It can be pretty confusing trying to understand the terms compostable, recyclable, and sustainable when shopping for an eco-friendly adhesive. Each has a different meaning and contributes to the health of the planet in a unique way. While each has its own benefits, here we review the different types of eco-friendly adhesives available, so you
Performing an adhesive audit is critical in any industry or application where you use adhesives. The strength and efficiency of an adhesive can change for many reasons, from operator error to temperature, age, and a change in the materials you are adhering to. We typically suggest that you perform an adhesive audit at least once
Sometimes, even the soundest supply chains are interrupted by major, once-in-a-century storms. A rare winter storm in Texas has unfortunately interfered with many industries, including the adhesive industry. Since the storm passed through, we’ve been experiencing a massive shortage in many water-based adhesives and hot melts and have seen the material costs for these products
Photo courtesy of Hot Melt Technologies® . Please contact HMT® for further details. Automatic vacuum-fed hot melt systems, and tankless hot melt systems, are a convenient way to deliver adhesive to your operators. If you’ve already made the decision to use bulk hot melt over hot melt glue sticks, you’ll appreciate the lowered cost and
Water-based adhesives, from vegetable to resin, are useful in a wide range of assembly applications. However, it may take some fine-tuning to get your adhesive working just the way that you want it to. You may face some stability or bonding issues during assembly, which may negatively affect your product quality, operating costs, and overall
If you rely on your hot melt equipment to keep production running, it’s wise to spend some time keeping it properly maintained. Hot melt guns, hot melt tanks, and the lines between them can all develop char, whether from outside contaminants or from constant re-heating. If you allow char to develop, you can destroy your
Nature often inspires some of humanity’s best technologies. Glues are no exception. Our earliest adhesives were gathered from nature and even now, nature is showing us new compounds we can use to make even better glues. You may be surprised at some of the natural sources of glues, and which is the strongest adhesive we’ve
Your choice of glue gun is essential to the success of your operation. Not all glue guns are made equally. Some will save you time with smooth operation and allow you to choose from a range of adhesives. Others can clog, and produce too much char, if used incorrectly, and slow your operators down. Here’s
Single-use plastic has become a bone of contention for activists around the world forcing companies to find eco-friendly alternatives. One of the most common steps that companies are taking is the move from plastic straws to paper straws. In fact, the discussion about plastic straws has escalated in many regions, with Seattle becoming the largest
If you’re involved in general product assembly, case and carton sealing, wood working or arts and crafts, you may use industrial glue sticks. These sticks are placed into glue guns that deliver a consistent amount of adhesive, so your operator can get to work. Using these glue sticks isn’t quite like using the small craft
