Market or Application: Industrial & Manufacturing

Reducing downtime with bulk adhesives

Written by James Clarke on October 13, 2025. Posted in Business Advantage. No Comments on Reducing downtime with bulk adhesives

In any production environment, downtime is the enemy. Whether it’s in packaging, product assembly, or other high-volume manufacturing processes, every pause in production translates to lost efficiency, wasted costs, and missed deadlines. For many operations, adhesives are a quiet but crucial part of the system, and when adhesive supply is interrupted, the whole line can grind to a halt.

This is where bulk hot melt adhesives come into their own. By taking the step up from standard glue sticks or slugs to bulk formats, factories can reduce stoppages, improve line efficiency, and achieve a more consistent output, all while keeping costs under control.

Why downtime matters

Even short interruptions can add up to hours of lost production each week. Frequent refilling of small glue cartridges or sticks not only interrupts workflow but, on very busy lines, can also introduce opportunities for error and inconsistency. Adhesives are often treated as a minor detail in the production chain, but when the adhesive runs out, boxes cannot be sealed, products cannot be assembled, and deadlines cannot be met.

In high-output, automated environments, bulk systems minimise these risks. By switching to high-capacity adhesives supplied in larger formats, such as granules, pillows, or slats, operations teams can extend run times between refills and maintain steady adhesive delivery, while eliminating stoppages.

The benefits of bulk adhesives

Reduced line interruptions

Bulk adhesives are supplied in large volumes that feed directly into compatible applicators and tank systems. This dramatically reduces the number of refill cycles required, keeping production moving and cutting downtime across shifts.

Consistent application

With continuous, automated adhesive feed, bulk systems ensure a stable melt rate and uniform bond strength. That consistency reduces the risk of weak seals, rework, or rejects, giving production managers confidence that every pack or product leaving the line meets quality standards.

Lower operational costs

Frequent stoppages on busy lines don’t just slow output, they drive up costs. Labour time spent changing slugs or clearing jams quickly adds up, which can cause problems if output targets are high. Bulk adhesives reduce those inefficiencies. And because they’re well suited to use with large machinery and automation, they can work out more cost-effective than shaped hot melts for larger operations.

Flexibility and choice

Like shaped hot melts, bulk formats are available across a wide range of hot melt adhesives, including formulations for packaging, woodworking, product assembly, and specialist applications. This means factories can match the right bulk adhesive to their specific needs without compromising performance.

How to make the switch

Transitioning to bulk adhesives doesn’t need to be complicated. The first step is to review your current adhesive use and calculate how much downtime is caused by refills, stoppages, and reworks. This helps build a clear case for switching to bulk supply.

Next, consider whether your current application equipment is compatible with bulk systems. Many bulk adhesive formats can be fed into standard melters and applicators with minimal adjustment, while larger operations may benefit from dedicated bulk tanks designed to maximise efficiency.

Finally, work with an adhesive supplier who understands your production needs. At Power Adhesives, our Tecbond bulk adhesives are designed for high-volume applications and are available in a wide variety of formulations to suit different materials and operating conditions.

Our expert team can help you identify the most efficient option, whether your focus is speed, bond strength, safety, or sustainability.

Bulk adhesives and sustainability

Reducing downtime isn’t just about efficiency, it can also support sustainability goals. Getting the right hot melt technology in place can mean less wasted packaging and product material, while larger format adhesives reduce packaging waste from slugs or sticks.

When combined with Power Adhesives’ biodegradable hot melt range, bulk systems can help factories align operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.

Keep your lines running

Downtime is inevitable in manufacturing, but adhesives shouldn’t be the reason for it. By adopting bulk hot melt adhesives, factories can reduce interruptions, cut costs, and maintain consistent quality while supporting broader sustainability targets.

With over 50 years of expertise in hot melt technology, Power Adhesives supplies a wide range of Tecbond bulk adhesives designed to keep your production moving. Because when it comes to efficiency, every second counts.

