H.B. Fuller introduces new adhesive for paper straws

H.B. Fuller India announces a new food-safe adhesive under its leading Swift®tak brand to meet the increasing paper straws demand. Paper straws have been a true challenge for the industry and consumers alike, but the company’s latest launch offers differentiated advantages in terms of sustainability, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.

H.B. Fuller considers food safety as of the utmost importance and key to sustaining life and promoting good health. As more consumers are adopting an “anti-single use plastic” mindset and governments are reacting with a sense of urgency, paper straws are now becoming an increasingly important alternative. As a result, its team in India has launched Swift®tak PS5600-I, a food-safe adhesive for the paper straw market.

Developed by local H.B. Fuller scientists, the new water-based technology enables improved food-safe solutions that maintain straw integrity while the consumer is enjoying a beverage, and create durable paper straws that withstand three-hour resistance in a wide range of liquids, including water, juices, soft drinks, and milk. Straws made with Swift®tak adhesives meet FDA 176.170 regulatory.

“No matter if you are starting your paper straw business, expanding your portfolio from plastic to paper, or simply upgrading your technology to be high water-resistant, choosing the right adhesive is key to creating a safe, long-lasting paper straw that maintains its integrity during use and that help reduce environmental footprint”, says Harsh Gupta, IMEA Managing Director. “Our new Swift®tak PS5600-I is really at the forefront of innovation while being plasticizer-free, and by offering more than three-hour liquid resistance and greater operational efficiencies.”

The company has advanced its grade of adhesives for very fast-moving paper straw machines, taking manufacturing to a new level of efficiency and product quality. Swift®tak supports fast-setting products that are easier and cleaner to work with and cause less wear and tear on machinery. Hence, this straw solution allows manufacturers to focus more on product quality and output and less on operational concerns. Additionally, as beverage brands, restaurants, and corporations make the transition from plastic to paper straws, it is important that they offer liquid-resistant, compliant, and food-safe straws made for a more sustainable future.

By leveraging its laboratory in Shirwal, near Pune, the H.B. Fuller R&D team worked closely with specialized paper and machine manufacturers to customize the formulation for high speed paper straw production and address specific applications and equipment. Having this capability and technical knowledge based in India, allows the global company to test adhesives with manufacturers’ paper samples prior to running the adhesive on their paper straw lines ̶̶̶ providing the confidence in product performance before halting regular production to trial a new material.

“The industry is steadily moving towards more eco-friendly processes and components. Adhesives, a small, yet central, actor in the change towards circularity and sustainability, are now helping manufacturers address major concerns with plastic and tackling the paper straw market needs to continue to grow in popularity and usage,” concludes Gupta.

Kraton Corporation enters into definitive agreement to be acquired by DL Chemical

Kraton, a leading global sustainable producer of specialty polymers and high-value bio-based products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which DL Chemical Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of DL Holdings Co., Ltd. (formerly Daelim Industrial Co., Ltd.), will acquire 100% of Kraton in an all-cash transaction implying an enterprise value of approximately $2.5 billion. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Kraton stockholders will receive $46.50 in cash for each share of Kraton common stock they own. As part of the transaction DL Chemical has conveyed that they have fully committed financing.

“Following an extensive review of a wide-range of strategic alternatives focused on maximising value for the benefit of our stockholders, Kraton’s Board has determined that the sale of Kraton to DL Chemical is in the best interest of Kraton stockholders. We believe the transaction provides immediate and certain value for Kraton stockholders, and represents an attractive premium of approximately 50% over Kraton’s unaffected market valuation as of early July,” said Kevin M. Fogarty, Kraton’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Moreover, we believe DL Chemical has the industry presence and resources to continue to support the growth of Kraton’s business on a global scale”.

“Consistent with our longstanding goal of maximising value for the benefit of our stockholders, over the years Kraton’s Board and management team have actively evaluated a wide range of strategic alternatives. Today’s announcement marks the culmination of the strategic review process for Kraton, resulting in a transaction that we believe provides significant value for Kraton stockholders. In addition, we believe the scale and strength of the combined company will also benefit our customers and our employees, as it will expand Kraton’s global reach while creating a robust platform to further support investment in the existing innovation pipeline and provide for further expansion of sustainable offerings,” said Dan F. Smith, Chairman of Kraton’s Board of Directors.

