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Author: Ellis Fowler

Is adhesive important in recycling corrugated and carton packaging?

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Is adhesive important in recycling corrugated and carton packaging?

Recycling corrugated and carton packaging is not always as simple as meets the eye – especially if adhesives and other consumables used on the substrate are overlooked.

Recycling packaging has become a cornerstone of building more eco-conscious business, and converters play a vital role in achieving this. As well as selecting substrate materials for recyclability, the nature of the recycling process means adhesive choice can have a significant impact on packaging’s overall environmental impact.

From waste to resource

Recycling carton and corrugated packaging starts with the collection and sorting of discarded fibre-based materials to separate and divert them to the correct waste streams. Once sorted, the material is shredded into smaller pieces in preparation for the next crucial step – pulping.

During pulping, the shredded material is mixed with water in large vats to break down the fibres and create a slurry. As the material breaks down, various components, including inks, coatings, and adhesives, separate from the fibres. The resulting pulp then undergoes a filtration process to remove the contaminants, where centrifugal systems help to separate different materials by weight and magnets are used to remove metal objects. The pulp can then be further processed to be remade into clean fibre-based materials once again.

The adhesive challenge

However, this is where the type of adhesive used in the original packaging becomes crucial to its environmental impact.

Traditional adhesives can pose significant challenges in the recycling process by creating ‘stickies’ – small, tacky particles that can contaminate the recycled pulp and impact the quality of the final recycled product. These stickies can accumulate on machinery, causing production issues and increasing maintenance costs for recycling facilities. As a result, adhesives need to be removed. Typically, adhesives used on the packaging are usually incinerated or landfilled after they are skimmed off, which results in unnecessary carbon emissions and can cause unwanted chemicals and microplastics to enter the environment.

Introducing Tecbond 214B

Tecbond 214B from Power Adhesives presents the ideal solution to this problem. With its biodegradable hot melt formulation, if Tecbond 214B is skimmed off in a recycling process and landfilled, it is designed to break down in the open environment without leaving any harmful remnants, unlike conventional adhesives that can persist for years. This minimises its environmental impact should it end up in landfill and is achieved without any compromise on performance.

Tecbond 214B begins biodegrading when exposed to a combination of oxygen, heat, and UV light, which combine to start breaking down its long chain polymers. With continued exposure to oxygen, these polymers will degrade into a combination of water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter, which can be consumed by microorganisms in their entirety.

Carton and corrugated packaging converters have a responsibility to consider every aspect of their products’ lifecycle. By choosing biodegradable adhesives like Tecbond 214B, they can significantly enhance the sustainability profile of their products, aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious packaging solutions and better support waste reduction in packaging design. In an industry where sustainability is being considered across the supply chain, making the switch to biodegradable adhesives is more than just a smart business decision – it demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and a step towards a cleaner, greener future.

How biodegradable hot melt adhesives can support the corrugated and carton packaging industry

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Packaging & Print. No Comments on How biodegradable hot melt adhesives can support the corrugated and carton packaging industry

As consumers and brands alike increasingly prioritise eco-conscious products, sustainability is becoming a harder issue for the packaging sector to ignore. Corrugated and carton packaging converters need innovations that can bolster the sustainability of their designs, enhancing recyclability and helping to reduce waste.

Biodegradable hot melt adhesives like Tecbond 214B are one such innovation. Matching the performance of other Tecbond products while being capable of breaking down naturally in the environment without leaving behind harmful waste, Tecbond 214B is the ideal solution for supporting converters in making their packaging more sustainable.

The growing need for more sustainable packaging

Converters looking to bolster their packaging’s eco credentials must first overcome several obstacles:

Resource efficiency: Manufacturing cardboard is resource intensive, using significant amounts of water, energy, and fibres processed from trees. As a result, keeping material in use reduces the need to extract and consume more resources and minimises packaging’s environmental impact. In practical terms this means prioritising reusable packaging where possible, and recycling it at the end of its operational life to keep its resources in the supply chain.

