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Author: Ellis Fowler

What are hot melt adhesives and where are they used?

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Technical Info. No Comments on What are hot melt adhesives and where are they used?

Hot melt adhesives – three short words that contain a lot of intricacy. This technology has revolutionised bonding across multiple industries, with its versatility and performance opening a wide range of applications. Understanding the ins and outs of these powerful adhesives can significantly enhance production processes and product quality.

A Brief History of Hot Melt Adhesives

The exact origins of hot melt adhesives are unclear, dating back to the mid-20th century. Some sources claim that this technology was invented during the 1940s by a man called Paul Cope, an employee at Procter & Gamble, but earlier references to similar products can be found. In the 1950s, the discovery of polypropylene by US chemists Hogan and Banks opened new industrial applications, and in the 1960s hot melt adhesives began to be widely used in the packaging sector.

In terms of adhesive applicators, it wasn’t until 1954 that the item often considered to be the first industrial glue gun was created by George Schultz. However, this design has some significant differences to the technology that is commonly used today, and took repeated iterations by multiple people before what could be called a modern glue applicator was created.

How Do Hot Melt Adhesives Work?

Hot melt adhesives are unlike other adhesive formulations in that they exist as 100% solids at room temperature. These products are designed to be solvent-free and do not contain water. When heated above their melting point, they transform into a liquid, enabling easy application to a surface. The adhesive rapidly solidifies as it cools, generating strong bonds with high cohesion and adhesion.

Building Blocks of Hot Melt Adhesives

Hot melt adhesives are typically composed of three main components: polymers, resins, and waxes. Each of these elements plays a vital role in supporting adhesive performance:

  • Polymers form the backbone of the hot melt adhesive providing cohesion and viscosity.
  • Resins enhance the adhesive’s ability to adhere to surfaces and provide immediate hot tack.
  • Waxes control viscosity and setting speed.

The solid formulation of hot melt adhesives means that compared with solvent-based adhesives, they offer reduced or eliminated VOC emissions. Adhesive formulations can be tailored for specific applications, by adjusting the chemistry of the formulation to achieve the desired properties.

Industries and Applications

Hot melt adhesives have seen widespread adoption across a range of industries. With rapid bonding and setting times, these products can significantly reduce production idle time, and their ability to bond with a wide variety of materials grants them unmatched versatility across multiple applications.

Packaging: Hot melt adhesives are often used for sealing cartons, corrugated boxes, and other packaging materials, with fast setting times making them ideal for high-speed production lines.

Construction and trade: The strong bonds created by hot melt adhesives make them useful for joining surfaces in everything from woodworking and carpentry to precast fabrication.

Industrial and manufacturing: Hot melt adhesives are core to securing materials within composite manufacture and are widely used to fix and protect electrical componentry.

Product assembly: From mattresses to automotive components, hot melt adhesives are commonly used for fast, efficient bonding across a range of consumer goods.

DIY, home, and recreation: The ease of application for hot melt adhesives means they can be easily used for home improvement tasks, repairing sports equipment, and even arts and crafts.

Power Adhesives Hot Melt Solutions

Power Adhesives offers a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our products offer superior bonding strength, and a wide range of open and setting speeds that excel across challenging applications. In addition, our selection of application equipment ensures optimal performance and efficiency, making adhesive use a breeze.

With a wide range of products, we can offer a hot melt adhesive tailored for any solution. To find out more about which hot melt adhesive is right for your needs, contact our sales team by emailing sales@poweradhesives.com

Power Adhesives sets new benchmark with DNV certification

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Power Adhesives, a leader in hot melt adhesive technology, is celebrating the latest achievement of its positioning spray range, Vactac, securing official certification from DNV, the globally recognised authority in assurance and risk management.

This milestone makes Power Adhesives’ Vactac solution the first positioning adhesive solution to achieve DNV certification, setting a new industry benchmark for quality and reliability.

DNV certification is widely regarded as the gold standard for safety and compliance in the marine and wind energy sectors. It ensures that materials meet the highest standards for performance, durability, and risk management.

