Using a biodegradable glue rather than a synthetic adhesive is more sustainable because synthetic glues do not biodegrade. The need for more sustainable packaging and products has led to a heightened interest in alternatives for synthetic polymer-based glues, which are commonly used in paper packaging. Reconsidering the packaging and labeling adhesives can make a big difference in your contribution to a greener planet.
What is a biodegradable adhesive?
Biodegradable adhesives are glue types that decompose naturally over time into harmless components such as carbon dioxide, water, mineral salts, and microbial biomass. They are often made of natural materials, like potato starch, cornstarch, or wheatstarch. Making glue from any of these starches makes it biodegradable.
Using sidestream starch from the production of French fries and crisps makes the adhesives even more sustainable.
A material can already be called biodegradable if only 20% of the product breaks down naturally. This means that 80% of the product is still left in the environment. To describe the biodegrading ability, there are four different degrees:
- Primary biodegradation refers to the material after it has experienced transformation by micro-organisms resulting in the loss of its surface-active properties.
- Inherently biodegradable is defined between 20% and 60% biodegradability measured by OECD 301A-F testing standards.
- Readily biodegradable materials convert more than 60% of the organic carbon to CO2 between 10 and 28 days according to international testing guidelines such as OECD 301.
- Ultimate biodegradation is generally defined as the complete biodegradation of a substance to its basic elements, such as carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic minerals, by micro-organisms. To be ultimate biodegradable, a substance must degrade at least 60% within a certain period, usually 90 days.
Positive impact of biodegradable glue
Biodegradable glues become available for more and more applications. This is not surprising because on top of sustainability, using an eco-friendlier glue rather than a synthetic adhesive can have the following positive impacts:
- Eliminates microplastics: biodegradable adhesives are made of natural materials that do not lead to microscopic plastic pollution of landfills or waterways. When the glue is used in a compostable product it enriches the soil and stimulates the growth of plants.
- Reduces waste disposal costs: eco-friendly adhesives break down without using hazardous chemicals, making waste disposal, and recycling faster and more efficient.
- Improves environmental standards: many countries taking measures to reduce the impact of plastic in packaging and increase their environmental responsibility. By choosing a biodegradable glue your company is making a start to contribute to a greener planet.
- Attracts eco-conscious consumers: being able to demonstrate that you are a leader in green packaging can appeal to customers who are concerned about the environment and potentially distinct yourself from competitors.
Biodegradable adhesives made from potato starch
As mentioned above, a biodegradable adhesive can be made of natural materials, like starch. The sustainability and environmental friendliness of potato starch are a big plus for biodegradable adhesives. Glue from potato starch has excellent slide and adhesive strength and is easily and lump-free soluble in water. The high viscosity of potato starch makes biodegradable paper glue suitable for several applications.
By using potato starch adhesive for the manufacturing of fastfood paper bags, block bottom bags, and carrier paper bags, it fits even better into a circular economy. Most paper adhesives are cold water soluble, so no cooking is required which significantly saves on heating and energy costs. Using a sustainable glue, like Novinexx P130 paper bag glue, Novinexx CPB paper sack glue and Novicoll WP Wallpaper adhesive strengthens your green image and helps to achieve your sustainability goals. Made from sidestream potato starch, these glues decompose easily; within 14 days, 94% of the reference substance was removed.
Biodegradable adhesives made from potato starch
Looking for a potato starch supplier?
Duynie has been sustainable adhesive manufacturer for many years and is the largest adhesive producer based on sidestream potato starch. With our experience in biodegradable adhesives, we help our clients as best as we can.
Are you looking for a more sustainable adhesive or do you have any other questions about our biodegradable adhesives? Please do not hesitate to contact us. Do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts will gladly help to find the perfect adhesive solution.