As pressure-sensitive adhesive manufacturers begin to move away from any source of “forever chemicals” PFAS materials in the years ahead, look to Gleicher as your trusted resource for evaluating and selecting alternative bonding solutions that meet your specifications, performance, and manufacturing needs.
As part of its responsible stewardship of the environment and sustainability efforts, 3M will stop per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) manufacturing and sourcing and work to discontinue using “forever chemicals” across its product portfolio in the next few years.
What does this mean for you?
With this move away from petroleum-based adhesives, adopting a new generation of environmentally friendly adhesives is beginning to take place in consumer markets. This shift, now in its infancy, is also projected to have an impact on the industrial and manufacturing sectors by the end of this decade.
Formulating a long-term strategy for incorporating the eventual arrival of these sustainable adhesive solutions into your operations is a smart approach to ensuring a seamless and efficient transition. As your trusted partner, Gleicher will continue to monitor these ongoing developments and will be prepared to update you on the progress of these trends whenever they take place.
If you think your production and manufacturing operations may be impacted by the eventual phasing out of current adhesive technologies in the years ahead, being proactive in understanding the possible alternatives and options is a prudent way to prepare for an efficient and seamless transition.
Making The Right Choice of adhesives and meeting your specific application performance characteristics throughout the transition period and beyond is critical to your business success. Let’s work together to make it a reality.
Bio-based adhesives: Part of a “green” chemistry” future.
Bio-based adhesives and materials, derived from renewable resources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, are beginning to appear in consumer goods and products. It’s no surprise because their health and environmental benefits closely align with people’s preferences and lifestyles.
The development of these next-generation adhesives and materials in commercial and industrial applications is just beginning and thanks to their eco-friendly nature and compatibility with "green" chemistry initiatives should be underway by decades end.
They offer several advantages over traditional petroleum-based adhesives. Among them are reduced environmental impact, biodegradability, and lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which help to mitigate several issues, including indoor air pollution and health concerns.
As the use of bio-based adhesives becomes more prevalent in industrial-grade applications, manufacturers will benefit from the production of environmentally friendly products that contribute to their environmental goals and enable them to meet regulatory compliance standards.
There are a growing number of bio-based adhesives gaining prominence in consumer applications, which tends to be a precursor of what is to come for industrial and commercial grade adhesive and bonding applications. These include:
- STARCH-BASED ADHESIVES: Derived from renewable sources such as corn, wheat, or potatoes, starch-based adhesives and widely used in consumer-facing industries such as packaging and bookbinding.
- PROTEIN-BASED ADHESIVES: Made from sources such as soybeans and casein (milk protein), they offer strong bonding capabilities and are often used as alternatives to formaldehyde-based adhesives.
- POLYHYDROXYALKANOATE (PHA) ADHESIVES: PHAs are biodegradable polymers produced by microbial fermentation of renewable feedstocks such as sugars or plant oils. They are gaining attention for their potential in packaging and electronics.
There’s been considerable interest in the development of bio-adhesives in non-durable consumer packaged goods, and we anticipate a similar level of attention among more durable and industrial applications. In all these instances, the environmental impact is being calculated along with form, function, and the traditionally longer-term efficacy requirements to strike an ideal balance. This is especially true when factoring in liners, recloseable fasteners, and custom application requirements.
Interested in finding out more? Contact a Gleicher specialist to explore the range of available options for your ideal adhesive solution.
A NOTE FROM DOUG SANDERSON
As we navigate through dynamic shifts in our industry, I wanted to reach out personally to extend an invitation.
The evolving landscape of adhesive technology presents hurdles and opportunities. That's why I'm pleased to offer my expertise and support in guiding you through these changes and helping you stay informed.
Whether you're considering new adhesive solutions, evaluating options for specific applications, or simply seeking advice on the best course of action, I'm here to listen, answer your questions, and lend a hand.
Feel free to reach out to me on Calendly to schedule a consultation or discuss any questions you may have.
Best regards,
Doug Sanderson, President, Gleicher Manufacturing