As a positioning adhesive, Vactac plays a crucial role in the composite manufacturing process, helping to secure reinforcement materials such as glass fibre and structural core material such as PET, PVC or Balsa during production.

Will Quinn, International Sales Manager at Power Adhesives, said: “We are incredibly proud that our Vactac solution had become the first positioning adhesive solution to achieve DNV certification. It reflects our commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of adhesive technology. This certification is more than just a milestone for us, it’s a game-changer for our customers. It provides them with complete confidence that Vactac meets the highest industry standards for safety, performance, and compliance.

“As we continue to grow globally, we remain focused on working closely with manufacturers to develop solutions that enhance their processes and meet the evolving demands of composite production.”

Designed as a direct replacement for solvent-based aerosols, Vactac offers a VOC- and solvent-free formulation, eliminating the need for protective clothing, air extraction systems, and specialist waste disposal. This makes it a safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective solution for composite manufacturers.

Compared to traditional solvent-based adhesives, where only 20–30% of the content is actual adhesive, the Vactac system ensures 100% adhesive usage, reducing material waste, overspray, and associated costs.

DNV is an independent expert in assurance and risk management, committed to safeguarding life, property, and the environment. Its rigorous certification process assesses manufacturing standards, material suitability, and overall compliance to industry best practices. For manufacturers, this approval provides peace of mind, ensuring that all certified materials are fit for purpose and reduce operational risks.

By securing DNV certification, Power Adhesives continues to drive innovation and quality standards in adhesive technology.

Insights from JEC World 2025

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JEC World 2025 proved to be an exciting and insightful event for Power Adhesives, as we showcased our latest innovation, the new and improved Vactac range. The show was extremely busy, with a strong turnout from across the composites industry, reinforcing the growing demand for efficient, reliable, and sustainability led bonding solutions.

Addressing VOC concerns

One of the key themes emerging from conversations at JEC World was the increasing focus on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in adhesive applications. Many visitors to the Power Adhesives stand expressed concerns about the impact of VOCs on employee health and workplace safety.

Prolonged exposure to VOCs has been linked to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health risks, making it a pressing issue for manufacturers aiming to create safer working environments. Additionally, with growing regulatory pressures, businesses are being urged to reduce their reliance on solvent-based adhesives that release harmful emissions.

As a result, manufacturers across multiple sectors are actively looking for effective alternatives to traditional adhesives that offer high performance without compromising on worker well-being or regulatory compliance.

Our Vactac range, designed as a high-performance alternative to aerosol adhesives, eliminates VOCs while maintaining exceptional bonding strength. Unlike solvent-based sprays, Vactac provides a sustainability-focused controlled application that enhances efficiency.

Enhancing composite strength

Another recurring discussion our team found themselves having with visitors to the stand centred on the degradation of composite strength caused by certain aerosol adhesives. Several manufacturers raised concerns about how the use of some aerosol technologies can affect resin flow in the infusion process which can result in poor structural integrity once cured.

This is where Vactac stands out, its unique chemistry and application method ensures less degradation/reduced mechanical knockdowns in the laminate once cured. The precision and efficiency of our system captured the interest of a lot of design and manufacturing engineers looking for superior performance in critical applications.

Expanding applications beyond wind and marine

While wind energy and marine industries remain core sectors for composite applications, JEC World highlighted a growing demand for high-quality adhesives across a range of industries, including automotive, rail, aerospace, and construction.

Across this diverse range of industries, we are presented with many interesting and complex challenges which we are keen to work on and create innovative solutions.

Recognising the evolution of Vactac

The Power Adhesives team found it particularly rewarding to meet with distributors and customers who had previously trialled the Vactac system several years ago. Many of them were quick to notice the improvements in adhesive pattern and performance, demonstrating how our ongoing research and development have refined and enhanced the product. Their recognition of Vactac’s evolution reaffirmed our commitment to continuous innovation in composite bonding solutions.

JEC World 2025 reinforced the industry’s movement towards safer, more effective, and sustainability centred adhesive technologies. The enthusiasm and feedback our team received for the Vactac range was overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to support businesses in transitioning to VOC-free, high-performance bonding solutions.

