Market or Application: Packaging & Print

Biodegradable hot melt adhesives – the missing link in more sustainable packaging inserts

Written by Ellis Fowler on August 4, 2025. Posted in Technical Info.

While fibre-based inserts, moulded pulp, and recycled board have transformed the sustainability of packaging, conventional adhesives have remained a stubborn obstacle – until now. Biodegradable adhesives like Tecbond 214B are emerging as the crucial bridge that enables strong, fast-setting bonds that keep packaging secure, while still ensuring that every component can safely return to the earth or the recycling stream.

The evolution of packaging inserts

The design of packaging inserts has shifted in recent years in response to rising sustainability requirements. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritising paper, paperboard, and moulded fibre as they seek alignment with environmental requirements. These recyclable and compostable materials maintain high durability and protection while supporting carbon and waste reduction targets, making it easier to keep pace with changing regulatory requirements and consumer expectations around sustainability.

In this landscape, choosing the right material for packaging inserts is critical for balancing product protection with low environmental impact. However, if manufacturers want to take sustainability to the next level, they must consider all elements of their packaging – including the adhesives that hold it together.

Choosing the right adhesives for packaging inserts

When selecting bonding solutions for packaging inserts, several key performance considerations must be made. Fast setting times support high-speed production and minimise assembly bottlenecks, and clean application reduces the risk of overspill or visible residue. This results in a seamless appearance that helps maintain brand presentation.

Compatibility with fibre-based substrates is another key consideration as many packaging inserts are made from materials like paper, cardboard, or moulded fibre. Bond strength and durability are also essential to maintain integrity during handling, shipping, and storage, preventing insert displacement and product damage.

The biodegradable hot melt revolution

Biodegradable hot melt adhesives offer all these benefits and more. Engineered for a minimal environmental impact, formulations like Tecbond 214B and Tecbond 110B-PR are ideal for use with fibre-based or compostable packaging inserts, as they can break down alongside them without contributing additional waste.

Unlike conventional adhesives, biodegradable formulations are specifically designed to break down naturally in the open environment without leaving behind harmful waste. Traditional adhesives must be separated prior to recycling as their presence would risk contaminating the paper fibres and making them unsuitable for reuse as high-quality packaging. This separation introduces additional complexity and cost, and the skimmed off adhesives will likely either be incinerated or landfilled, resulting in waste or carbon emissions. What’s more, if packaging does escape the recycling stream and ends up in landfill, the adhesives will persist in the environment as the packaging breaks down.

Biodegradable adhesives avoid these problems thanks to their innovative formulation. When packaging with biodegradable adhesives ends up in landfill environments, these adhesives degrade into water and carbon dioxide, when oxygen is present, leaving no microplastics or harmful residues behind. This process begins upon exposure to oxygen, heat, and UV light with no additional treatment required, meaning it’s easy to start creating packaging with a smaller waste footprint.

Designed to perform

Thanks to advances in adhesive formulation, biodegradable adhesives can offer comparable performance to conventional grades. Modern biodegradable adhesives like Tecbond 214B and 110B-PR deliver bond strength and fast setting times equivalent to traditional hot melts, ensuring that packaging inserts remain securely in place throughout the supply chain. These adhesives can be used with a wide range of paper and board inserts, making them suitable for diverse packaging applications without introducing hazardous substances.

The next step in packaging’s evolution

With rising expectations for more sustainable packaging, biodegradable adhesives help brands comply with regulations and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. By using biodegradable adhesives, pack integrity is preserved during product use, and the packaging remains fully recyclable or compostable at end-of-life, helping brands meet sustainability goals and regulatory requirements without sacrificing performance.

To find out more about how these biodegradable formulations can help support the future of your business, get in touch with our sales team by emailing sales@poweradhesives.com

Power Adhesives Appoints Ross Cunningham as Chief Executive Officer

Written by Ellis Fowler on July 29, 2025. Posted in Business News, Press Release.

Power Adhesives is pleased to announce the appointment of Ross Cunningham as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Ross joins the company at an exciting time, as Power Adhesives is set for its next phase of strategic growth across the European and North American markets.

