Author: Ellis Fowler

With the spotlight firmly on the life cycle of product packaging and transportation packaging, it is more important than ever that businesses start looking at how they can make sure their own packaging meets the upcoming specifications to avoid being sanctioned.

So what is PPWR?

PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is a new law that aims to reduce packaging waste within the EU. The main point of the initiative is that from 2030, all packaging (both product packaging and transport packaging) must be designed for recycling.

Under this law, any component used in a product’s packaging will need to be proven to be either recyclable or compostable. This includes adhesives. Even if the adhesive makes up only a small part of the packaging, can cause contamination in recycling streams and significantly weaken recyclability claims.

Prior to this, the first set of PPWR regulations come into effect from mid-2027, stating that certain packaging formats like fruit stickers and tea bags must be compostable in industrial composting facilities.

This has the potential to be a major problem in the label and envelope manufacturing industries. Pressure-sensitive adhesives are an integral part of their design and under this new law, normal options would result in a non-conformity.

Failure to comply with PPWR regulations could result in sanctions ranging from fines to refusal of product acceptance when shipping to other countries. To find out more about PPWR, check out our PPWR Q&A.

The biodegradable solution

Earlier this year, we expanded our range of biodegradable hot melts for the packaging industry. One of these new additions was Tecbond 902B-PL, a pressure-sensitive adhesive with a low viscosity aimed at manufacturers running high-speed production lines that need a multi-purpose biodegradable alternative.

Its low viscosity, coupled with high tack, means that smaller amounts of adhesive can be applied, without the risk of creep or adhesive failure, cutting down on production costs. Alongside this, Tecbond 902B-PL has good heat resistance when compared to other PSAs, so is suitable for use in warmer environments.

The formulation is also indirect food contact approved, making it ideal for not only food packaging, but also labelling on certain fruits, mainly those with a wax covering or waxy exterior.

Most notably, Tecbond 902B-PL, along with every other Tecbond biodegradable grade, is EN13432 compliant, meaning it classed as “compostable” in industrial composting conditions. To meet the standard, the adhesive needs to biodegrade by at least 90% within six months under these conditions, and disintegrate to a point no there are no visible fragments after 12 weeks. All of this means that when the used packaging enters the correct waste streams, the adhesive will break down at the same rate and under the same conditions as other certified compostable materials in industrial facilities.

Tecond 902B-PL has also achieved CHIRA assessment approval, confirming that it is benign within paper recycling streams and has no adverse effects on the pulping or recovery process.

How it works

The Tecbond biodegradable range has been formulated to begin biodegrading in naturally occurring environmental conditions, requiring only UV light, oxygen and heat to begin the biodegradation process. These elements initiate the breakdown of long-chain polymers and from this point onwards, only the continued presence of oxygen is needed to continue the breakdown.

After the long-chain polymers have been broken down, the matter is able to be consumed by micro-organisms in the same way natural waste is, eventually leaving behind non-harmful and non-impactful products, with no microplastics.

With the first set of PPWR regulations coming into effect in mid-2027, it’s more important than ever that manufacturers both understand and explore what options they have for making their packaging fully recyclable or compostable.

Tecbond biodegradable adhesives provide peace of mind by ensuring no compromises in bond strength, while adhering to upcoming legislations so you don’t incur any penalties or loss of business.

To find out more about our range of biodegradable formulations, visit our biodegradable page here: Tecbond Biodegradable.

In our March edition of the the People of Power series, we spoke to Michael Brady, our Business Development Manager for new markets. In this interview, Mike reflected on his two stints with Power Adhesives, and how he feels the business has evolved over time.

Background & Journey

1. How did your journey with Power Adhesives begin?

My journey began in September 2014 with Packaging Aids Ltd (Sister Company), where I worked as a Sales Administrator. I then moved to Power Adhesives, starting in the Warehouse in a Goods In role before joining the Sales Team as a Sales Administrator and supporting external visits. I left the business in 2019 and rejoined in 2023 as Business Development Manager

2. What made you choose to stay with the company for so long?

The opportunity for growth within the business, which is a big part of the reason I returned after my time away. The company values internal promotion and invests in training and developing team members who understand its culture. Many of our managers and directors started in junior roles and have progressed through the company over time.

3. How has your role evolved over the years?

Working across a range of departments has given me valuable insight into how the business operates and has supported me in my current role as Business Development Manager – New Markets (Global).