“DL Chemical has been conducting the petrochemical business responsibly within the DL Group for 46 years. After acquiring Kraton’s Cariflex business last year, we have successfully integrated that business within the DL Group,” said Sang Woo Kim, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DL Chemical. “We also have been highly interested in Kraton’s specialty polymer and bio-based chemical business, and this combination will allow us to provide our customers with a wider range of innovative products, while adding the ability to serve a diverse range of end markets in over 70 countries worldwide.”

Bostik launches adhesives with renewable content for disposable hygiene industry

Bostik, the adhesive solutions division of Arkema, has announced the launch of NuplavivaTM, a series of new products formulated to meet disposable hygiene article manufacturers’ needs for adhesives with renewable content.

As sustainability becomes a greater area of focus throughout the disposable hygiene industry, bringing these adhesives to market now allows Bostik to further support the corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts of producers for baby care, feminine hygiene, and adult incontinence products. NuplavivaTM construction adhesives, initially with 50% and 75% bio-sourced content respectively, provide the same performance and ease of processability expected from Bostik’s traditional adhesive formulations.

“During the research and development stages of NuplavivaTM, it was important we designed an end-product that, although bio-based, article manufacturers did not need to make any changes to their equipment or processes to use,” explains Christophe Morel-Fourrier, Bostik’s Global Marketing Manager, Market Insights and Sustainable Innovation. “Exacting the formulas to meet the demands of high line speeds added another layer of complexity. But our researchers were successful in meeting expectations for behaviour and performance with both NuplavivaTM 50 and NuplavivaTM 75.’’

Compatibility with respect to substrate usage in various diaper, pad, and pull-on pant designs was top of mind for Bostik’s scientists as they explored and experimented with the NuplavivaTM formulations. Not only do these adhesives work well with traditional substates, but testing has also proven they complement the use of a variety of more sustainable substrates. This allows article producers to further advance their sustainable development objectives.

“Adding bio-sourced content to our adhesives reduces our dependency—and ultimately our customers’ dependency—on the use of fossil carbon,” notes Morel-Fourrier. “Resource conservation is at the heart of our circular model. Bostik as a whole is making efforts to modify its own manufacturing process, so it is more efficient, less energy intensive, and generates less waste.”

These efforts need to be coordinated to ensure that CSR actions taken at an operational level do not have a negative impact on what is happening further along the value chain. Consumer satisfaction with the product cannot be compromised. Neither can the societal, economical, and environmental impact. That is why the use of bio-sourced content should be done responsibly.

To help manufacturers do just that, ‘Responsibly for Hygiene, Naturally from Bostik’ was introduced in June 2021. The launch of NuplavivaTM 50 and NuplavivaTM 75 are just two pieces in Bostik’s holistic approach to CSR and sustainability. Bostik’s ‘Responsibly for Hygiene’ programme includes webinars, podcasts, website content, as well as additional adhesive launches aimed at helping article producers at all levels expand their knowledge of products, resources, options, and alternatives available so they can make more informed decisions.

These are just the first new product introductions from Bostik to support manufacturers in meeting their own sustainable development objectives—and the sustainable aspirations of their consumers.

Dymax introduces 1040-M, a new autoclave-resistant adhesive for medical instruments

Reliable bonding, potting or encapsulation of medical instruments and devices that have to be sterilized repeatedly.

Dymax, one of the leading international manufacturers of light-curing materials and devices, is expanding its product portfolio with another medical adhesive: Dymax 1040-M . This adhesive was specially developed for medical devices and surgical instruments that have to be sterilized frequently and has excellent resistance to the aggressive sterilization methods used in medical technology.

Dymax 1040-M is repeatedly autoclavable and is characterized by extremely low water absorption (0.5%). This adhesive is therefore ideal for surgical instruments and medical devices that go through numerous sterilization cycles in the autoclave or during plasma treatment (STERRAD). In addition, Dymax MD® 1040-M can easily be used as an encapsulation material to protect critical sensors and electronic components where moisture ingress must be avoided.

The newly developed adhesive from Dymax cures tack-free within a few seconds with the help of UV / VIS light and is optimized for LEDs with a wavelength of 365 nm. Dymax 1040-M adheres well to a wide variety of substrates, including stainless steel, aluminum, glass, and plastics that are difficult to bond, and is particularly suitable for encapsulating RFID chips, sensors and other electronic components that are found on medical devices and Instruments. In addition, this novel product is also suitable for numerous applications in dentistry.

Dymax 1040-M meets the requirements of ISO 10993-5 for cytotoxicity, does not contain IBOA and has a Shore hardness of D60 and a viscosity of 775 mPas. The material is solvent-free and RoHS-compliant, making it a “greener” choice than comparable one- and two-part solvent-based epoxies currently available on the market.