50 years of innovation at Power Adhesives

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For half a century, Power Adhesives has been setting benchmarks in adhesive technology. The company’s world-leading hot melts and applicators are firmly established as leading solutions across a range of markets, supporting customers worldwide to improve efficiency and sustainability with eco-conscious, easy-to-use solutions.

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, Power Adhesives remains as committed to innovation as ever. This milestone is more than a celebration of its past achievements – it marks a pivotal moment in the company’s goal of driving innovation in the adhesives industry.

50 years of innovation

Although Power Adhesives today is renowned as a leading manufacturer of industrial adhesive solutions, its history did not start this way. Founded in 1974, the company began as an importer and distributor of industrial hot melt glue guns and adhesives. It wasn’t until 1981 that Power Adhesives took its first step into manufacturing, establishing its own plant for adhesive production and creating its own designs for new applicators.

The intervening years have seen the company grow to become a leading supplier for high-performance, reliable adhesive solutions and technology, and this success saw it relocate to a larger production facility in Basildon in early 2005 that could better accommodate new machinery and line extensions. Eight years later, this area was extended again, introducing an additional 12,000 new sq. ft that bolstered its production capacity by 60%.

In 2022, Power Adhesives was purchased by Longacre Group and new CEO Brendan Colgan joined the business. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and today Power Adhesives’ major brands – Tec and Tecbond – are household names in the adhesive industry.

Applicator products

Power Adhesives offers the largest industrial applicator range on the market. Used around the world in various industrial, professional, and DIY environments, the company’s Tec products are stalwart partners for adhesive applications everywhere.

The 300 series provides a lower-volume applicator solution. Designed for DIY and light industrial applications, the Tec 305 and Tec 308 are lightweight and easy to use, making them perfect for tasks requiring smaller amounts of adhesive.  The 800 series doubles the output of the 300 series to take hot melt bonding to the next level. From the light industrial Tec 806-12 to the heavy-duty Tec 830-12 with an output of 2.5kg/hr, this range provides added efficiency.

For more demanding applications, Power Adhesives has developed its 3000, 6000, and 7000 series applicators, ensuring the company has the ideal solution for its customers whatever their requirements. Built to the highest standards at Power Adhesives’ production facility, the Tec range is a landmark product for the industry that has for decades redefined how hot melts are used.

Adhesives

For more than 40 years of its 50-year history, Power Adhesives has been supplying Tecbond hot melt adhesives to its customers. Designed to provide instant, permanent bonds on a wide range of materials, Tecbond products simplify the adhesive process, paving the way for efficiency in industries including:

  • Packaging and print
  • Construction and trade
  • Industrial and manufacturing
  • Product assembly
  • DIY, home, and recreation

More recently, the company demonstrated its commitment to advancing adhesive technology by launching Tecbond 214B, the world’s first fully certified biodegradable shaped hot melt adhesive. Made with 45% bio-based materials, this formulation breaks down harmlessly post-disposal leaving behind no residues or microplastics. This offers a more sustainable adhesive for hot melt applications that maintains high performance standards.

Using the same data-driven R&D expertise and approach that drove the success of Tecbond 214B, Power Adhesives has also made significant advancements in adhesive solutions for composites manufacturing. This has culminated in the launch of its Vactac advanced solution. Serving as a direct replacement for solvent-based spray adhesives, the Vactac adhesive system offers a more cost-effective and environmentally conscious alternative based on 100% solids, which eliminates VOC emissions and removes the need for special storage conditions when not in use.

Looking ahead

As Power Adhesives enters its sixth decade, it remains focused on advancing hot melt adhesive technology while keeping an eye on the environment. The company plans to expand its Tecbond biodegradable adhesives into bulk systems and will continue to refine existing product lines. With five decades of expertise under its belt, Power Adhesives is poised to keep pushing the forefront of adhesives, delivering reliable products that meet evolving market needs.

