In a world where sustainability is a global priority, every industry is seeking innovations that can contribute to these goals. One such innovation is the use of sustainable adhesives. We are Adhesivas Ibi, label manufacturers committed to sustainability, and in this article, we explain how sustainable adhesives contribute to emission reduction. Keep reading!
Types of sustainable adhesives and their components
Sustainable adhesives are designed to minimize environmental impact during production, use, and disposal.
These adhesives are formulated from components that reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and incorporate renewable or recycled materials that are free of toxic substances.
Here are some of the main types:
Water-based adhesives
Water-based adhesives are a great alternative. They use water as a solvent instead of chemicals.
They are perfect for strong yet safe and non-toxic adhesion. The components of aqueous adhesives include natural or synthetic polymers dispersed in a water solution.
Hot melt adhesives
Hot melt adhesives are thermoplastics that melt at high temperatures and are applied in a liquid state, then cool and solidify quickly to form strong bonds.
These are useful in industrial applications due to their fast drying time and strong adhesion. Additionally, since they don’t require solvents, they significantly reduce VOC emissions.
Low-VOC adhesives
Low-VOC adhesives emit minimal amounts of volatile organic compounds. They comply with environmental and health regulations, as VOCs are known to pollute the air and have adverse effects on human health.
Bio-based adhesives
Bio-based adhesives use components derived from renewable sources such as plants and animals, rather than petrochemical materials.
They are renewable and biodegradable, thus reducing their environmental impact at the end of their life cycle.
Eco-friendly adhesives
Eco-friendly adhesives encompass a wide range of products designed with a focus on sustainability. The adhesives we’ve already discussed fall under this category.
They aim to minimize environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle, from production to disposal.
Impact of adhesives on emission reduction
The environmental impact of traditional adhesives is quite significant due to the emissions during their application and the production of toxic waste. On the other hand, sustainable alternatives offer a reduction in these impacts.
For example, using water-based adhesives instead of chemical solvents drastically reduces VOC emissions, and hot melt adhesives eliminate the need for solvents, reducing emissions during production, storage, and application.
Additionally, low-VOC adhesives comply with environmental regulations, helping companies maintain regulatory compliance and reduce their carbon footprint.
Benefits of sustainable adhesives
Using sustainable adhesives offers a range of additional benefits for both businesses and consumers.
- Health and safety: Non-toxic adhesives improve workplace health by reducing workers’ exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Regulatory compliance: Helps companies meet increasingly strict environmental regulations. This avoids penalties and fines and enhances corporate reputation by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
- Innovation and competitiveness: Companies leading the way in sustainable practices stand out in the market, attracting consumers interested in responsible practices.
- Waste reduction: Adhesives made from biodegradable or recyclable materials reduce the amount of waste in our ecosystems.
- Positive environmental impact: On a macro level, they contribute to the reduction of global emissions, mitigating climate change and its adverse effects.
Challenges and solutions in implementing sustainable adhesives
Despite the numerous benefits, implementing sustainable adhesives comes with certain challenges.
- Cost: They are more expensive to produce than traditional counterparts. However, the long-term benefits outweigh these initial costs.
- Performance: Some users are hesitant to adopt these adhesives for fear they may not be as effective. However, recent innovations show they can match or even exceed the performance of traditional adhesives.
- Availability: They are more limited than traditional adhesives. But as more companies recognize the importance of sustainability, the availability of these products is growing rapidly.
- Awareness: Lack of education about the benefits of sustainable adhesives is a barrier. Information campaigns help change this perception and show users how they benefit both the environment and their own health.
At Adhesivas Ibi, we are proud of our commitment to sustainability and recycling. Our inks are ISO 14001 certified, and we implement eco-friendly standards.
If you would like more information about any of our services, feel free to contact us. We are at your disposal!