Boosting sustainability efforts in composite manufacturing with Vactac

Written by James Clarke on July 31, 2025. Posted in Business Advantage. No Comments on Boosting sustainability efforts in composite manufacturing with Vactac

Sustainability is a central concern in today’s composite manufacturing sector. The drive to reduce emissions and minimise waste is reshaping every stage of production, and in this context, the choice of bonding solutions plays a critical role. High-performance adhesives like Vactac are vital for creating durable bonds as well as achieving sustainability targets and regulatory compliance.

How do bonding solutions affect sustainability in composites manufacturing?

Positioning adhesives play a critical role in composite manufacturing and is key to ensuring composite layers remain in place prior to resin infusion. However, the choice of adhesive can also have far-reaching implications for sustainability.

Conventional bonding methods often come with significant drawbacks for the environment. Many of the traditional positioning adhesive systems only contain around 15-20% adhesive material, with the rest comprising solvents and propellants that evaporate during application. This results in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being released, which contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as posing a health risk to workers.

Besides their high solvent content and associated emissions, aerosol adhesives can cause resin contamination during vacuum infusion. If not correctly specified, the application of solvent-based adhesives can lead to dry spots which impairs resin flow and ultimately, comprised structural integrity. This not only threatens product quality but also increases the likelihood of waste and rework, further undermining sustainability goals.

How are regulations governing composites manufacturing evolving?

The regulatory landscape around sustainability in composites manufacturing is tightening, with governments and industry bodies introducing stricter controls on emissions, waste management, and worker safety. Manufacturers are under constant regulatory pressure to reduce VOC levels in their factories. They must also provide adequate personal protective equipment. In some cases, air filtration systems are required to safeguard employees from airborne particulates and hazardous fumes. These requirements add complexity and cost, making the search for safer, more environmentally responsible alternatives more urgent.

How does Vactac support more sustainable manufacturing?

Our Vactac range provides the ideal solution to these challenges. Designed with a clear focus on environmental responsibility, Vactac stands apart as a direct replacement for solvent-based sprays, offering a solution that is both environmentally conscious and operationally superior. Unlike aerosols, Vactac is 100% solid content, meaning every gram dispensed is usable adhesive, eliminating the waste associated with solvent evaporation. Its VOC- and solvent-free formulation aligns perfectly with sustainability objectives, helping manufacturers reduce emissions and comply with the latest environmental regulations.

The sustainability benefits of Vactac extend beyond its chemical composition. Its rapid application and clean handling further reduce product loss and ensure that resources are used as efficiently as possible. What’s more, its fast set times and reliable performance support process efficiency improvements, enabling higher throughput without compromising quality.

The Vactac difference

Adopting Vactac marks an immediate step towards greater sustainability in composite manufacturing. Addressing the environmental challenges associated with conventional bonding solutions, this technology offers a more efficient alternative with a lower carbon footprint. As a result, manufacturers are better able to meet the demands of regulators, customers, and society as a whole.

To find out more about Vactac, get in touch by emailing sales@poweradhesives.com

Why bulk adhesives are the future of manufacturing

Written by James Clarke on July 21, 2025. Posted in Business Advantage. No Comments on Why bulk adhesives are the future of manufacturing

Manufacturing as we know it is undergoing a profound transformation. As industries respond to evolving market demands, technological advancements, and ongoing calls for sustainability, bulk hot melt adhesives have emerged as a cornerstone technology.

Solutions like Tecbond offer manufacturers the tools they need to adapt in an evolving landscape. Providing a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, this technology is set to play a pivotal role in the next era of industrial production.

What trends are driving change in manufacturing?

Several powerful factors are prompting profound shifts in the manufacturing industry. Sustainability continues to be a central concern, with businesses and regulators demanding reduced waste and more eco-conscious production methods. Action against volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions remains a priority, as does lightweighting and material innovation.

