the amount of plastic within our product range, but these new bags have fully customisable inserts to fit any of our applicators and accessories.
Alongside the case update, we updated our Knottec multipack to include some black sticks instead of larch. This pack now better reflects our most popular colours, not only providing new users with a range of colours to try but also giving repeat purchasers the most flexibility with colour choices in one pack.
Lastly, our cordless 12mm and 15mm tools were given a facelift with some new red handles, new labels, and on the Tec 808 specifically, a new on/off switch in a more convenient position for the tool size.
Below are a few photos from the shows we’ve been to so far.
But that’s not the end of our plans for 2024! We’ll be at some of the upcoming Toolfair shows later in the year, demonstrating our construction adhesives and tools, along with our spray system and Knottec filling adhesive.
Outside of Europe, our US team will be at the Adhesives & Bonding Expo at the end of June, demonstrating our unique spray system for the product assembly industry. Keep an eye on our trade shows page for up-to-date information on future shows!
In 2023, we decided to review our range of hot melt tools and accessories, exploring ways to cement them as the premium choice for our users.
Since the start of the year, we’ve released our most advanced 12mm and 15mm tool, the Tec 830, as well as the new standard 43mm applicator, the Tec 3500. Both of these products are based on in-depth feedback from our distributors and end-users who use our products on a day-to-day basis.
Tec 3500Tec 830
These new tools and subsequent new products prioritise ease of use and adaptability to suit almost any application and unique scenario that you may face.
But these tools are not the end of our product releases this year. Throughout 2024, we’ll be adding to our range of tools and adhesives, delving into new technologies, and strengthening our position as innovators in hot melt technology.
We are excited to announce that Power Adhesives Ltd has been awarded the prestigious Silver Medal by EcoVadis, placing us among the top 15% of companies assessed by EcoVadis over the past year.
This recognition highlights the strength and effectiveness of our sustainability management system, underscoring our commitment to sustainable business practices.
EcoVadis is a leading provider of business sustainability ratings, evaluating over 130,000 companies across more than 220 industries and 180 countries as of 2024. This is a significant increase from 2022, when their database included over 90,000 companies.
EcoVadis collaborates with more than 1,200 sustainable procurement programs globally, helping companies enhance sustainability across their supply chains.
To provide context, EcoVadis awards its medals based on percentile rankings:
Platinum – Top 1% (99+ percentile)
Gold – Top 5% (95+ percentile)
Silver – Top 15% (85+ percentile)
Bronze – Top 35% (65+ percentile)
Achieving a position in the top 15% is a remarkable accomplishment for Power Adhesives Ltd. This milestone reflects our dedication to continuous improvement in sustainability, and we remain committed to reaching even higher standards in the future.
As a business, we’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this achievement.
It comes after the business’ efforts led to successful re-certification of ISO9001:2015 and new certifications of ISO14001:2021 and ISO45001:2018 in October 2023. These certifications have given Power Adhesives a combined quality system acknowledging our strides towards greater environmental sustainability, workplace safety, and top-quality products.
We look forward to building on these successes and continuing our journey toward greater sustainability.
Casttec adhesives are a simple and cost-effective way to bond architectural and structural accessories to precast concrete forms. They present a faster alternative to traditional insert bonding methods such as welding, bolting, and taping.
Casttec adhesives are used globally, and need to perform across a range of temperatures and conditions. With four grades to choose from, each formulation in the casttec range is designed to complement the conditions of its use.
Casttec 42 is a versatile, all-purpose precast adhesive designed to offer the best all-around performance of all the casttec grades. Along with a fast delivery rate and an extended open time for accurate assembly, the adhesive crystalises after 24 hours, eventually becoming very brittle. This allows for easy cleanup after the concrete has set inside the mould. For more information on casttec 42, check out our recent AOM blog post.
All other casttec adhesives are based on this original grade but have been formulated to offer different benefits and characteristics, depending on the environment they’re used in or the processes they have to go through.
Designed to be used in colder environments or during the winter months, Casttec 45 offers users a longer recrystallisation period. This ensures the adhesive keeps its tack and doesn’t set before the necessary processes are complete. Furthermore, the adhesive’s brittle point is around 0 °C, meaning it will retain its strong bonding capabilities at lower temperatures.
Conversely, casttec 47 has been formulated for use in warmer environments and summer months. Its chemical composition means it can be applied, allowed to set, and removed at temperatures close to 40°C, without compromising the qualities of the adhesive. Regular precast adhesives will take much longer to set and crystalise in warmer conditions due to the increased heat they’re subjected to.
Alongside these grades for different temperatures, the casttec range also features two additional adhesives designed for longer-lasting bonds and easy removal, respectively.
Casttec 43 has been designed to have a much tougher overall bond than the other adhesives, even after crystallisation, which is a necessity if the form is used for several pour cycles. Although this grade is harder to clean up after use, its stronger bond decreases the work required in between pour cycles. This formulation also has double the open time of any other casttec adhesive, allowing much larger and more complex inserts to be glued before being bonded to the necessary substrate.
For bonding applications involving fiberglass, resin-coated, and epoxy-coated surfaces, we recommend using casttec 40. Compared to other adhesives in the casttec range, casttec 40 offers users an easier clean-up with minimal chance of damaging the bonded substrates. Once the adhesive crystalises, it becomes even more brittle than the standard adhesive, allowing easy removal without the need for excessive scraping.
Despite their differing properties, all casttec adhesives are compatible with the tec range of 43mm bead and spray applicators. These applicators have been designed and produced in tandem with the adhesives, ensuring both the adhesive and tool deliver optimal results and the best possible performance for the user.
When applied with the unique spray applicators, casttec adhesives are safe to use with heat-sensitive substrates such as foam or expanded polystyrene. The thin filament extruded by the gun cools quickly while maintaining high levels of tack, ensuring no burning or melting occurs.
Casttec adhesives are also non-toxic, with no harmful solvents or VOCs given off during the application process, making them safer to work with and contributing to a cleaner environment.
For additional information on any of the casttec adhesives, or if you would like to request a sample, do not hesitate to contact our sales team.
