Using a biodegradable glue instead of a synthetic adhesive is more environmentally friendly because synthetic glues do not decompose.

Paper packaging often uses glue based on synthetic polymers, hence there is increased interest in adhesive alternatives due to the demand for sustainable goods and packaging. Potential customers can significantly impact the environment by rethinking the packaging and labeling of adhesives.

“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 wheat starch. Making glue from any of these starches makes it biodegradable,” Duynie Group experts wrote earlier this year.

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 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 a 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 ultimately 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 above sustainability, using an eco-friendly glue rather than a synthetic adhesive can have positive impacts.

One such impact is eliminating 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.

Another one is the reduction of waste disposal costs – eco-friendly adhesives break down without using hazardous chemicals, making waste disposal, and recycling faster and more efficient.

Improving the environmental standards – many countries are taking measures to reduce the impact of plastic in packaging and increase their environmental responsibility. By choosing a biodegradable glue a customer’s company is making a start to contribute to a greener planet.

The last one is attracting eco-conscious consumers – being able to demonstrate that a customer is a leader in green packaging can appeal to customers who are concerned about the environment and potentially distinguish them from competitors.

Biodegradable Adhesives Made From Potato Starch

A biodegradable adhesive can be formed from natural components, such as starch. Biodegradable adhesives benefit greatly from potato starch’s sustainability and environmental friendliness. Potato starch glue dissolves smoothly and lump-free in water and has exceptional sliding and adhesive strength. Due to potato starch’s high viscosity, biodegradable paper glue can be used in several ways.

“By using potato starch adhesive for the manufacturing of fast-food 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,” the company’s representatives explained.