Meanwhile, the drive towards smart manufacturing and digitalisation is accelerating. Factories are increasingly embracing automation and artificial intelligence to enhance their operations. Speed and throughput are key objectives, and manufacturers need bonding solutions that can match modern high-speed processes at accessible price points.

How do bulk hot melt adhesives meet emerging manufacturing demands?

Bulk hot melt adhesives offer several advantages that directly address these industry trends. Unlike conventional bonding methods, which can suffer from inconsistent results and lengthy curing times, hot melt adhesives create an almost instant bond. This rapid setting eliminates production bottlenecks, enhances throughput, and reduces downtime – critical benefits for evolving, fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Cost efficiency is another significant benefit. Hot melts like Tecbond generate minimal waste and can be applied at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs. Their clean-running properties means less charring and fewer nozzle blockages, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted production. For manufacturers grappling with rising material costs, these efficiencies can contribute to healthier margins and more consistent operations.

Versatility across industries

The versatility of bulk hot melt adhesives is unmatched. They are compatible with a wide array of substrates, from paper and board to timber, foam, metals, and advanced composites. This makes them ideal for diverse applications, including packaging, product assembly, construction, and electronics. Manufacturers can further customise formulations to achieve specific characteristics such as extended open times or heightened temperature resistance, ensuring optimal performance for every application.

Designed for sustainability

As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable priority, bulk hot melt adhesives stand out for their more environmentally responsible credentials. Being solvent-free, they eliminate the release of VOCs, creating safer workplaces and reducing environmental impact. Their solid formulations enable users to utilise 100% of what they buy, meaning less waste, and in turn, supporting manufacturers’ efforts to meet stringent ESG targets and regulatory requirements, particularly our range of biodegradable adhesives, Tecbond 214B and 110B-PR.

Driving innovation

The future of manufacturing is changing as digitalisation, smart factories, and more advanced materials become widespread. Bulk adhesives are fully compatible with automated dispensing systems and high-speed production lines, making them an essential component of Industry 4.0 initiatives. As manufacturers seek to reduce material weight, improve fatigue performance, and enhance the durability of their products, hot melt adhesives provide the flexibility and strength required for next-generation designs.

Next-generation bulk hot melt adhesive technology

At Power Adhesives, our Tecbond bulk hot melt adhesives are engineered to meet the diverse and demanding needs of modern manufacturers. Whether you’re looking to improve production speeds, reduce costs, or achieve higher sustainability standards, our products deliver consistent, long-lasting bonds across a wide range of substrates. With minimal shrinkage during cooling and optimised coverage, Tecbond adhesives help you get more from every application, ensuring your operations remain efficient and competitive.

To discover how Power Adhesives can help future-proof your manufacturing operations, contact our expert team at sales@poweradhesives.com.

Power Adhesives Relaunches White Label Service

Written by James Clarke on July 14, 2025. Posted in Business News, Press Release. No Comments on Power Adhesives Relaunches White Label Service

Power Adhesives, the global leader in hot melt adhesive technology, has relaunched its popular White Label service, making it easier than ever for brands to create their own line of trusted hot melt applicators.

The service enables businesses to put their own branding on a range of proven Tec hot melt tools, enabling them to expand their product portfolios without investing in costly new product development.

Customers can select from a comprehensive range of 12mm and 15mm applicators. This includes the popular Tec 305, 308, 806, 808, and 810 models, tailoring the tool’s labelling and overmould colours to reflect their brand identity.

Designed to help distributors, tool suppliers, and industrial brands strengthen their market presence, the White Label programme offers the same proven performance, reliability, and 12-month warranty that have made Tec applicators a mainstay in professional adhesive applications worldwide.

Ian Lancey, Sales and Marketing Director at Power Adhesives, commented: “We’re excited to relaunch our White Label service and make it even simpler for customers to put their name on tools they can trust. Whether you’re looking to build your own branded portfolio or offer end users a more cohesive range of products, this is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen your reputation with a high-quality, reliable solution.