Biodegradable adhesives: A step towards more sustainable packaging

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Every journey starts with a single step – and on the path towards sustainability in the packaging industry, some steps leave a smaller carbon footprint than others. With waste reduction increasingly important to modern Paper & Board converters, biodegradable hot melt adhesives are emerging as a key enabler for more sustainable packaging solutions.

The Power Adhesives Tecbond range, including Tecbond 214B and the new Tecbond 110B-PR, is leading the way on reducing the industry’s environmental impact, offering more eco-conscious adhesive solutions for the Paper & Board industry.

The role of biodegradable adhesives in more sustainable packaging

Power Adhesives has achieved a significant milestone with the development of Tecbond 214B, the world’s first fully certified biodegradable range of hot melt adhesives. Manufactured with 45% bio-based materials, Tecbond 214B is designed for use across various paper and board substrates and meets stringent international standards such as ASTM D6400 and EN13432, which certify its compostability and ability to biodegrade.

Tecbond 214B offers:

  • High performance with the same bond strength as conventional hot melts
  • Fast setting time with almost instant bonding upon application and compression
  • Environmental benefits by breaking down completely when exposed to natural conditions, leaving behind no harmful by-products
  • Versatility with approval for indirect food contact, making it suitable for applications including wrap-around cartons, boxes, and shipping packages

However, waste is not the only concern when it comes to the environment. To support converters in minimising energy consumption, Power Adhesives has launched Tecbond 110B-PR – a high-speed packaging adhesive designed specifically for case sealing and carton closing. Its low viscosity formulation enables the adhesive to run through narrow nozzles, even when applied at lower temperatures. This means converters can use less energy for sealing and closing, saving them money as well as reducing their carbon footprint.

How do biodegradable hot melt adhesives work?

The science behind biodegradable hot melt adhesives lies in their ability to break down after their operational lifespan. Oxygen, UV light, and heat initiate the degradation of the adhesive’s long-chain polymers so that the substance can be consumed by micro-organisms. This process requires only the continued presence of oxygen and other naturally occurring environmental conditions and leaves behind no harmful byproducts.

The innovative design of Tecbond biodegradable hot melts ensures that they not only perform reliably during use but also contribute positively to waste reduction efforts after disposal. These products align with circular economy principles by facilitating complete decomposition, and support packaging converters to demonstrate their commitment to the environment without sacrificing efficiency or product quality.

A vision for the future

Power Adhesives’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond its current product range. With further biodegradable adhesive launches planned in 2025, the company aims to lead by example in developing innovative hot melt adhesive solutions that address key sticking points in the packaging industry.

The introduction of Tecbond 214B and Tecbond 110B-PR marks a pivotal moment in hot melt adhesive technology. These products empower converters to meet growing demands for more eco-conscious packaging, while aligning with requirements around compostability and biodegradability. By choosing biodegradable adhesives from Power Adhesives, converters can take an important step towards packaging that is functional and environmentally responsible.

A digital cutting machine in use.

Bulk Adhesives, Big Results: The ideal precision bonding solution for digital cutters

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Digital cutters offer unparalleled precision, flexibility and efficiency for converters, and can work with a wider range of materials than some traditional die cutting methods. However, adhesive selection remains a critical challenge. Choosing the wrong adhesive can lead to production slowdowns, poor bonding and unnecessary material waste.

At Power Adhesives, we are proud to offer the solution to this problem. Our range of bulk hot melt adhesives ensures converters can access the right adhesive for their requirements, helping them optimise their processes and make the most of their digital cutting technology.

Adhesive selection matters

When it comes to choosing the right adhesive for digital cutting, converters face several challenges:

Material compatibility

Digital cutters often work with a diverse range of substrates, from cardboard and corrugated board to heat sensitive substrates like foam or expanded polystyrene. Adhesives need to bond effectively with these materials, which may differ markedly in terms of surface energy, flexibility or thickness, and the wrong adhesive can result in weak bonds or damage to the material.

Adhesive performance

Ensuring strong adhesion while maintaining flexibility is critical, particularly for high-flex substrates like shrink films and squeeze tubes. Issues such as ink cracking or adhesive failure on these materials may require specialised adhesives. Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can significantly impact adhesive performance. For instance, adhesives may fail to bond effectively in cold storage conditions or may degrade under high humidity.