Recycling contamination: Paper and card-based packaging is relatively easy to recycle – in fact, almost 71% of this type of packaging in the UK is recycled. However, contamination from consumables can hinder a pack’s recyclability. Inks, coatings, and adhesives typically need to be removed from a substrate during the recycling process to preserve the quality of the fibres when they are repulped. Failure to remove these substances would damage the integrity of the recycled material, reducing its value for producing more packaging.

Waste: Consumables removed from a substrate during recycling are skimmed off and must be disposed of separately. Typically, this is achieved by incinerating the residue, resulting in unnecessary carbon emissions, or sending it to landfill which can lead to harmful chemicals and microplastics leeching into the environment.

Lack of infrastructure: Insufficient recycling facilities, inadequate collection programmes, and limited transportation networks for collecting and transporting cardboard waste to recycling centres can also pose a barrier to circularity. Ideally, all packaging would be correctly disposed of post-use, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. If the correct local infrastructure is not present for consumer recycling, some packaging may end up being landfilled, where the adhesives used on it will cause harmful chemicals to enter the environment. Limited consumer understanding about correct recycling can also exacerbate this problem.

Biodegradable hot melt adhesives

Biodegradable hot melt adhesives like Tecbond 214B offer a groundbreaking solution for enhancing sustainability in corrugated and cardboard packaging. This innovative adhesive is designed to break down naturally in the environment, leaving behind no harmful residues or microplastics. This process only requires exposure to oxygen, heat, and UV light to begin, with no need for additional treatment.

By using biodegradable adhesives, converters ensure that their products are suitable for recycling without worrying about the waste from consumables. Because Tecbond 214B breaks down naturally leaving behind only water, carbon dioxide, and organic material, it significantly reduces the environmental footprint of packaging waste. Composed of 45% bio-based materials, Tecbond 214B is certified to ASTM D6400 and EN13432 standards, ensuring its complete biodegradation under industrial composting conditions and its ability to disintegrate without leaving harmful substances behind in the environment. This perfectly aligns with the growing consumer demand for packaging solutions that support the environment.

This environmental performance is achieved with no compromise on quality. Suitable for a wide range of uncoated cardboard and paper substrates, Tecbond 214B can be used in various packaging applications, from wrap-around cartons to POS display boxes. Tecbond 214B offers the same high-quality bonding and fast setting times as traditional hot melt adhesives, with high tack levels and near-instant bonding with substrates after application and compression. This means packaging converters can improve their sustainability without sacrificing efficiency or product quality.

Tecbond 214B stands out as a prime example of how biodegradable hot melt adhesives can support the corrugated and carton packaging industry.  As more brands commit to sustainable packaging goals, technology like this can help converters demonstrate their commitment to the environment, reduce waste, and position themselves as preferred suppliers.

Bio-based & Biodegradable – What exactly do they mean?

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Packaging & Print, Technical Information. No Comments on Bio-based & Biodegradable – What exactly do they mean?

As a society, we are at a crucial stage when it comes to sustainability and taking measures to protect our environment. Businesses are being scrutinised for not being eco-conscious enough, especially when it comes to the materials being used in their production process and packaging.

You may have seen many businesses mentioning that their packaging feature bio-based or biodegradable materials, but do you know what these terms actually mean? We’ll delve into this in more detail, about what these materials mean for businesses.

Terminology Breakdown

Product manufacturers need to be very careful in their product claims, especially when it comes to sustainability benefits. Some phrases and terms are often used to upsell a product, without thinking about the consequences involved with mislabelling a feature or benefit. Let’s break down some of the most common terms associated with packaging industry:

Bio-based – Bio-based materials are made from biological, and most importantly, renewable resources. These materials come in the form of crops, algae and forest residues to name a few, and replenish naturally over time, unlike fossil fuels which take millions of years to form.

