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Whether you are sealing corrugated boxes, erecting cartons, or assembling specialty packaging, selecting the right packaging adhesive is an important part of the process. The adhesive you choose can influence your product protection, production efficiency, equipment performance, and operating costs.
With a wide range of packaging adhesive technologies available, the right solution depends on multiple factors. To help you narrow down your choices, our team walks you through the different options as well as how to choose a packaging adhesive for your particular application.
Adhesives in Packaging
Adhesives can be used throughout the packaging process. Depending on the adhesive, they can be used to seal boxes, erect trays, fold cartons, attach labels, or even stabilize pallets. These adhesives help secure and protect products during storage, transportation, and handling. Some also have aesthetic benefits.
Different packaging applications have different requirements. One company may need a fast-setting adhesive for high-speed production, while another may require a freezer-grade adhesive for frozen food. Because these needs can vary significantly, there is no packaging adhesive that works best for every application. It is important to do your research before picking a packaging glue for your application.
Types of Packaging Adhesives to Choose From
Before choosing a packaging adhesive, it can be helpful to understand the primary adhesive technologies used in packaging and the benefits and limitations of each. These insights can help you narrow down your options to a particular chemistry or technology that is likely the best fit for your operation.
Tape
Tape is the traditional method used to seal corrugated boxes and cartons. It is widely used because it is simple to apply, requires minimal equipment investment, and can provide a strong seal for many shipping applications.
While tape is easy to use, many manufacturers switch to adhesive-based sealing systems because they can reduce material consumption, improve packaging appearance, and create tamper-evident package seals. Adhesives can also eliminate issues such as tape flagging, lifting, or poor adhesion caused by dust, temperature fluctuations, or challenging substrates.
Water-Based
Water-based adhesives work through the evaporation or absorption of the water carrier into the substrate, leaving behind the adhesive that creates the bond. They are low in material costs but generally require longer drying times and may not perform as well in applications exposed to excessive moisture or cold temperatures. Water-based adhesives are used in many carton and labeling applications.
Hot Melt
Many hot melt adhesives are thermoplastic adhesives that are heated to a molten state before application and solidify as they cool to form a bond between substrates. They are widely used in the packaging industry because of their fast set times and limited curing requirements that make them compatible with high-speed production.
There are different chemistries of hot melts for packaging with varying properties and performance capabilities. These different chemistries tend to be better suited for different applications. Some popular choices of hot melt adhesives for packaging are listed below.
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
EVA hot melt adhesives tend to be the standard selection for packaging hot melts in case sealing, carton closing, and general packaging applications. They are known for their versatility and affordability.
Metallocene
Also called mPO adhesives, metallocene hot melt adhesives are often considered a premium glue for packaging compared to EVAs because they offer improved thermal stability, greater resistance to temperature extremes, and cleaner-running performance. These adhesives are commonly used on high-speed packaging lines because they can provide cleaner running performance, reduced char formation, and strong bond strength.
Amorphous Polyalphaolefin (APAO)
APAO hot melt adhesives are known for flexibility and excellent adhesion. These adhesives are often selected for specialty packaging applications when flexibility, heat resistance, or difficult-to-bond materials are involved.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs)
Pressure sensitive adhesives remain permanently tacky and bond instantly when pressure is applied. They are commonly used in packaging labels, tapes, resealable packaging, and other applications where immediate adhesion is required.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Packaging Adhesive
When selecting an adhesive for your packaging application, it is important to look at the big picture. There are multiple considerations to take into account outside of your basic application. With over 50 years of experience in the packaging industry, our team shares some insights on what factors to consider when choosing a packaging adhesive.
1. Substrates & Packaging Design
Consider the specific types of materials being bonded, as finishes or coatings can change which adhesive you should use. You should also look at design factors like the bonding area, headspace, and back pressure.
2. Application Requirements
The performance capabilities of the packaging adhesive solution need to match the specification requirements of the application. The general use, desired failure mode, regulatory requirements, and environmental exposure are all important considerations when choosing a packaging adhesive.
3. Production Conditions & Requirements
The packaging adhesive you select needs to be able to withstand the production, handling, storage, and shipping conditions of the package. What environmental conditions will the packaging be exposed to? What set speed matches your desired line speed?
4. Equipment Needs
Think about the equipment you currently have or will need. Different adhesives use different equipment, and your equipment needs to be compatible with the adhesive (including the shape of the adhesive) as well as your workspace.
5. Total Cost
When thinking about cost, it is imperative to look at the big picture rather than just adhesive material costs. Consider the equipment costs, maintenance costs, and training costs, as well as how the adhesive could impact throughput, downtime, pop-opens, and performance. An adhesive that has a higher initial upfront cost may have a better ROI in the long run.
Ask an Expert
Selecting a packaging adhesive involves numerous considerations, so asking an expert can save you time and unnecessary trial and error. At Hotmelt.com, we have the experience and expertise to help. Whether you are sealing cartons, erecting trays, or optimizing a high-speed packaging operation, our team can help you evaluate your application and identify the right adhesive solution.
Explore our full collection of packaging adhesives and buy a sample, or contact our team for personalized product recommendations based on your specific requirements.