Sustainability requirements

Many converters face growing pressure to use eco-conscious adhesives that support recyclability, reduce VOC emissions and help to minimise waste. This can add additional complexity in adhesive selection, as performance must be balanced against sustainability targets.

Production efficiency

Adhesives need to cure quickly to maintain the high production speeds used by digital cutters. Adhesives that take too long to set can slow down production lines, while those that set too quickly may not allow for proper alignment or repositioning.

Bulk hot melt adhesives are the ideal solution

Addressing these concerns requires close collaboration between adhesive manufacturers, equipment suppliers and end users to develop tailored solutions that meet technical and operational demands.

Our bulk hot melt adhesives are specifically designed to address these challenges, making them the ideal precision bonding solution for packaging converters using digital cutters. These adhesives offer unmatched versatility, bonding effectively with a wide range of substrates, including both porous and non-porous materials. Whether you’re working with corrugated board or delicate foam, Power Adhesives has a formulation tailored to your needs.

With a wide selection of bio-based and biodegradable solutions, Power Adhesives’ packaging hot melts enhance packaging and print operations, offering high efficiency, secure bonds and fast setting speeds. This allows converters to maintain high production speeds without sacrificing bond strength or precision.

The thermoplastic nature of these adhesives ensures consistent performance across varying environmental conditions, providing reliable bonds even in extreme temperatures or high-humidity environments. Their 100% solid formulations mean there’s minimal shrinkage during cooling, ensuring optimal coverage with less material. This not only reduces waste but also lowers overall costs.

As a result, the Tecbond bulk adhesives range ensures a suitable solution for every requirement, ensuring converters can access the tools they need to maximise digital cutting equipment.

Strong customer bonds

What truly sets Power Adhesives apart is our commitment to problem-solving and customisation. We understand that no two applications are the same, and work closely with clients to develop tailored solutions. Our technical experts account for common challenges with adhesive selection and can recommend the most suitable adhesive from our extensive range. This ensures that converters can tackle even the most complex projects with confidence.

Our flexible supply model is designed with customer convenience in mind. With variable minimum order quantities (MOQs) and fast order fulfilment, our bulk range ensures that businesses receive exactly what they need when they need it—eliminating the burden of excessive stockholding.

What’s more, with sustainability more important than ever, our bio-based and biodegradable hot melt options enable converters to meet demands for eco-conscious packaging without compromising performance.

With tailored solutions for niche requirements and a commitment to sustainability, our bulk hot melt adhesives empower converters to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. By choosing Power Adhesives as your partner in precision bonding solutions, you’re not just investing in superior adhesives—you’re investing in the future of your business.

Power Adhesives Launches New Biodegradable Bulk Adhesive

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Power Adhesives, a global leader in hot melt adhesive technology, has launched Tecbond 110B-PR, a new biodegradable bulk adhesive designed for high-speed case sealing and carton closing.

This latest launch reinforces Power Adhesives’ commitment to producing innovative bonding solutions and further expands the recently launched bulk adhesive range, giving customers environmentally responsible options for large-scale industrial applications.

Tecbond 110B-PR is a low-viscosity, high-speed packaging adhesive formulated to deliver exceptional performance in end-of-line (EOL) packaging operations. Its unique formulation enables it to run through narrow nozzles at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption while maintaining strong, reliable bonds on carton and board substrates. With a 10-second open time, it is ideal for fast-paced packaging lines, helping manufacturers increase efficiency without compromising on adhesive strength.

Brendan Colgan, Chief Executive Officer of Power Adhesives, said: “The launch of Tecbond 110B-PR is an exciting step in expanding our biodegradable adhesive offering. Designed for high-speed packaging lines, it combines the efficiency and cost benefits of bulk adhesives while giving customers an environmentally responsible solution that performs exceptionally while supporting their sustainability goals.”