However, it is important to note that bio-based materials are not always biodegradable. Many are combined with other materials to form a substance or chemical that is much easier to use in production processes.

Biodegradable – Materials or products that are biodegradable will decompose naturally into harmless substances over time. This is predominantly down to microorganisms being able to break down the polymers that make up the material.

Biodegradable materials can be split between two categories plants-based or animal-based. Whereas plant-based biodegradable materials are self-explanatory, animal-based biodegradable materials include wool, silk and many proteins are biodegradable.

To differentiate the two, focus on where in the life cycle it is. Bio-based focuses on the material’s origin, whereas biodegradable focuses on how the material breaks down. Products can be one, both or neither.

How these benefit your business

Changing to bio-based or biodegradable materials throughout all areas of your business is a good start to becoming more eco-conscious and contributing to the climate-change initiatives.

Many companies face a choice on whether they focus on bio-based or biodegradable materials. This usually depends on their packaging processes and which they can most effectively integrate into them without incurring substantial costs.

However, at Power, we have recently produced a hot melt adhesive that is both biodegradable and contains 45% bio-based materials. The world’s first shaped biodegradable hot melt adhesive, Tecbond 214B is a packaging adhesive designed for carton closing, but can be used on any bonding application involving cardboard.

The degradation process begins upon exposure to oxygen, and is greatly accelerated when ultraviolet light is introduced. Together, these elements will initiate the breakdown of the long-chain polymers within the adhesive. Once exposed to all the elements, only oxygen is required to continue the breakdown. Once the long-chain polymers have been broken down, they can be consumed by micro-organisms in the same way as natural waste. This entire process leaves behind only non-harmful products and no microplastics.

Tecbond 214B is the first biodegradable adhesive to be certified to ASTM D6400, EN13432, ASTM D6954 and ASTM D6866 standards.

To learn more about Tecbond 214B, and biodegradable adhesives in general, check out our recent blog post.

Supporting Men’s Shed in community project

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Company. No Comments on Supporting Men’s Shed in community project

As part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Committee has proactively reached out to a number of groups and causes, recognizing the valuable work they do in supporting the well-being and development of individuals in our local area.

From this outreach, we’re proud to announce a new collaboration with the local Men’s Shed Association.

Men’s Shed is a non-profit organisation that aims to bring people together through their love of DIY and hands-on work. They have local “sheds” all over the country where people can meet up, learn new skills and work together on projects, all in the pursuit of combatting loneliness and the feeling of isolation.

As part of this partnership, we’re donating a range of our high-quality adhesive applicators and adhesives to the Men’s Shed Association. We recently held our first training day at our facility in Basildon, where members of the Men’s Shed Association had the opportunity to learn best practices for using our products effectively and safely.

“This collaboration is an excellent fit for us as the Men’s Shed Association plays a crucial role in fostering community spirit, skill-sharing, and mental health support,” said Brendan Colgan, CEO at Power Adhesives. “We are delighted to support such a positive and impactful organization, and we look forward to welcoming them to our training day.”

Power Adhesives Ltd. remains committed to supporting local groups and initiatives that promote social good, as part of our broader ESG goals.

Biodegradable adhesives provide peace of mind on the environment

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Applications, New products. No Comments on Biodegradable adhesives provide peace of mind on the environment

With companies under increasing pressure to improve the circularity of their packaging, adhesive choice can support recycling and avoid harmful waste escaping into the environment.

Packaging adhesives should be almost invisible, but when it comes to sustainability, their impact can sometimes be all too clear to see. From affecting recyclability to releasing chemicals or microplastics into the environment, adhesives can have an outsized effect compared to the total weight of packaging that they make up. This means getting adhesive choice right can be essential for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Managing waste

One of the most important factors in a product’s environmental impact is what happens at the end of its operational life. In an ideal world, all carton and corrugated board packaging would be recycled, preserving the resources that went into it and preventing additional carbon emissions through further extraction and processing. This approach, often termed the circular economy, is designed to keep natural resources in service for as long as possible, maximising their value and minimising their environmental impact.