Ross brings extensive leadership experience from a range of global manufacturing and engineering sectors, having previously led market-leading companies in fluid power, engineered sealing solutions, carbide tooling, and abrasives.

“I’m looking forward to meeting our valued distribution partners to gain insight of both current and emerging market needs, and to understand how Power Adhesives can support our partners in achieving future success,” said Ross. “Power Adhesives has a proud heritage of excellent service and a strong reputation for innovation, both of which are woven into the DNA of the business’ long-serving team. I look forward to building on this legacy to further develop our capabilities in line with customer expectations.”

Founded in the UK, Power Adhesives is a specialist manufacturer with a well-established international presence. Over the last 3 years of Longacre ownership, Power Adhesives has made significant investments in sales, marketing and product development.

The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 and remains firmly committed to innovation. Its most recent breakthrough—the world’s first fully certified, biodegradable hot melt adhesive—has attracted significant global interest.

“There is strong demand for our biodegradable product range,” Ross added. “I’m eager to work with our distribution network to bring this more sustainable adhesive solution to key customers around the world.”

Ross takes over from previous CEO Brendan Colgan who, after taking the company forward in a range of key markets, will continue to be a shareholder and board member at Power Adhesives.

Operating from its manufacturing facility in Basildon, UK, Power Adhesives produces the industry’s largest range of industrial glue guns and high-performance shaped hot melt adhesives. These products, along with a selection of bulk hot melt adhesives available for high-volume applications, are distributed globally under the Tec and Tecbond brand names.

Breaking down the myths: Are biodegradable adhesives really effective?

Written by Ellis Fowler on June 24, 2025. Posted in Technical Info.

It’s time to address the myths – just how do biodegradable hot melt adhesives like Tecbond 214B stack up against traditional formulations?

With brands and their manufacturers facing growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact, the demand for more sustainable packaging solutions has never been higher. However, several persistent myths remain – particularly the idea that ‘biodegradable’ means sacrificing performance. Let’s set the record straight and examine how innovations like Tecbond 214B are debunking these misconceptions.

Myth: Biodegradable adhesives don’t perform like conventional ones

One of the most common myths around biodegradable hot melt adhesives is that their formulation makes them inherently weaker or less reliable than traditional hot melts. However, with today’s advanced formulations, this simply is no longer the case.

Tecbond 214B for example is based on the best-selling Tecbond 214 grade and is engineered to match the performance of conventional hot melt adhesives. It delivers strong, reliable bonds on a wide variety of paper and cardboard substrates, making it ideal for a vast range of packaging applications. The high tack and fast setting speed means you can seal more cartons in less time, and with no need for extended holding or clamping periods after compression.

As a result, Tecbond 214B offers a viable replacement for other adhesives as well as staples and tapes in cardboard bonding, providing a low cost per closure and supporting high volume manufacturing.

You don’t just have to take our word for it – certified to ASTM D6400, EN13432, ASTM D6954 and ASTM D6866 standards, Tecbond 214B has been rigorously tested to ensure it retains the adhesive properties of other hot melt adhesives while still being fully biodegradable.

Myth: Switching to biodegradable adhesives requires major equipment upgrades

Another widespread belief is that switching to biodegradable adhesives requires costly new equipment or disruptive changes to production lines. In reality, hot melts like Tecbond 214B are designed for easy integration and are available in all standard stick formats. This product is also designed to be compatible with existing Tec glue guns and bulk hot melt systems without needing special modifications. This means you can transition to a more sustainable adhesive solution without the expense or downtime of retooling your operations.

Myth: Biodegradable adhesives have no effect on a product’s environmental impact

Some sceptics argue that adhesives form such a small part of packaging that switching to biodegradable formulations makes no or little difference to sustainability. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. If traditional adhesives escape recycling streams they can leave behind microplastics and residues that persist in the environment.

In contrast, Tecbond 214B is formulated with 45% bio-based, sustainably sourced materials and breaks down naturally in the presence of oxygen, UV light, and heat – leaving behind only non-harmful products. This helps to reduce waste and helps to ensure that adhesives don’t undermine the sustainability of packaging.

