We understand that adhesives are often the last thing people consider, yet they can make or break recyclability and compostability claims. With the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes placing more scrutiny on every packaging component, questions about biodegradable adhesives are increasing.
Here at Power Adhesives, we hear them all. From concerns over shelf life, to fears of adhesives failing during use, to doubts about whether biodegradable really means what it says. It is time to set the record straight.
Myth 1: “Biodegradable adhesives will break down on the shelf”
One of the most common misconceptions is that biodegradable hot melts begin degrading as soon as they are manufactured or applied. This is not the case. Biodegradable adhesives from Power Adhesives have a recommended shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture.
When stored correctly, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture, their performance is identical to a standard hot melt adhesive. Biodegradation only begins when the adhesive is exposed to the right environmental conditions, such as oxygen, UV light, and heat. Until then, the adhesive remains stable and delivers strong, consistent bonds throughout its working life.
How do we know this? We use it ourselves on packs that leave our warehouse.
Myth 2: “There’s no benefit to switching if my current adhesive works”
If an adhesive is non-biodegradable, it can compromise an entire sustainability strategy. Under EN 13432, any component that makes up more than 1% of the dry weight of a compostable pack must itself be compostable, and adhesives are often the component that pushes packaging over this threshold.
Even where adhesives are below 1%, they still count towards the overall 5% maximum allowance for non-compostable content. This means a conventional hot melt could invalidate a compostability claim, creating compliance risks and potentially forcing costly redesigns.
Switching to certified biodegradable adhesives ensures that packaging claims hold up under both regulatory and customer scrutiny. The benefits go beyond operations and extend to brand reputation, protecting credibility at a time when sustainability is a central focus for businesses and consumers alike.
Myth 3: “Biodegradable adhesives will weaken and cause packs to fail”
Another misconception is that if an adhesive can biodegrade, it must be weaker or less reliable than traditional hot melts. In reality, sustainability and performance go hand in hand.
Biodegradable hot melts from Power Adhesives are designed to deliver fast set times, strong bonds, and clean application, exactly what converters and brand owners expect. The breakdown process only begins once packaging enters the right conditions, such as an industrial composting facility.
Independent testing to EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 proves that our biodegradable adhesives maintain strength during use, then degrade fully into water, CO₂, and non-harmful material at end of life, without leaving microplastics behind.
Myth 4: “Biodegradable means untested or unproven”
Some assume that biodegradable products are new and untested. The opposite is true.
Power Adhesives’ biodegradable range has undergone rigorous certification, including:
- EN 13432: the European compostability standard, which tests biodegradation, disintegration, and eco-toxicity.
- ASTM D6400: the US equivalent, confirming performance in industrial composting.
- ASTM D6954: showing that under natural conditions, polymers break down to the point that they can be consumed by microorganisms.
This level of testing ensures that biodegradable adhesives do not just disappear, but break down safely, leaving no harmful residues or microplastics.
Looking ahead: myth-free sustainability
As sustainability standards continue to tighten, adhesives will no longer be overlooked. Though they are a small part of packaging by weight, they carry a significant influence in determining whether recyclability or compostability requirements are met.
By addressing the myths, it is clear that biodegradable hot melt adhesives do not compromise performance, do not degrade on the shelf, and do not leave microplastics behind. Instead, they give converters and brand owners confidence that their packaging complies with regulation and meets consumer expectations.
Power Adhesives is proud to have launched the world’s first certified biodegradable hot melt adhesive and has since expanded the range with additional products to offer more choice and flexibility. This is only the beginning, with further innovations in development to help brands meet the challenges of tomorrow.
When it comes to adhesives, sustainability is no longer optional. It is essential.
Speak to our team to find out more.
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