In reality, this is often not the case. Despite the growing focus on encouraging recycling, some packaging still escapes the usual waste streams and is left to biodegrade. Cardboard accounts for around 17% of global waste and around 5.4 million tonnes per year in the UK, of which approximately 71% is recycled. This leaves a significant proportion that is either treated in industrial composting facilities, landfilled, or escapes into the environment.

This presents eco-conscious brands with a problem. Brands need peace of mind that if their packaging is discarded outside of the intended waste stream, then it is not causing undue environmental harm. Although fibre-based packaging can biodegrade reasonably safely, the consumables used on it are a different story. Inks, coatings, and adhesives that are left to break down with packaging can result in harmful chemicals and microplastics contaminating the environment.

Even packaging that is repulped can result in waste being sent to landfill. During the carton and corrugate recycling process, inks, coatings, adhesives, and other potential contaminants need separating from the substrate material before it is reprocessed into pulp. Failure to do so can degrade the recycled material in terms of quality, function, and colour, making it unsuitable to turn back into high quality packaging. This means that consumables are skimmed off as ‘stickies’ and diverted to an alternative waste stream to be incinerated or landfilled.

How can adhesive selection solve this problem?

Tecbond 214B from Power Adhesives is designed to help converters improve circularity and reduce environmental waste. As the world’s first fully-certified biodegradable shaped hot melt adhesive, the product offers the same high performance as other Tecbond adhesives, while boasting a formulation containing 45% bio-based materials. This means Tecbond 214B is unique in its ability to biodegrade after use, leaving no harmful chemicals or microplastics behind, and as a result is more sustainable than other hot melt adhesives.

Tecbond 214B is designed to offer high performance during application and use, while slowly breaking down over time after being exposed to oxygen, heat, and UV light.  These elements gradually degrade the adhesive’s long-chain polymers, which can eventually be consumed by microorganisms just like any other organic waste. This process is irreversible and results in no waste being left behind apart from a mixture of water, carbon dioxide, and organic material.

Although the goal should always be to keep packaging material in the circular economy for as long as possible, this cannot always be achieved. With its bio-based, biodegradable formulation, Tecbond 214B provides peace of mind that if packaging does escape the recycling stream, its impact on the environment will be minimal, supporting companies in their sustainability goals.

To find out more about Tecbond 214B, please click here

Power Adhesives launches brand refresh and new website

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Company, News, Press Release. No Comments on Power Adhesives launches brand refresh and new website

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.

Power Adhesives in top 15% of companies assessed by EcoVadis

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in News. No Comments on Power Adhesives in top 15% of companies assessed by EcoVadis

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.

Power Adhesives welcome Kenyon as first Premium Partner

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Distrubutor News. No Comments on Power Adhesives welcome Kenyon as first Premium Partner

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.

From JEC to TMB – A look at 2024 exhibitions so far

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Exhibitions. No Comments on From JEC to TMB – A look at 2024 exhibitions so far

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!

The Versatility of Hot Melt Adhesives: Beyond Crafts

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Technical Information. No Comments on The Versatility of Hot Melt Adhesives: Beyond Crafts

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:

  • Furniture construction
  • Flooring installation
  • Trim application
  • Small joinery projects
  • Internal household hardwood products (cabinets, bookshelves, coffee tables etc)
  • Upholstery

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
  • Electrical Potting & Encapsulation – Protecting sensitive electrical components
  • Heating & Ventilation Systems
  • Engine components

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.

sales@poweradhesives.com

+44 (0)1268 885 801

Introducing Our ESG Committee: Embracing Sustainability and Community

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Company, News. No Comments on Introducing Our ESG Committee: Embracing Sustainability and Community

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.

Demystifying Hot Melt Adhesives: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Technical Information. No Comments on Demystifying Hot Melt Adhesives: A Comprehensive Guide

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.