Stick to the facts

Today’s advanced adhesives mean the need for trade-offs between sustainability and performance is over. Biodegradable hot melt formulations like Tecbond 214B offer the same strength, speed, and reliability as traditional formulations with a minimal environmental impact. By making the switch, you gain access to a powerful tool for meeting your sustainability goals – so what are you waiting for?

To find out more about how these biodegradable formulations can help support the future of your business, get in touch with our sales team by emailing sales@poweradhesives.com

Tecbond 6002

Written by Ellis Fowler on June 19, 2025.

Tecbond 6002 is a pale amber, low-odour packaging adhesive designed for high-speed packaging runs where fast setting speeds are required. Predominantly used for carton closing and wrap around packaging, Tecbond 6002 will bond most paper and cardboard substrates.

Its very high molten tack, along with its short open time means bonds are near instantaneous upon compression, within little-to-no holding time required.

People of Power Adhesives Billy Peck – Plant Manager

Written by Ellis Fowler on June 2, 2025. Posted in Business News.

As we celebrate 50 Years of Innovation at Power Adhesives, we are sitting down and talking with some of our brilliant team as part of our People of Power Adhesives Series. You can read our chat with Brad Groves here, and our chat with Kirsty Butler here.

Third up is Billy Peck, Plant Manager. Billy joined Power Adhesives as an electrical engineer and has progressed with the company. During our chat, we discuss his desire to further himself and keep learning, and what he enjoys most about working at Power Adhesives.

How did your journey with Power Adhesives begin?

It started while I was working for a previous company, servicing air compressors on site. Over time, I built a really good relationship with the then Plant Manager and Service Director.

Eventually, the Plant Manager approached me and asked if I’d be interested in a role if something ever came up in the maintenance department. When it did, I jumped at the chance, and that’s how it all began.

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

Power Adhesives has always given me great opportunities to grow and develop. I’ve completed loads of training over the years, including earning my City & Guilds 17th Edition and my testing and inspection qualifications, both of which I’m really proud of.

The company has always supported my learning, and that’s had benefits for both me and the business. On top of that, I genuinely enjoy my work. It can be tough and demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. And the people here make it even better.

How has your role evolved over the years?

I started as an electrical engineer and quickly began learning more about the production processes, how the machinery works, and the mechanical side of things. This was new to me, having come from an electrical background.

Eventually, I became Assistant Plant Manager. That came with more responsibility and gave me a nice balance between hands-on work and office-based tasks. I looked after things like waste management, emergency lighting, and building plans, taking some of the pressure off the Plant Manager.

For the past 18 months, I’ve been the Plant Manager myself. It’s opened my eyes to a whole new side of the job, from managing the entire manufacturing plant, and making sure everything runs with minimal downtime, to overseeing all aspects of maintenance. It’s a big responsibility, from staff management and project planning to dealing with breakdowns on a daily basis. It’s fast-paced and full-on, but I thrive on it.

How would you describe the company culture in three words?

Inclusive. Innovative. Flexible.

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

The evolution of technology has been constant. Every year, there’s something new, and Power Adhesives is always quick to adopt better ways of working. Processes are regularly reviewed and updated to keep us operating at our best.

What do you enjoy most about working with your team?

Breakdowns! That might sound odd, but it’s when the team really pulls together. We problem-solve as a unit, diagnosing the issue, sourcing parts, and getting everything back up and running. Everyone brings different strengths to the table, and when we fix something tricky, there’s a real buzz. It’s a shared achievement and a great feeling. Having a solid relationship with your teammates makes all the difference.

Are there any mentors or colleagues who’ve had a big impact on your career?

Definitely Julia Edmeades. She’s been a huge positive influence, not just professionally, but also in terms of mental health and personal wellbeing. She’s helped me and a number of others to see the bigger picture and always encourages the business to push forward in the right way.

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

I think we’re on the edge of something big. It feels like the calm before the storm in the best possible way. With the new ownership and fresh direction, I can see us hitting some impressive levels of production and growth in the near future.

