What Are The Most Suitable Adhesives Available For Packaging?

When discussing packaging, all that comes to mind are courier bags, corrugated boxes, plastic stretch films, etc. But did you consider what adhesives industries use for this packaging? Adhesives are essential in giving the best protection to the contents inside during transportation.

A high-quality adhesive can help to keep the entire packaging material in place and secured. You must know what type of folding carton adhesives you must choose. Every kind of adhesive has a different role and is categorized based on its chemical composition, physical form, and classification.

Types of Adhesives

Different types of adhesives are used in packaging, including:

1. Drying Adhesives- These adhesives bind two surfaces when they dry and harden. Rubber cement is a notable example of a drying packaging adhesive.

2. Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives- Pressure-sensitive or latex adhesives are solid and maintain their shape. However, they become soft and sticky when pressure is applied, allowing them to adhere to a substrate. Packaging tape is a common example of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. When pressed onto the substrate, molecular interactions enhance the bond.

3. Reactive Adhesives- Reactive adhesives form bonds with the substrate by reacting with its material. One common example is moisture-activated adhesive, often found in envelopes. When water is applied, the moisture activates the adhesive. Reactive adhesives are typically made from corn starch or potatoes and are well-suited for paper and similar materials.

4. Laminating Adhesives- Among the options available are acrylic dispersions for producing multi-layer lamination of diverse films. These dispersions can be employed in retorts, cross-linked with water-dispersible aliphatic Poly isocyanates.

5. Polyurethane Adhesives- Polyurethanes are adhesives based on polymers, renowned for their ability to provide robust bonding and long-lasting elasticity in construction applications. Typically available as two-part adhesives, they find diverse applications. Unlike epoxy adhesives, polyurethanes necessitate moisture for curing, making them suitable for projects where other adhesive types may not be viable.

Adhesive packaging for food and other products offers exceptional durability, ensuring prolonged preservation of contents compared to other packaging materials. These adhesives exhibit excellent resistance to water vapor while maintaining good transparency. With their high tensile strength, cost-effectiveness, and versatility across various applications, adhesive packaging is a valuable asset for the food industry.