Allnex introduces super durable CRYLCOAT® 4478-0

Allnex, the leading supplier of specialty chemicals, offering a broad range of powder coating resins including resins for UV cure, additives and crosslinkers for use on wood, metal, plastic and other surfaces, is launching the new versatile super durable, the CRYLCOAT® 4478-0.

The CRYLCOAT 4478-0 has been created by allnex chemists to offer a super durable product that will allow you to reduce your SKU, saving you both time and money.

In addition, it’s a versatile, broad-compatibility polyester resin that eliminates that need for multiple products, thereby saving you space, time, money – not to mention less room for error in your products.

What’s more, it is intended to be used on a wide variety of applications, including architectural extrusion, ACE, automotive wheels and trim parts, lawn and garden, and other external applications such as lighting fixtures.

Tesa Tape begins a $36 million expansion at its Sparta factory

Tesa Tape, a leading manufacturer of adhesive tape, has begun construction on a new plant in Sparta, which is projected to create at least 25 new jobs in the area.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Beiersdorf AG in Germany, is investing $36 million on its Sparta site. In the last five years, the company has expanded twice in Sparta.

Tesa also believes in sustainable growth, a core element of their corporate strategy. The brand’s sustainability goal lays out how the three pillars of environment, customers, and society may all be aligned. This has applied to the entire firm since 2020 and acts as a baseline for all of Tesa’s strategic decisions – today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Today tesa is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of self-adhesive product and system solutions for industry, professional craftsmen, and consumers.

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Resins to hold revenue share of 33% in hot melt adhesives market over the forecast period

According to the Persistent Market Research, the global hot melt adhesives market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period of 2021 and 2031. Significant growth of the packaging industry is boosting demand for hot melt adhesives.

With usage in various applications across industries, demand for hot melt adhesives is anticipated to witness substantial growth over the coming years. Growing industries of furniture and wood work, automotive, footwear, electronics, and many others are significantly impacting the market in a positive outlook. Substantial vehicle production all over the globe is bolstering consumption of hot melt adhesives. Strong development in the electronics industry is also benefiting the industry of hot melt adhesives to a significant extent.

Development in product to decrease hazard generation and comply with stringent regulations enforced by various authorities are some of the key concerns of manufacturers of hot melt adhesives. Key players are focusing on introducing eco-friendly products to cater changing standards and stringent regulations.

Recent Developments in This Space

Aug 2021: An agreement was signed by Arkema for the acquisition of Ashland’s performance adhesives business, a first-class leader in high-performance adhesives for industrial applications in the United States with a unique and innovative product portfolio.

June 2021: H.B. Fuller announced that it had signed a distribution agreement with Jubilant Agri and Consumer Products Limited (JACPL), a 100% subsidiary of Jubilant Industries Limited, to address growing demand for adhesive applications in the B2B woodworking segment.

Feb 2021: Avery announced an agreement to acquire JDC Solutions, Inc., a Tennessee-based manufacturer of pressure-sensitive specialty tapes, for a purchase price of approximately US$ 24 million, subject to customary adjustments.
April 2019: Beardow & Adams announced that Industrias Plásticas Caute SRL (Inplástica) from Peru and Percat from Uruguay have become Beardow Adams’s latest global partners.

July 2017: H.B. Fuller Company signed an agreement to purchase adhesives company Adecol Ind. Química, Limitada, a highly respected manufacturer of quality adhesive technologies in Brazil.

3M Homeowner Survey shows strong interest in eco-friendly construction materials and practices

From reducing air pollution to using renewable energy as a power source, U.S. homeowners have an overwhelming desire for more information, more choices, and more action across the industry for eco-friendly construction materials and practices, according to the 2021 3M Home Renovation Study.

“Many homeowners are now inspired to choose construction materials that both serve their conventional purpose and make a positive impact for the environment,” said Josh Orman, 3M Industrial Mineral Products Division, Senior Manager of Business Development. “It’s encouraging to see consumers and 3M taking action to improve our environment.”

The majority of homeowners surveyed – 74% – agree that using eco-friendly construction materials would make a strong impact to the environment, and 70% plan to purchase eco-friendly materials for their next renovation.

Not only do those homeowners find eco-friendly products appealing, but they are also taking the advice of others to influence their purchases; for example, 52% of homeowners surveyed stated they would be more active in considering eco-friendly materials if their friends and family were integrating eco-friendly options into their lives.

