Motivations for using sustainable adhesives
In recent years, there has been an increasing movement across the chemical industries to improve the sustainability of processes and products. This is driven, on one hand, by the environmental awareness of consumers and the subsequent regulations, and on the other hand, by the looming shortage of oil, from which many chemicals are derived, along with the associated threat of oil price volatility. In the adhesive industry, this is particularly evident in the shift from solvent-based adhesives to water-based or high-solid adhesives, as well as a renewed interest in traditional natural adhesive materials such as polysaccharides and proteins.
Another motivation for producing adhesives based on renewable materials is the move towards a circular economy. Utilizing renewable bio-based raw materials or waste helps to reduce carbon footprints. As an added benefit, the inherent biodegradability of renewable materials like starch, polyhydroxyalkanoates, or cellulose is often greater than that of synthetic materials like polypropylene and polyethylene.
While most adhesives are still petroleum-based, the recent classification of formaldehyde as a harmful substance provides another incentive that drives the search for alternative adhesive solutions, particularly in industries such as flexible packaging, automotive manufacturing, and furniture and wood. Flexible packaging laminating adhesives are widely used in the food and beverage industries for packaging purposes. While these adhesives offer various benefits, it is important to consider the potential harms they may pose to human health.
Aside from regulatory forces, another aspect in the adhesive market is steering investment towards new and sustainable products. The supply and demand market for adhesives is highly competitive, necessitating the development of specialized products to create differentiation and enhance loyalty. In the automotive sector, there is a focus on lightweight vehicles that can reduce carbon footprints. Therefore, there is a need to develop adhesive solutions for bonding lightweight materials and for adhesives that facilitate recycling and contain fewer hazardous substances.