This launch marks a major milestone for Power Adhesives, as Tecbond 110B-PR joins Tecbond 214B to form the world’s first fully-certified biodegradable range of hot melt adhesives, available in both shaped and bulk formats. Together, they offer sustainably focused solutions for a wide range of packaging needs, from case sealing to carton closing, helping brands and packaging converters meet their environmental goals.

The Tecbond biodegradable range is certified to leading environmental standards, including ASTM D6400, EN13432, ASTM D6954, as well as ASTM D6866 to confirm the bio based content, ensuring compliance with industrial composting and biodegradability requirements.

These adhesives break down naturally under exposure to oxygen, UV light, and heat, leaving behind only non-harmful by-products and no microplastics, making them ideal for sustainably led packaging solutions.

For more information, visit https://www.poweradhesives.com/.

Power Adhesives to Launch Innovative New Vactac Range at JEC World 2025

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Press Release, Product News. No Comments on Power Adhesives to Launch Innovative New Vactac Range at JEC World 2025

UK-headquartered Power Adhesives, a global leader in hot melt adhesive solutions, is set to showcase its latest innovation, the Vactac positioning adhesive system, at JEC World 2025 in Paris, the leading international composites show.

Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations of Vactac, a cutting-edge alternative to conventional solvent-based spray adhesives for positioning reinforcement layers in the vacuum infusion process.

Designed as a direct replacement for solvent-based aerosols, Vactac offers a VOC- and solvent-free formulation, eliminating the need for protective clothing, air extraction systems, and specialist waste disposal. This makes it a safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective solution for composite manufacturers.

Compared to traditional solvent-based adhesives, where only 20–30% of the content is actual adhesive, the Vactac system ensures 100% adhesive usage, reducing material waste, overspray, and associated costs.

The adhesive’s increased output offers a high instant tack ensuring precise positioning without shifting, while the innovative dispensing pattern minimises excess application, further enhancing efficiency.

Will Quinn, International Sales Manager at Power Adhesives, said: “As the home of ground-breaking solutions, JEC World provides the perfect opportunity for us to launch Power Adhesives new Vactac range. It offers a more cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional solvent-based spray adhesives as all Vactac slugs are 100% adhesive, eliminating waste and disposal costs, ultimately maximising your investment.

“We look forward to launching our new Vactac positioning adhesive range at JEC World and to continuing to push the boundaries of innovation to create adhesives which help boost performance.”

In addition to the adhesive system, Power Adhesives will unveil its new and improved Vactac application equipment. Modifications to the equipment mean it now delivers a higher output, greater consistency, and increased reliability. The introduction of PCB-controlled dispensing ensures a finer, more uniform, adhesive pattern, enhancing interlaminar shear properties and overall mechanical performance.

For more information, visit Power Adhesives at Hall 5, Stand C44 at JEC World 2025, taking place March 4-6, at Paris Nord Villepinte.

Power Adhesives launches new bulk adhesive range

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Power Adhesives, a global leader in hot melt adhesive technology, has officially launched its new bulk adhesive range, delivering high-performance bonding solutions for industrial applications.

The new bulk range includes pillows and prills formats tailored to industries requiring high-output adhesive solutions, including packaging, product assembly, foam bonding and sprayable applications.

Designed to improve efficiency, reduce waste and meet the growing demand for large-scale adhesive solutions, this latest development expands Power Adhesives’ product offering beyond its established Tecbond shaped adhesives.

Brendan Colgan, Chief Executive Officer of Power Adhesives, said: “Our bulk adhesive range is a natural evolution of our product offering, driven by industry demand for scalable, high-performance bonding solutions. We have built a reputation for delivering adhesives that enhance efficiency and reliability, and this expansion ensures that customers have even greater choice when selecting the right adhesive for their needs.”

“By introducing bulk formats alongside our Tecbond range, we are giving manufacturers the ability to maximise productivity while reducing waste. Whether it’s packaging, product assembly or large-area bonding, our bulk adhesives provide a solution that combines strength, efficiency, and sustainability.”

With growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective adhesive solutions, Power Adhesives’ bulk range provides customers with the flexibility to select the ideal adhesive for their specific application.

