Author: James Clarke

Sustainability is a central concern in today’s composite manufacturing sector. The drive to reduce emissions and minimise waste is reshaping every stage of production, and in this context, the choice of bonding solutions plays a critical role. High-performance adhesives like Vactac are vital for creating durable bonds as well as achieving sustainability targets and regulatory compliance.

How do bonding solutions affect sustainability in composites manufacturing?

Positioning adhesives play a critical role in composite manufacturing and is key to ensuring composite layers remain in place prior to resin infusion. However, the choice of adhesive can also have far-reaching implications for sustainability.

Conventional bonding methods often come with significant drawbacks for the environment. Many of the traditional positioning adhesive systems only contain around 15-20% adhesive material, with the rest comprising solvents and propellants that evaporate during application. This results in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being released, which contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as posing a health risk to workers.

Besides their high solvent content and associated emissions, aerosol adhesives can cause resin contamination during vacuum infusion. If not correctly specified, the application of solvent-based adhesives can lead to dry spots which impairs resin flow and ultimately, comprised structural integrity. This not only threatens product quality but also increases the likelihood of waste and rework, further undermining sustainability goals.

How are regulations governing composites manufacturing evolving?

The regulatory landscape around sustainability in composites manufacturing is tightening, with governments and industry bodies introducing stricter controls on emissions, waste management, and worker safety. Manufacturers are under constant regulatory pressure to reduce VOC levels in their factories. They must also provide adequate personal protective equipment. In some cases, air filtration systems are required to safeguard employees from airborne particulates and hazardous fumes. These requirements add complexity and cost, making the search for safer, more environmentally responsible alternatives more urgent.

How does Vactac support more sustainable manufacturing?

Our Vactac range provides the ideal solution to these challenges. Designed with a clear focus on environmental responsibility, Vactac stands apart as a direct replacement for solvent-based sprays, offering a solution that is both environmentally conscious and operationally superior. Unlike aerosols, Vactac is 100% solid content, meaning every gram dispensed is usable adhesive, eliminating the waste associated with solvent evaporation. Its VOC- and solvent-free formulation aligns perfectly with sustainability objectives, helping manufacturers reduce emissions and comply with the latest environmental regulations.

The sustainability benefits of Vactac extend beyond its chemical composition. Its rapid application and clean handling further reduce product loss and ensure that resources are used as efficiently as possible. What’s more, its fast set times and reliable performance support process efficiency improvements, enabling higher throughput without compromising quality.

The Vactac difference

Adopting Vactac marks an immediate step towards greater sustainability in composite manufacturing. Addressing the environmental challenges associated with conventional bonding solutions, this technology offers a more efficient alternative with a lower carbon footprint. As a result, manufacturers are better able to meet the demands of regulators, customers, and society as a whole.

To find out more about Vactac, get in touch by emailing sales@poweradhesives.com

Most adhesives are designed to be out of sight, out of mind, post-use. However, their impact on safety can stick around much longer.

Conventional spray adhesives have long posed health and safety challenges due to their high solvent content and release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These airborne chemicals can present a significant threat to employee health and the environment, often requiring significant investments in PPE and ventilation equipment.

Power Adhesives’ sprayable hot melt range offers a safer, smarter solution. These hot melt adhesives eliminate the threat from VOCs and transform workplace safety standards in composite manufacturing.

What are VOCs?

VOCs are organic gaseous compounds at room temperature, that are commonly emitted from many products such as paints, pesticides, building materials and furnishings. Exposure to VOCs can have both short- and long-term negative health effects, ranging from respiratory irritation, dizziness, or headaches, through to more serious health issues, including cancer or organ damage. What’s more, VOCs can combine with other airborne pollutants to form ground-level ozone. This is a primary component of harmful smog that can damage the environment.

How are VOCs linked to spray can adhesives?

Spray can adhesives typically contain solvents that serve to thin the adhesive so that it can be applied – in fact, up to 85% of these formulations may be composed of solvents that flash off after they have been sprayed. These solvents release VOCs into the atmosphere alongside other atomised particles that may be hazardous to users and the environment alike.

Tecbond Spray Adhesives: The solvent-free solution

Tecbond spray adhesives are engineered as direct replacements for solvent-based formulations, without the hazardous downsides. Unlike conventional products, Tecbond hot melts boast 100% solid content, meaning every gram dispensed is adhesive, and they’re safe to handle, unlike their solvent-based counterparts.

Because Tecbond spray adhesives do not release VOCs or atomised particles, there’s no need for respiratory protective equipment or costly air filtration systems in production areas. As a result, they can better protect workers from respiratory irritation and long-term health risks, as well as reducing ongoing operational costs.

Performance without compromise

This is not to mention the performance benefits that Tecbond spray adhesives offer over other sprayable adhesives. Boasting near-instant tack, they streamline manufacturing by eliminating the need for clamping, while their rapid setting speeds mean bonded materials can move through the production line almost immediately, increasing productivity and output.

In many cases, Tecbond sprayable adhesives offer repositionability without sacrificing tack, granting peace of mind over positioning accuracy and alignment.

A safer, more effective choice

Switching to Tecbond spray adhesives means investing in a safer, more eco-conscious future for your workforce and your business. By eliminating hazardous airborne substances, you can protect your team, lower operational costs, and potentially minimise your environmental footprint – all while benefitting from optimal adhesive performance.

Ready to make your workplace safer? Discover the hot melt advantages and join the growing number of manufacturers who have already made the switch to our innovative sprayable solution.

To find out more about our spray solutions, get in touch by emailing sales@poweradhesives.com