We recommend not using Tecbond biodegradable hot melts beyond 24 months from the date of manufacture.

The raw materials in Tecbond biodegradable hot melts are indirect food contact approved. FDA 175.105 food contact status remains unchanged.

Tecbond biodegradable hot melts are biodegradable, and they have the same attributes as other Tecbond grades with regards to composting and recycling. However, Tecbond biodegradable hot melts are certified to ASTM D6400, which is the standard specification for solid material biodegradation by industrial composting, and EN13432, which is inclusive of ASTM, as well as soil and eco toxicity and disintegration. Every grade is also certified to ASTM D6954, the standard guide for exposing and testing plastics that degrade, and hold CHIRA certification, which means that they are non-impactful in fibre-based recycling processes.

This depends on a number of variables, including application of the glue, exposure to oxygen, UV light, and heat. It is very difficult to give an approximation of the time required to biodegrade as this will vary in most instances. That said, in the presence of oxygen, it is an unstoppable and irreversible process.

We recommend running Tecbond biodegradable bulk hot melts at the lowest operating temperature (please refer to individual TDS for details and softening point) and using all adhesive within 8 hours of melting for best results.

As soon as the glue sticks are exposed to oxygen, UV light and heat, the long-chain polymers will begin to break down, therefore users should be careful not to leave unused glue sticks exposed or out in the open.