The range includes sprayable adhesives for mattress assembly and foam converters, fast-setting adhesives for carton sealing and product assembly, and high-heat-resistant adhesives for demanding industrial applications. By offering adhesives in bulk, businesses can streamline their processes, reduce handling time, and ensure consistent bonding quality at scale.

This latest launch reinforces Power Adhesives’ commitment to providing innovative adhesive solutions that support evolving industry needs. The company has consistently driven sustainability initiatives, most notably with the introduction of Tecbond 214B, the world’s first fully certified biodegradable shaped hot melt adhesive. Now also available in bulk, Tecbond 214B enables businesses to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining the performance and reliability required for industrial applications.

For more information, visit https://www.poweradhesives.com/.

Power Adhesives Marks 50 Years of Innovation with New Product Launches and Groundbreaking Solutions

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Power Adhesives, a global leader in hot melt adhesive systems, is celebrating 50 years of innovation in which it has developed adhesive solutions for a range of markets and pushed boundaries to develop from an importer and distributor to become a pioneering manufacturer.

Since its founding in 1974 as an importer and supplier, Power Adhesives has been at the forefront of adhesive technology. In 1981 it transitioned to being a manufacturer, establishing its own plant and producing its own glue guns and adhesives. Over the last five decades, the company has continuously delivered high-performance, reliable solutions for its customers and, due to its success, in 2013 expanded production capacity by 60% to meet growing global demand. In 2022, the business was purchased by long term investment company Longacre Group.

Brendan Colgan, Chief Executive Officer of Power Adhesives, reflects on the company’s journey: “Reaching our 50th anniversary is not just a celebration of what we’ve achieved, but a reaffirmation of our dedication to push the boundaries of innovation to help build a sustainable future. Our extensive knowledge accumulated over the last 50 years enables us to be pioneers in new adhesive technology and provide industry-specialist advice for commercial bonding operations using hot melt adhesives.”

Most recently, Power Adhesives has demonstrated its commitment to advancing adhesive technology with the launch of Tecbond 214B, the world’s first fully certified biodegradable shaped hot melt adhesive. Formulated using 45% bio-based materials, Tecbond 214B breaks down after use with no harmful effects to nature, providing a critical solution for industries striving to reduce their environmental footprint.

Using the same data-driven R&D expertise and approach that drove the success of Tecbond 214B, Power Adhesives has also made significant advancements in adhesive solutions for composites manufacturing, including its Vactac Advanced Solution, developed for demanding composite manufacturing applications such as wind power and marine industries.

Colgan added: “The launch of Tecbond 214B is a pivotal moment in our journey, helping to empower industries and businesses to achieve their environmental goals without sacrificing the high performance they rely on. This same commitment to innovation and precision underpins the advancements we’ve made with Vactac, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of adhesive technology in 2025 and beyond, including expanding our Tecbond biodegradable adhesives into bulk systems.”

In its 50th year, Power Adhesives remains committed to advancing hot melt adhesive technology and being sustainable, as demonstrated by its ISO9001:2015, ISO14001:2021 and ISO45001:2018 certifications, highlighting its strides towards greater environmental sustainability, workplace safety, and top-quality products. These certifications played a significant role in Power Adhesives earning an EcoVadis Silver Award, recognising its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

To learn more about its product offerings and commitment to sustainability, please visit www.poweradhesives.com.

Power Adhesives to Showcase Innovative Tecbond Sprayable Hot Melt Technology at BAU 2025

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UK-headquartered Power Adhesives, a global leader in hot melt adhesive solutions, will be at BAU 2025 in Munich, the world’s premier trade fair for architecture, materials, and systems, presenting live demonstrations of its pioneering Tecbond spray hot melt technology and offering visitors a firsthand look at its efficiency, versatility, and cost-saving benefits.

Tecbond spray adhesive, developed and refined by Power Adhesives, is a game-changer in adhesive technology with its unique spray application enabling even coverage and a strong bond across various substrates, including temperature-sensitive materials such as plastic foams and films. Unlike traditional methods, Tecbond spray adhesives prevent thermal damage by cooling rapidly on contact, while high instant tack ensures less adhesive is needed for optimal results. With no waste or harmful solvents, Tecbond spray adhesive is safer for users and the environment, eliminating the need for respiratory PPE or air extraction systems.