From order processing, picking and packing, and supporting production lines, to delivering on-site demonstrations and presentations to some of the world’s largest businesses, each experience has helped build a strong understanding of both our products and our customers’ needs.

4. How would you describe the company culture in three words?

Innovative, Reliable and Growth

Innovation & Leadership

5. What’s one innovation or project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?

I’m most proud of supporting the commercial team in launching both our biodegradable and bulk adhesives. My contributions to the product range have been key in creating new opportunities and driving growth for the business.

6. How does Power Adhesives stay ahead in the industry?

We are constantly talking to our customers to understand how we can improve their processes and support them in the market. These insights provide valuable feedback and guidance for identifying the next products to focus on in innovation and R&D.

7. How have you seen technology or processes change since you started?

When I returned in 2023, I felt a new energy within the business, particularly around process and technology improvements. This includes our recent introduction of HubSpot, which has improved our customer service, streamlined communication, and improved overall organisation with our customers.

People & Teamwork

8. What do you enjoy most about working with your team?

The Commercial team is full of passionate people who want to help and get involved whenever they can. Everyone cares about their work, which isn’t always easy to find in other companies.

9. Are there any mentors or colleagues who have had a big impact on your career?

I’ve been incredibly lucky to work under a wide range of managers, directors, and team members, and I’ve learnt different things from all of them. However, my biggest mentor would be my dad — an incredibly hard worker who always went above and beyond where he could, doing everything he did for our family.

Future

10. Where do you see Power Adhesives heading in the next 5–10 years?

I see the business growing, with the next generation taking on more responsibility and driving it to new heights

Sprayable hot melts have been around for nearly 20 years, and in that time, they’ve established themselves as a key component in the manufacture of many everyday products.

In the furniture industry for example, as production demands have increased and designs have evolved, manufacturers have turned to these advanced adhesive technologies to improve efficiency, reduce waste and enhance product quality. From foam bonding to upholstery fixing, Tecbond sprayable hot melts play a vital role in every stage of production.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key applications where Tecbond sprayable hot melts have made a significant difference.

Foam-to-Foam bonding

In any piece of furniture that includes cushioning, there will be some form of high-density foam or foam structure designed to provide comfort and support, with enough integrity to hold its shape after a period of use.

These foam pieces can be difficult to bond due to their porous makeup and resistance to compression. In many circumstances, manufacturers would have used water-based adhesives due to the very strong bonds they deliver once fully cured. However, water-based adhesives introduce some unwanted risks that are difficult to tackle. Alongside their very long curing time, if the water doesn’t evaporate properly, there’s a risk of mould growth which can then spread to other parts of the furniture.

Tecbond hot melts on the other hand are not only compromised of 100% solid content, with no evaporation or curing taking place, but they also have a high instant tack and fast setting speeds. Once an initial bond is made, it takes only a few minutes for the bond to be strong enough to enable movement through the production line, speeding up the overall production process.

Foam-to-Structure bonding

Following foam-to-foam bonding, many manufacturers will use the same hot melts to bond the finished cushioning to the structural component that makes up the frame of the furniture. This includes seat bottoms, back supports, and even backing boards for decorative pieces or acoustic paneling.

As with the foam-to-foam bonds, Tecbond spray adhesive will form a final bond much faster than a water or solvent-based alternative. Using the same adhesive for all stages of the process also cuts down on production costs and materials, without compromising on performance.

Alongside wood, Tecbond spray adhesives will also effectively bond foam pieces to almost any building material including metal and most plastics (including polypropylene and polyethylene).

Upholstery Fabrics

Due to their excellent coverage and zero risk of mould growth, hot melts continue to be a common alternative for bonding upholstery fabrics to the finished foam pieces. They also act as a temporary bond on wooden framing prior to stapling or pinning.

Their high initial tack means that manufacturers can rely on a strong temporary bond while they prepare to finish securing the fabric with the necessary fastener.

Our sprayable hot melts have been used to bond fabrics in sofas, armchairs, office seating, and even wheelchairs.

Decorative Laminates

Outside of traditional veneer coverings, a lot of furniture manufacturers have turned to high pressure laminates (HPLs) to provide an easier and more robust alternative for decorative surface covering over unsightly wood substrates such as MDF, particleboard and plywood.

Primarily bonded with a solvent-based contact adhesive, this method isn’t cost-effective as the bonding process requires both surfaces to be covered to achieve a strong bond. With solvent-based adhesives being more than 60% solvent in most cases, the low initial cost of the adhesive is negated by frequency of purchase.

