Author: Ellis Fowler

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.

At the start of 2026, we brought together our sales, marketing and technical teams together to create a full Commercial team, allowing us to enhance the way we work alongside our distributors to ensure they have everything they need to go to market.

Throughout the year, we’ll be shining a spotlight on members of the Commercial team, giving you the opportunity to get to know the people behind the business and learn more about their individual journeys.

Leading the team is newly promoted Commercial Director, Alex Zulewski. Alex previously held the roles of Power Adhesives Product Manager and Commercial Manager before stepping into his current position.

In this interview, Alex reflects on his career journey to date and shares how Power Adhesives has continued to go from strength to strength during his time with the company.

Background & Journey

1. How did your journey with Power Adhesives begin?

Completely by accident. I was finishing a project with a company I was doing consultancy work for when a recruiter contacted me about a Product Management role at an adhesives company in Basildon. Curiosity led me to the interview, but it was the tour of the facility—and meeting the staff, many of whom had an average tenure of around 15 years—that really sold it to me. It was immediately clear this was a company people genuinely wanted to stay with.

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

No two days are ever the same. The business continually presents new technical and personal challenges, which suits both my personality and the evolving roles I’ve held over the years.

3. How has your role evolved over the years?

I joined as Product Manager and, within my first year, absorbed responsibility for the Technical and Regulatory Compliance functions. That led to my appointment as Commercial Manager, and following a change in CEO and a renewed strategic growth focus, I was appointed Commercial Director.

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

Innovative, collaborative, and accountable.

Innovation & Leadership

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

Developing and successfully taking to market the world’s first biodegradable hot melt adhesives.

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

We deliberately avoid competing in the commodity consumables space, which is largely dominated by Eastern European or Far East–sourced products and often becomes a race to the bottom. Instead, we focus on the high-technical end of the market—constantly exploring how far hot melt technology can be pushed into applications traditionally dominated by other adhesive types.

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

There has been a significant shift toward smarter, more efficient manufacturing and greater regulatory oversight. Digitisation has improved traceability, testing, and product development speed, while customer expectations have moved firmly toward sustainability, performance validation, and application-specific solutions rather than off-the-shelf products.

People & Teamwork

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

The openness and willingness to challenge ideas constructively. There’s a strong sense of shared ownership here—people genuinely care about the outcome, not just their individual roles. That collaborative mindset makes problem-solving faster, better, and far more rewarding.

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

Early in my career at Maximuscle, my boss Roger Harris was a huge influence. He put me front and centre in meetings, trusted me with responsibility early on, and gave me my first real opportunity in product development. I learned an enormous amount from his leadership style.

Future

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

I see Power Adhesives continuing to grow as a specialist, innovation-led manufacturer with sustainability at its core. We’ll expand further into technically demanding applications, develop more environmentally responsible solutions, and strengthen our global presence—all while staying true to our culture and technical expertise.