The technology aligns with BAU’s focus on cost-effective and sustainable construction. Tecbond spray adhesives offer an indefinite shelf life, reduce material waste, and improve operational efficiency, making them an ideal solution for builders and tradespeople looking to optimise resources and minimise costs. The absence of overspray not only reduces cleaning expenses but also supports cleaner, more efficient workflows.

In addition to its Tecbond spray system, Power Adhesives will feature its comprehensive range of hot melt systems designed for construction, woodworking, and electrical installations. Demonstrations will highlight applications such as:

  • Seamlessly filling V-grooves in plasterboard for flooring installations
  • Repairing wood defects and knot filling with precision
  • Supporting electrical and carpentry projects with reliable bonding solutions

Power Adhesives’ advanced 43mm hot melt spray applicators including the Tec 6300 and Tec 7300 ensure flexibility and performance for users across various industries. Experts will be on hand at the stand to provide technical advice, share insights, and demonstrate how hot melt technology can transform construction processes while supporting environmental sustainability.

Co-exhibiting with Austrian distribution partner Holzreparatur, Power Adhesives invites visitors to experience the future of adhesive solutions at BAU 2025. Learn how Tecbond spray adhesives and other Power Adhesives products can streamline projects, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability.

For more information, visit Power Adhesives, who will be co-exhibiting with Holzreparatur, at Hall B5, Stand 539 at BAU 2025, taking place January 13-17, at Trade Fair Center Messe München.

Power Adhesives wins top industry sustainability award, with commendation for young talent

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Power Adhesives has won the Environment and Sustainability Initiative award for Tecbond 214B, its fully-certified biodegradable packaging adhesive.

Awarded by BASA at its inaugural awards ceremony, Tecbond 214B was recognised for its ability to completely break down in the continued presence of oxygen, UV light and heat, leaving behind only non-harmful products and no microplastics.

Power Adhesives was also recognised at the BASA Awards for its developing talent, with Deanna Coldwell achieving a commendation in the Young Achiever category.

Deanna has contributed to a number of projects (including the development of Tecbond 214B), but most significantly to the development and standards for Vactac, Power Adhesives’ range of hot melts formulated for use in composites production. Deanna’s input led to a breakthrough in the company’s testing, providing key insights that would not have been possible without her involvement.

Starting work at Power Adhesives as a Lab Technician fresh from university in 2022, Deanna took on her new role of Adhesives Application Engineer in January 2024 – making an impressive journey from graduate, into a lab-based technical role, to influencing product development, all in just two years.

Creating Tecbond 214B

Power Adhesives first began its R&D program to create a biodegradable adhesive in response to customer and market requests for a biodegradable packaging product, aiming to create a more environmentally conscious hot melt grade, and provide a better alternative to existing packaging adhesives.

Following detailed formulation, evaluation, and long-term testing in the laboratory and field, Tecbond 214B is certified to ASTM D6400 and EN13432 standards, which relate to biodegradation of solid material by industrial composting, and eco-toxicity in soil upon degradation, respectively.

As a packaging adhesive, Tecbond 214B is primarily formulated for use in carton and board applications. Designed to help packers and converters improve circularity and remove environmental waste, Tecbond 214B breaks downs over time after exposure to oxygen, UV light and heat.

These elements gradually degrade the adhesive’s long-chain polymers, which can eventually be consumed by microorganisms. This process is irreversible and leaves behind no waste apart from a mixture of water, carbon dioxide, and organic material. Made with 45% bio-based materials, the adhesive is the first of its kind.

Power Adhesives is continuing to set out its own ESG initiatives, including applying for ISO14001 environmental management standard, and ISO45001 occupational health and safety standard. It was awarded both in October 2023, before gaining the globally-recognised EcoVadis accreditation in September 2024.

Power Adhesives’ now uses Tecbond 214B across its own packaging wherever possible, supporting its own commitment to waste reduction.