Alongside this, there is a significant disposal cost that comes with the empty canisters. As they contain traces of hazardous material, they require special disposal methods to avoid air pollution and human inhalation, which comes at a cost.

Tecbond spray adhesives are the ideal alternative thanks to their VOC-free composition and high tack, which reduces the amount of adhesive needed to form a strong bond. In many circumstances, users would apply the hot melt to the wooden surface only and then apply the HPL. As 100% of the product is used in the application process, there’s no waste product and no associated disposal costs.

The Overarching Benefits

Tecbond sprayable hot melts offer a more cost-effective, user-friendly and agile alternative to other commonly used products on the market.

Non-toxic and easy to handle they can be used without the need for respiratory PPE or air extraction equipment in factories, while their rapid setting speeds when compared to solvent and water-based options mean products move through the production line faster, increasing production efficiency.

To find out more about the Tecbond spray adhesive range, take a look at our adhesives page that will allow you to sort by your requirements.

Q1: What is the PPWR and why does it matter for adhesives?

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will replace the current Packaging Directive and set binding, harmonised rules across all Member States. From 2030, all packaging must be designed for recycling.

This includes every component, right down to the adhesive. Using a non-compliant adhesive can compromise recyclability or compostability claims, risking market access, fines, or reputational damage.

Q2: Can adhesives really stop my packaging from being recyclable or compostable?

Yes. Even if the main substrate is recyclable or compostable, incompatible adhesives can cause contamination in recycling streams, clog sorting and pulping equipment, or prevent composting certification.

A small percentage of non-compliant adhesive can invalidate the whole claim.

Q3: What does EN 13432 certification mean for adhesives?

EN 13432 is the European standard that defines when packaging (and all its components) can be described as “compostable” in industrial composting conditions. To meet the standard, a material must:

• Biodegrade by at least 90% within six months under controlled industrial composting conditions (around 58°C, with regulated moisture and oxygen levels).
• Disintegrate so that no visible fragments remain after 12 weeks.
• Leave no harmful residues, including no microplastics, heavy metals, or ecotoxic effects.

For adhesives, EN 13432 certification confirms that the adhesive will break down at the same rate and under the same conditions as other certified compostable materials in industrial facilities. This ensures it will not compromise the compostability of the overall packaging.

It’s important to note that EN 13432 applies to industrial composting, not home composting, where lower and more variable temperatures can slow or prevent breakdown. It also doesn’t automatically guarantee compatibility with every other compostable material, so testing the full packaging system is essential for verified claims.

Q4: Is there a threshold for adhesives under EN 13432?

Yes. If adhesives make up more than 1% of the total dry weight of the pack, they must be compostable themselves.

Even below that, all non-compostable components combined cannot exceed 5%.

Q5: What’s changing by mid-2027?

Certain packaging formats, such as tea bags, fruit stickers, and very lightweight carrier bags, must be compostable in industrial composting facilities by mid-2027.

Adhesives used in these products will need to be proven compostable to maintain compliance.

Q6: Are adhesives included in recyclability-at-scale rules?

From 2035, packaging must be recyclable at scale. Meaning it’s collected, sorted, and processed in real-world recycling systems.

Adhesives that contaminate recovered fibres or disrupt processing will count against recyclability scoring.

Q7: How can biodegradable hot melts help meet PPWR goals?

Biodegradable hot melt adhesives, like Tecbond 214B, are certified to EN 13432 and ASTM D6400.

They maintain bond strength and speed in production while ensuring adhesives won’t block composting or undermine recyclability claims.

Q8: What are the risks of not acting now?

Delaying action risks having to redesign packaging under time pressure, paying higher compliance costs, or losing market access in the EU.

Early adoption of compliant adhesives means smoother transitions and stronger sustainability credentials.

Q9: What’s the first step for brands?

Audit your current packaging, including adhesives, against PPWR requirements.

Request certifications and test data from suppliers and ensure adhesive specs are compatible with both recyclability and compostability targets.

Power Adhesives acts as a technical partner, working closely with you to understand your packaging goals and regulatory obligations. We’ll help identify the adhesive solutions that best fit your pack design, production process, and sustainability targets.

From PPWR-compliant biodegradable hot melts to detailed testing data and documentation, we provide the expertise and evidence you need to make confident, compliant choices.