Adhesives for Paperboard

What is Paperboard?

Paperboard is a paper-based material that is lightweight but thicker and more rigid than standard paper. It is typically made of recycled fibers or wood pulp. There are several different types or grades of paperboard that can be coated or uncoated for different uses. The material also has a printable surface, so you can add specialty inks or even foil for a lot of design freedom on primary packaging. Paperboard is also foldable and cuttable.

Overall, paperboard is a versatile material used in various packaging applications or printing materials. You can commonly find paperboard packaging used with:

• Food products

• Personal care products

• Cosmetics

• Electronics

• Home goods

Gluing Paperboard

Compared to some materials like metals or plastics, gluing paperboard does not involve an extensive amount of surface preparation. That being said, issues can still arise when you glue paperboard.

You can use different adhesives for paperboard, but the right adhesive will depend on the specific type of paperboard and various other factors. Coated or laminated paperboard, for instance, is much harder to bond as the adhesive can struggle to wet and penetrate the surface. It is often suggested to leave the section of the paperboard that will be glued uncoated for this reason.

Paperboard adhesives may also be impacted by other elements during application, shipping, and handling. Excessive moisture, extreme temperatures, and heavy loads can all lead to bond failure if the wrong adhesive is applied, it is applied incorrectly, or the wrong amount of adhesive is used.

For optimal results, always follow the manufacturer's suggestions regarding factors like fixture time, application temperature, working temperature, pressure, and storage. Even a small change could negatively impact the adhesive's effectiveness.

While these products have successfully bonded paperboard in various applications in the past, always check the technical data sheet (TDS) to ensure that the adhesive is compatible with your application and applied as recommended. Testing a new adhesive before rolling it out to your entire product line is also recommended.

Types of Glue for Paperboard

Not every type of adhesive is the best choice for paperboard, and every application is unique. In general, the following adhesives are commonly used with paperboard:

• Hot Melt Adhesives: With a fast tack, these adhesives are ideal for production lines and folding cartons.

• Water-Based Adhesives (PVA/White Glue): Suitable for porous, uncoated paperboard, water-based adhesives can cause warping if overapplied.

• Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs): These adhesives are great for labels and tapes with instant bonding after minimal pressure is applied.

• Solvent-Based Adhesives: While sometimes good for laminated or coated surfaces, these adhesives require ventilation and safety precautions.

Always consult the technical data sheet for a specific product or talk with a technical expert for more details.

Want More Guidance?

End use, production environment, product design, and budget can all drastically impact which product is the best adhesive for your paperboard application. If you need help determining which product is right for you, we want to help. Our team of adhesive experts can provide you with a product recommendation when you contact us. We also offer substrate lab testing to see how the adhesive will perform for your application.