There’s a real sense of momentum building and I’m excited to be part of it.

As we continue our 50 Years of Innovation celebrations, our next series of blogs will see us speaking with some of our colleagues about the Products of Power Adhesives.

Why brands are switching to biodegradable adhesives

Written by Ellis Fowler on May 5, 2025. Posted in Business Advantage.

As sustainability shifts from a buzzword to a business imperative in the packaging industry, brands are increasingly scrutinising every part of their supply chains – right down to the adhesives holding their packaging together.

For forward-thinking companies, biodegradable hot melt adhesives like Tecbond 214B and Tecbond 110B-PR are no longer alternatives or nice-to-haves. These formulations are becoming essential tools for meeting environmental targets and consumer expectations. For converters seeking to retain a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious market, understanding why this switch is being made is more important than ever.

Aligning with consumer values

Today’s shoppers don’t just buy products – they buy values. A 2025 surge in eco-conscious consumerism has made biodegradable packaging a market differentiator, with research suggesting people may pay nearly 10% more for responsibly sourced and manufactured products.

Brands using adhesives like Tecbond 214B signal meticulous attention to sustainability, fostering loyalty among environmentally aware demographics. This is particularly crucial for sectors like food, cosmetics, and FMCG, where packaging often serves as the first touchpoint with customers. By ensuring every component, including the adhesive, aligns with their ethical positioning, brands can avoid accusations of greenwashing and build genuine trust.

Reducing microplastic pollution

Microplastics are quickly growing as an environmental issue of concern across industries. These microscopic polymer fragments can disrupt ecosystems by affecting soil properties and the food web, potentially posing a threat to health when consumed.

When conventional adhesives degrade, they often leave behind microplastics and other harmful chemicals. In contrast, biodegradable adhesives like Tecbond 214B and 110B-PR break down naturally into organic matter. Unlike other adhesives they leave no harmful residues, making them a powerful tool for brands looking to prove their commitment to the environment.

Streamlining waste processing

Conventional adhesives can also present a problem to recycling infrastructure, which require complex, expensive separation processes to ensure efficient material reprocessing.

Biodegradable adhesives simplify this equation. Compatible with existing recycling systems, they allow fibre-based packaging to be processed efficiently without contaminating recycled materials. For compostable packaging, Tecbond products meet stringent biodegradability standards, ensuring adhesives won’t undermine compostability claims. This dual functionality reduces landfill dependency and aligns with circular economy principles – a critical advantage as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees rise globally.

Technological advancements driving adoption

Today’s biodegradable adhesive formulations have no trade-off between functionality and sustainability. Tecbond 214B matches the bond strength and setting speed of many conventional packaging hot melt alternatives, while 110B-PR’s low viscosity enables precise application without clogging machinery. These advancements mean manufacturers can switch without retrofitting equipment – a cost-saving benefit that accelerates ROI. Moreover, certifications like EN13432 provide assurance that these adhesives perform as promised in industrial and home composting environments.

The competitive edge

For converters and brands alike, biodegradable adhesives are becoming a strategic asset, catering to a consumer base that increasingly votes with its wallet. As fibre-based packaging grows in prominence, adhesives like Tecbond 214B and 110B-PR ensure companies remain competitive in a sustainability-driven landscape.

The shift to biodegradable adhesives isn’t just about ethics – it’s a pragmatic response to market demands and technological progress. For brands serious about sustainability, solutions like Power Adhesives’ Tecbond range offer a seamless transition, combining environmental responsibility with uncompromised performance.

To find out more about Power Adhesives’ biodegradable hot melt adhesives, get in touch by emailing sales@poweradhesives.com

Choosing the right biodegradable adhesive for your application

Written by Ellis Fowler on April 17, 2025. Posted in Technical Info.

It’s a simple question: bulk or shaped? When it comes to choosing a biodegradable hot melt adhesive, the answer might not be as straightforward as you think.