“Essentially, what homeowners say and do highly impacts those in their circle of influence,” said Orman. “Consider the positive ripple effect of homeowners making eco-friendly choices that educate and influence their friends and family in the process.”

Homeowners believe most in recycling and reducing waste as the top activity that will positively impact the environment. Eliminating single-use plastics, using renewable energy, reducing air pollution and selecting energy efficient products round out the top five.

The Home Renovation Study is an independent research study commissioned by 3M to understand interest levels in eco-friendly construction materials and if the industry is meeting homeowner needs. The study was fielded from March through April 2021, across the United States.

Meridian Adhesives Group announces acquisition of Prime Blend, LLC

Meridian Adhesives Group (Meridian) announced the addition of its fourteenth company to the group’s portfolio recently upon the acquisition of Prime Blend, LLC, (Prime Blend).

Prime Blend is a manufacturer and formulator of water-based and hot melt adhesives and coatings. The company primarily serves the food and beverage packaging, paper/film and foil converting, and furniture markets. Based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, the company offers products that are used to adhere and coat decorative beverage cartons, microwave bags, industrial strapping, point of purchase displays and various furniture applications.

“We found the right home in Meridian Adhesives Group,” said Jerry Stempel, CEO of Prime Blend. “This investment by Meridian will enhance our steep growth trajectory in our legacy markets and open doors to new opportunities by allowing Prime Blend to leverage Meridian’s broad technology platform to our extremely loyal customer base and end-users.”

The Prime Blend team brings over 100 years of experience in formulating, manufacturing, and selling adhesives. The company’s extensive manufacturing and warehouse capacity provides customers with quicker deliveries and greater inventories, as well as personal service, dedicated equipment, and highly qualified technical support.

“The addition of Prime Blend will strengthen the Meridian portfolio as we work to extend our product and technology offerings in our Industrial Division,” said Daniel Pelton, CEO of Meridian. “The acquisition of Prime Blend adds considerable end-use application knowledge and a customer-focused business model to further support our vision as a leader in the adhesives industry.”

Weir Minerals launches new zero VOC adhesive range for rubber lining

The LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 solvent-free and zero VOC adhesive range, developed specifically for Linatex rubber products in partnership with Henkel, delivers best-in-class bond strength.

Weir Minerals, manufacturer of Linatex, the world’s leading brand of premium natural rubber, has partnered with world’s number one adhesive producer Henkel and its team of LOCTITE adhesive, sealant and coating specialists, to develop a mining industry-first solvent-free adhesive for rubber lining applications with zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

VOCs are carbon-based, organic chemicals that are often used in adhesives, paints and coatings. They are subject to strict regulations, with some governments aiming to limit worker exposure while others target large-scale emissions, such as the People’s Republic of China’s recent ban on the production and use of high VOC-containing solvent-based coatings and adhesives in order to improve air quality. Mining companies also target VOC emissions as part of their sustainability strategies.

Always striving to develop new solutions that meet the needs of their mining customers, in collaboration with Henkel, Weir Minerals developed the LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 cold-bonding rubber adhesive range as a response to the growing need for safer and more sustainable products. Complementing the industry-leading Linatex rubber products, this breakthrough in adhesive technology reflects Weir’s core values of safety, sustainability and performance.

With new LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 products, cutting down the VOC emissions does not mean having to compromise on performance. The custom-formulated LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 rubber adhesive range sets a new industry benchmark for bond strength by exceeding the current British Standard by up to four times and is significantly stronger than other products presently used in mining.

“We’ve had many customers across the globe approach us to make sure that the products they use on site are safe for their employees working in confined spaces,” explains Mark Doyle, Global Product Manager – Linatex Rubber and Hose. “At Weir Minerals we take safety very seriously and looked at several possible solutions. Our team worked closely with the LOCTITE experts and developed an adhesive that is stronger than any other product in the market today with the double benefit of being solvent-free with zero VOCs. Coincidentally, many mine sites and even regional governments are now starting to mandate that only adhesives with zero VOCs be used on site – we are thrilled to say that we have a product that meets this challenge.”

The entire range is non-flammable and is therefore safer to use, easy to transport and does not require any special handling or storage facilities. It can also be sprayed over the top of the rubber lining to provide solid UV protection.

When combining the enhanced strength of the new LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 adhesive range with the long wear life of Linatex premium rubber, the result is a highly sought-after sustainable solution for miners looking for long-lasting protection for their equipment.

The LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 solvent-free adhesive range is available globally.