Updated: June 5, 2025
Jump to:
- What Are Bio-Based Adhesives?
- What Are Bio-Based Adhesives Made of?
- Bio-Based Glues Vs. Biodegradable Vs. Compostable
- Benefits of Bio-Based Glues
- Bio-Based Hot Melts
- Product Recommendations
- FAQs
With a growing emphasis on being more environmentally conscious, many companies are looking for more sustainable solutions when it comes to their adhesive use. One such option companies are looking into is bio-based glues.
What are Bio-Based Adhesives?
Bio-based adhesives are adhesives made partially or fully from biomass or natural materials such as starches, plant oils, or natural resins. These more natural adhesives are meant to be a more sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based adhesives as they can reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Historically, bio-based adhesive glues were limited in their scope and sometimes thought to be less efficient than traditional adhesives. Now, advances in technology have helped to expand the applications for these products as well as their effectiveness.
What Are Bio-Based Adhesives Made of?
An adhesive that is bio-based can be made from any number of natural and raw materials. Plant-based adhesives, for example, are quite common. Some potential ingredients in bio-based glues include:
- Starches
- Plant oils
- Natural resins
- Algae
- Proteins
- Cellulose
- Lignin
- Tannins
Because these components are natural ingredients, they can more easily break down. Depending on their exact chemical makeup, they may also meet the standards needed to be certified biodegradable or compostable. In contrast, traditional adhesives may take several years to decompose while also leaving behind harmful toxins.
Bio-Based Glues Vs. Biodegradable Vs. Compostable
While similar and sometimes used interchangeably, compostable, biodegradable and bio-based adhesives are not the same. There are some important and distinct differences.
|
Term |
What it Describes |
Key Feature |
|
Bio-based |
Raw materials |
Made of renewable and natural materials |
|
Biodegradable |
How it breaks down |
Breaks down naturally over time, usually via microorganisms |
|
Compostable |
How it breaks down |
Breaks down at an accelerated rate in controlled conditions |
While bio-based describes the raw materials of the adhesive, biodegradable and compostable describe how the material breaks down. Adhesives may meet just one of these criteria or could meet all three of them. We dive more into their differences below.
- Bio-Based Adhesives: Bio-based is used to describe the raw materials of a substance. Bio-based adhesives are made from a variety of renewable and natural materials. While many bio-based glues are also made to be biodegradable, not all of them are. Some bio-based adhesives may still contain other materials that will not fully break down and meet biodegradability or composability standards.
- Biodegradable Adhesives: Biodegradable is used to describe how the material breaks down. Adhesives that meet the certifications to be considered biodegradable will break down naturally over time, typically by way of consumption from microorganisms. An adhesive that is biodegradable is often made of bio-based materials to some degree but may not be fully bio-based.
- Compostable Adhesives: Compostable is also used to describe how a material breaks down. To be certified compostable, adhesives must meet strict testing standards. They typically break down at an accelerated rate and do not leave behind any harmful residues. They usually also require a controlled setting, like an industrial composting facility, to break down. They are not necessarily bio-based, but they are technically biodegradable.
Bio-based adhesive glues are often considered more sustainable than traditional options, but adhesives that also meet biodegradability or compostability standards are even better for the environment as they can help reduce long-term waste.
Learn more about Biodegradable Glue options.
Benefits of Bio-Based Glues
More and more companies are looking to bio-based adhesives as a more sustainable solution to their adhesive use. Some potential benefits of bio-based adhesives include:
- Decreased environmental impact
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Better biodegradability
- Lower toxicity
- Better compliance with government regulations
Bio-Based Hot Melt Adhesives
Initially, bio-based adhesives were waterborne solutions that were limited in their applications. Many people also thought that natural glues from plants were ineffective and inefficient. Now thanks to advances in technology, bio-based glues have started to expand to include different types of adhesives that can be used in numerous industries.
The packaging industry, in particular, is benefiting from the development of new partially bio-based packaging glues. Not only are they partially bio-based, but also they meet EN13432 and ASTM D6400 standards for adhesive biodegradability.
Products to Try
1. Tecbond 214B Hot Melt Adhesive
The first of its kind, this adhesive is made from 45% bio-based materials and is certified biodegradable. When exposed to UV light, oxygen, and heat, it will decompose naturally and break down completely without leaving behind any toxic chemicals.
With great adhesion to cardboard and paper, this adhesive is primarily used for manual packaging applications. It is also meets FDA 175.105 standards to make it an FDA-approved adhesive for indirect food contact, so it can be used in some food packaging applications. You can get this product in bulk pellets, slugs, standard glue sticks, and large 5/8" (15 mm) glue sticks.
2. Tecbond 110B
Similarly, this adhesive is a partially bio-based hot glue and also certified biodegradable. It can completely decompose without leaving behind any harmful residues like microplastics. It also has the added benefits of having a low viscosity and being able to operate at lower temperatures to reduce energy consumption.
With a fast set time, this adhesive is made primarily for automated, high-speed packaging applications like case and carton closing. It also meets FDA 175.105 standards for the food and beverage industry.
Go Green
As companies look to be greener, bio-based adhesives are a promising option for many. They can help to reduce our reliance on petrochemicals and minimize negative environmental impacts.
To get started, you can shop our online collection of biodegradable hot melt adhesives from Power Adhesives. These products come in various forms to meet different applications, and we are the primary distributor of these products in North America. You can also contact us if you have more questions.
If you are a business looking to provide your customers with these products, you can also sign up to become a distributor.