With demand for more eco-conscious packaging surging, today’s converters face the challenge of balancing performance, efficiency, and sustainability in their adhesives. Power Adhesives has risen to this task with its groundbreaking biodegradable products: Tecbond 110B-PR and Tecbond 214B.

These products both offer their own respective benefits for creating quality packaging that doesn’t cost the Earth. Catering to a diverse range of applications, the Tecbond range offers converters a choice between bulk and shaped formats, ensuring they can access the right application equipment for any job.

Bulk vs shaped adhesives

Both Tecbond 110B-PR and Tecbond 214B represent major strides in more sustainable adhesive technology. These adhesives are formulated to break down after being exposed to certain naturally occurring conditions, leaving behind no microplastics or other harmful waste. However, their formats and features cater to different packaging industry needs.

Tecbond 110B-PR is a bulk adhesive designed for high-speed manufacturing environments, while Tecbond 214B is primarily a shaped adhesive available in sticks or slugs, as well as bulk prills. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right solution for your specific requirements.

Tecbond 110B-PR: Bulk adhesive for high-speed, high volume operations

Tecbond 110B-PR is engineered for demanding end-of-line packaging processes. This formulation is ideal for case sealing and carton closing, with a low viscosity that means it can be applied at lower temperatures through narrow nozzles. This reduces energy consumption while meaning the adhesive can still achieve strong bonds on carton and board substrates.

A fast-setting packaging grade, Tecbond 110B-PR excels when used in fast-paced operations, boosting efficiency without compromising adhesive strength. Bulk hot melt adhesives are also generally more cost-effective since they do not require additional shaping during manufacturing.

Tecbond 214B: Shaped adhesive with versatile applications

Tecbond 214B offers the same biodegradability as its bulk counterpart but is supplied in additional formats. As well as bulk prills, this product is available in all shaped formats and is ideal for versatile applications such as wrap-around cartons, boxes, shipping packages, and more. With 45% bio-based content, plus its high tack and fast setting speeds, Tecbond 214B streamlines workflows and improves output efficiency. For converters seeking precision and ease of use in smaller-scale or manual operations, this adhesive is an excellent choice.

Sustainability meets performance

Both Tecbond biodegradable adhesives exemplify Power Adhesives’ commitment to achieving high performance and supporting converters’ environmental goals. These formulations break down after use, reducing plastic waste and the environmental impact of paper and card-based packaging, and are certified to a full range of compostability and biodegradation standards. Non-toxic and clean to handle, Tecbond biodegradable adhesives are 100% solid and used completely in the bond, cutting down on waste.

This degree of performance makes both adhesives perfect for applications where durability and reliability are paramount, such as in e-commerce fulfilment. By offering robust bonding solutions that can withstand the rigours of shipping, Tecbond biodegradable products cement themselves as true eco-conscious alternatives to conventional formulations.

Choosing the right adhesive

The decision between bulk and shaped formats ultimately depends on your specific application needs:

For high-speed, high volume operations requiring efficiency and minimal downtime, Tecbond 110B-PR’s bulk format is ideal.
For versatile applications where precision matters, Tecbond 214B’s shaped format offers a high-performance, flexible solution.

Whether you need a bulk adhesive for high-speed case sealing or a shaped adhesive for versatile carton closing applications, Power Adhesives has you covered. With Tecbond products at your disposal, you can transform your packaging operations to meet whatever comes your way.

To find out more about Power Adhesives’ bulk and shaped hot melt adhesives, get in touch by emailing sales@poweradhesives.com

Choosing the right bulk hot melt adhesive for your application

Written by Ellis Fowler on March 24, 2025. Posted in Technical Info.

With so many options available, selecting the right bulk hot melt adhesive for your specific task may seem overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be.

Adhesive selection is key to more than forging strong, durable bonds. Choosing the right formulation can benefit production efficiency, waste reduction, and overall product quality. Although there is a wide range of bulk hot melt adhesives available, with the support of partners like Power Adhesives, making the correct choice can be made simple.