“At Power Adhesives, we’re committed to helping our partners grow, and this relaunch is just one of several exciting developments planned for this year.”

With flexible options for labelling, coloured handles, and minimum order quantities, the refreshed service provides a fast and effective route to market. Lead times start from just four weeks for smaller quantities, making it easier for brands to respond quickly to customer demand and market trends.

The Tec 810 will be available for pre-order ahead of it’s scheduled reintroduction into the range, planned for late summer.

To learn more about how the Power Adhesives White Label programme can help grow your business, visit www.poweradhesives.com or contact the Power Adhesives sales team.

Enhancing Workplace Safety with Tecbond Spray Adhesives

Written by James Clarke on June 9, 2025. Posted in Technical Info. No Comments on Enhancing Workplace Safety with Tecbond Spray Adhesives

Most adhesives are designed to be out of sight, out of mind, post-use. However, their impact on safety can stick around much longer.

Conventional spray adhesives have long posed health and safety challenges due to their high solvent content and release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These airborne chemicals can present a significant threat to employee health and the environment, often requiring significant investments in PPE and ventilation equipment.

Power Adhesives’ sprayable hot melt range offers a safer, smarter solution. These hot melt adhesives eliminate the threat from VOCs and transform workplace safety standards in composite manufacturing.

What are VOCs?

VOCs are organic gaseous compounds at room temperature, that are commonly emitted from many products such as paints, pesticides, building materials and furnishings. Exposure to VOCs can have both short- and long-term negative health effects, ranging from respiratory irritation, dizziness, or headaches, through to more serious health issues, including cancer or organ damage. What’s more, VOCs can combine with other airborne pollutants to form ground-level ozone. This is a primary component of harmful smog that can damage the environment.

How are VOCs linked to spray can adhesives?

Spray can adhesives typically contain solvents that serve to thin the adhesive so that it can be applied – in fact, up to 85% of these formulations may be composed of solvents that flash off after they have been sprayed. These solvents release VOCs into the atmosphere alongside other atomised particles that may be hazardous to users and the environment alike.

Tecbond Spray Adhesives: The solvent-free solution

Tecbond spray adhesives are engineered as direct replacements for solvent-based formulations, without the hazardous downsides. Unlike conventional products, Tecbond hot melts boast 100% solid content, meaning every gram dispensed is adhesive, and they’re safe to handle, unlike their solvent-based counterparts.

Because Tecbond spray adhesives do not release VOCs or atomised particles, there’s no need for respiratory protective equipment or costly air filtration systems in production areas. As a result, they can better protect workers from respiratory irritation and long-term health risks, as well as reducing ongoing operational costs.

Performance without compromise

This is not to mention the performance benefits that Tecbond spray adhesives offer over other sprayable adhesives. Boasting near-instant tack, they streamline manufacturing by eliminating the need for clamping, while their rapid setting speeds mean bonded materials can move through the production line almost immediately, increasing productivity and output.

In many cases, Tecbond sprayable adhesives offer repositionability without sacrificing tack, granting peace of mind over positioning accuracy and alignment.

A safer, more effective choice

Switching to Tecbond spray adhesives means investing in a safer, more eco-conscious future for your workforce and your business. By eliminating hazardous airborne substances, you can protect your team, lower operational costs, and potentially minimise your environmental footprint – all while benefitting from optimal adhesive performance.

Ready to make your workplace safer? Discover the hot melt advantages and join the growing number of manufacturers who have already made the switch to our innovative sprayable solution.

To find out more about our spray solutions, get in touch by emailing sales@poweradhesives.com

Choosing the right bulk hot melt adhesive for your application

Written by James Clarke on March 24, 2025. Posted in Technical Info. No Comments on Choosing the right bulk hot melt adhesive for your application

With so many options available, selecting the right bulk hot melt adhesive for your specific task may seem overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be.

