Rising environmental concerns have become front and center in our news platforms; while there is some discrepancy in the urgency with which we take action, most agree that steps need to be taken for a more sustainable future. This means applying brand-new technologies to everyday products such as cars, homes, and even adhesives.

With continued exploring opportunism we are reducing waste, cutting emissions and to minimize our impact upon the environment. Particularly due to an increase for packaging needs in Asian-Pacific and South American markets, the adhesive industry is booming. Solvent-based adhesives contain polymers that, despite their versatility, adversely affect the ecosystem and human health in numerous ways.

Recent studies have shown the long-term health risks of solvent-based adhesives, and scientists have spent considerable amounts of time researching environmentally-friendly alternatives.

Hot Melts and the Environment

One such alternative method is the use of hot melt adhesives, or thermoplastic adhesives, which are comprised mainly of stabilizers, additives, pigments (if necessary), and polymers. Sold in solid sticks or pellets, the long-term environmental effects and amount of waste generated is significantly better for the environment than solvent-based adhesives.

No specialized ventilation is required to apply hot melt adhesives since they contain no solvents. When the solid sticks or pellets are placed into the hot melt gun or sprayer, they melt completely and become a workable adhesive while generating no waste. Hot melts can be applied via web spray, high speed extrusion, slot coating or manual assembly.

There are several varieties of hot melt adhesives on the market today which can provide better results for varied projects. Polyamide, APAO, and EVA melts are some of the industry standards. Each of these variations has specific properties that distinguish them from the others; for example, APAO melts have a high flexibility when cured and offer good resistance to acid exposure, while polyamide melts perform better in higher heat environments than other hot melts.

Hot Melt Affordability and the Economy

More and more large production companies are discovering the reliability and affordability of hot melt adhesives, which benefits the environment and the economy. High-volume packaging operations have taken to using hot melt guns for affordability’s sake, giving hot melts the boost, they need to become an industry standard.

Unfortunately, hot melt adhesives are not always an ideal choice for every project. Due to their “hot” nature, hot melts are generally not to be used in high-temperature environments or with heat-sensitive materials that can be easily damaged. In this case, choosing a different “green” glue is the best choice, such as:

• UV-curable adhesives
• Two-part room temperature-cured epoxy adhesives
• Silicone-based adhesives
• Water-based adhesives

Hot melt adhesives are changing the environmental game, and Chemical Concepts is proud to be a part of it! Want to learn more or order your hot melt adhesives? Our representatives are here to help! Give us a call, toll-free, at 1-800-220-1966 or send us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!