Why adhesive selection matters

The consequences of getting adhesive selection wrong can vary depending on the sector in question, but are almost always significant and far-reaching:

Packaging: Poorly chosen adhesives could lead to pack failure, resulting in damaged goods and dissatisfied customers.
Construction and trade: Inadequate adhesives could compromise structural integrity, leading to safety hazards and costly repairs.
Industrial and manufacturing settings: Inappropriate selection could cause equipment malfunctions, production delays, or product recalls.
Product assembly: Faulty adhesives could lead to product failure, customer dissatisfaction, and reputational damage.

Matched to requirements

At Power Adhesives we understand these challenges and are committed to providing you with the perfect adhesive solution for your needs. We have a history of serving diverse industries and applications dating back half a century, and our comprehensive bulk adhesive product range covers everything from pressure-sensitive and peelable adhesives to foam bonding and mattress assembly.

With our state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, we deliver high quality adhesives that can be easily matched to your specific requirements:

Packaging: Our selection of hot melts enhance packaging operations, offering increased efficiency, secure bonds, and fast setting speeds. We provide solutions that work with every type of packaging material, including heat-sensitive substrates such as foams or expanded polystyrene.

Construction and trade: A key product for the construction industry, many of our bulk adhesives are present in building frameworks, interior fixings, and even furniture. With the ability to bond every building material from wood through to thermal insulation foams, our adhesives stand as the reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly alternative to many other fixing systems.

Industrial and manufacturing: Our hot melt adhesive solutions help drive efficiency in manufacturing across diverse industries. These high-specification formulations cover a multitude of applications including medical devices and machinery, foundry core assembly, and white goods production, helping companies to increase output while cutting production costs.

Product assembly: Our solutions have redefined the assembly of both mass-produced and custom products. Present in everyday household equipment and automotive interiors, our adhesives empower manufacturers to streamline production by reducing the need for specialised adhesives and tools. These versatile formulations can be used across a wide range of applications, making them an essential component in modern manufacturing.

Getting selection right

Choosing the right adhesive for any given application depends on a range of factors. Substrates, application requirements, and budgets can all affect which formulation is most suitable, and to aid this selection process, we can provide an in-depth guide to bulk adhesives. This contains key data on everything from viscosity to heat resistance, so adhesives can be compared and shortlisted for testing based on the application.

At Power Adhesives, we specialise in problem-solving and specialise in tackling niche applications that other suppliers may avoid. Our trained and knowledgeable Technical and Sales staff are committed to working closely with our customers to find the best solution from our extensive range of hot melt grades.

We understand that not all businesses require adhesives in the same large quantities. That’s why we offer variable minimum order quantities (MOQs), lower than other bulk manufacturers typically provide. Combined with fast order fulfilment, this ensures you receive the adhesives you need without the burden of excessive stock.

The importance of getting adhesive selection right cannot be overstated. Making the correct choice is crucial to ensuring the success and longevity of your project, but with the support of a partner like Power Adhesives, this choice is simplified.

For more information about our full range of Tecbond shaped and bulk hot melt adhesives, contact us by emailing sales@poweradhesive.com

Biodegradable adhesives: A step towards more sustainable packaging

Written by Ellis Fowler on March 6, 2025. Posted in Technical Info.

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.

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

Written by Ellis Fowler on March 3, 2025. Posted in Business Advantage.

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.

Tecbond 5-PR

Written by Ellis Fowler on January 22, 2025.

Tecbond 5-PR is a 45% bio-based, bulk hot melt adhesive designed to provide versatile bonds across various packaging applications.

Predominantly used on paper, board and wood surfaces, Tecbond 5-PR is fast setting with a short open time for quicker production runs. Its low viscosity promotes clean running and minimizes the gap between compressed surfaces for tighter joints.

Tecbond 110B-PR

Written by Ellis Fowler on January 3, 2025.

Tecbond 110B-PR is a light-brown biodegradable bulk hot melt adhesive with a very fast setting speed designed for high-speed packaging applications. Available in prill format, the adhesive facilitates increased production and faster assembly of cartons.

Tecbond 110-PR works with most bulk hot melt tanks, and can be applied via spray or jet. Its low viscosity decreases nozzle stringing while promoting clean running.

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