Adhesive selection is key to more than forging strong, durable bonds. Choosing the right formulation can benefit production efficiency, waste reduction, and overall product quality. Although there is a wide range of bulk hot melt adhesives available, with the support of partners like Power Adhesives, making the correct choice can be made simple.

Why adhesive selection matters

The consequences of getting adhesive selection wrong can vary depending on the sector in question, but are almost always significant and far-reaching:

Packaging: Poorly chosen adhesives could lead to pack failure, resulting in damaged goods and dissatisfied customers.
Construction and trade: Inadequate adhesives could compromise structural integrity, leading to safety hazards and costly repairs.
Industrial and manufacturing settings: Inappropriate selection could cause equipment malfunctions, production delays, or product recalls.
Product assembly: Faulty adhesives could lead to product failure, customer dissatisfaction, and reputational damage.

Matched to requirements

At Power Adhesives we understand these challenges and are committed to providing you with the perfect adhesive solution for your needs. We have a history of serving diverse industries and applications dating back half a century, and our comprehensive bulk adhesive product range covers everything from pressure-sensitive and peelable adhesives to foam bonding and mattress assembly.

With our state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, we deliver high quality adhesives that can be easily matched to your specific requirements:

Packaging: Our selection of hot melts enhance packaging operations, offering increased efficiency, secure bonds, and fast setting speeds. We provide solutions that work with every type of packaging material, including heat-sensitive substrates such as foams or expanded polystyrene.

Construction and trade: A key product for the construction industry, many of our bulk adhesives are present in building frameworks, interior fixings, and even furniture. With the ability to bond every building material from wood through to thermal insulation foams, our adhesives stand as the reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly alternative to many other fixing systems.

Industrial and manufacturing: Our hot melt adhesive solutions help drive efficiency in manufacturing across diverse industries. These high-specification formulations cover a multitude of applications including medical devices and machinery, foundry core assembly, and white goods production, helping companies to increase output while cutting production costs.

Product assembly: Our solutions have redefined the assembly of both mass-produced and custom products. Present in everyday household equipment and automotive interiors, our adhesives empower manufacturers to streamline production by reducing the need for specialised adhesives and tools. These versatile formulations can be used across a wide range of applications, making them an essential component in modern manufacturing.

Getting selection right

Choosing the right adhesive for any given application depends on a range of factors. Substrates, application requirements, and budgets can all affect which formulation is most suitable, and to aid this selection process, we can provide an in-depth guide to bulk adhesives. This contains key data on everything from viscosity to heat resistance, so adhesives can be compared and shortlisted for testing based on the application.

At Power Adhesives, we specialise in problem-solving and specialise in tackling niche applications that other suppliers may avoid. Our trained and knowledgeable Technical and Sales staff are committed to working closely with our customers to find the best solution from our extensive range of hot melt grades.

We understand that not all businesses require adhesives in the same large quantities. That’s why we offer variable minimum order quantities (MOQs), lower than other bulk manufacturers typically provide. Combined with fast order fulfilment, this ensures you receive the adhesives you need without the burden of excessive stock.

The importance of getting adhesive selection right cannot be overstated. Making the correct choice is crucial to ensuring the success and longevity of your project, but with the support of a partner like Power Adhesives, this choice is simplified.

For more information about our full range of Tecbond shaped and bulk hot melt adhesives, contact us by emailing sales@poweradhesive.com

Foundrytec 708

Written by Ellis Fowler on June 24, 2024.

Foundrytec 708 is an amber coloured, polyamide-based hot melt adhesive designed for bonding sand cores in the foundry industry. Foundrytec 708 has class-leading heat-resistance and allows finished cores to be oven dried at much higher temperatures.

When compared to Foundrytec 705, Foundrytec 708 has a lower viscosity for tighter joins between core pieces and a shorter open time leading to faster formation of the overall bond.

Foundrytec 301