Hot Melt Packaging Adhesive Innovation

Versatility for a broad range of applications makes hot melt adhesives one of the most popular options for sealing consumer packaging.  Hot melt adhesive innovation has a rich history. Hot melt packaging adhesives reached widespread use during the 1960s. Packaging adhesives outpaced tape as a sealing option for case and cartons because they:

• Increase line speed
• Improve cost in use
• Minimize material waste

TECHNOMELT, Henkel’s hot melt brand, plays an important role in the overall history of adhesives. From its introduction in the 1960s, TECHNOMELT offers solutions designed for efficiency and reliability for consumer goods brand owners. Initial hot melt formulations used EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) technology and generally operate at 177^oC (350^oF). These products feature fast set times over a wide range of application temperatures. EVA hot melt adhesives are flexible and deliver:

• Heat stability
• Crack resistance
• Robust adhesion
   

Advancing Hot Melt Adhesives – Low Temperature Formulations Deliver Results

In the 1990s, Henkel pioneered a line of low application temperature adhesives known as TECHNOMELT COOL. Henkel continues to expand the product line to meet market needs.  Initially designed to work with heat sensitive consumer goods like chocolates and candies, low temperature hot melt adhesives offer the added benefit of improving worker safety with reduced burn risks to employees on production lines. The lower operating temperatures also reduce energy consumption and offer sustainability benefits at manufacturing sites. For these reasons TECHNOMELT COOL was adopted as a preferred general-purpose hot melt solution for applications requiring standard heat resistance.  

Hot Melt Adhesive Innovation Continues with TECHNOMELT SUPRA

As plant footprints shrink in size and line speeds increase to keep up with growth and equipment advancements, hot melt packaging adhesives continue to adapt.  In 2000, Henkel introduced TECHNOMELT SUPRA, a range of high-performance adhesives, to meet these more demanding needs.  When metallocene catalyzed polymers were introduced, Henkel further enhanced the TECHNOMELT SUPRA line with adhesives to provide increased stability, achieve longer pot lives, deliver less downtime and char and result in less machine maintenance. TECHNOMELT SUPRA products are more robust than previous technologies and withstand greater temperature extremes resulting in less pop opens. They support faster set speeds and longer open times, which make them more tolerable for more complex packaging operations with faster equipment.  The development of high-performance adhesives like TECHNOMELT SUPRA, enable more efficient end of line packaging operations.

Future of Hot Melt Packaging Adhesives

Food, beverage and consumer good manufacturing continues to evolve as does Henkel’s packaging adhesives.  TECHNOMELT SUPRA COOL hot melts are stable, metallocene adhesives with robust performance with a much lower temperature range of 121^oC - 135^oC (250^oF – 275^oF). These low temperature metallocene products lead the industry in heat stability and adhesive performance.

In recent years we have seen increased awareness of food safety with outbreaks and recalls reaching headlines.  Food safety legislation continues to drive increased scrutiny throughout the supply chain including packaging suppliers. Henkel has taken a leading role in advancing food safe adhesives.  With the launch of TECHNOMELT SUPRA PRO, Henkel goes beyond existing FDA requirements for food safe packaging and eases any migration concerns for indirect food contact.

As consumer packaging trends continue to change and introduce different materials for bonding, Henkel’s hot melt adhesives evolve to meet the demands of consumers, while protecting the brands they love. Henkel is a leader in hot melt adhesive innovation.  By working with brand owners and understanding consumer needs, Henkel anticipates trends and developing advancements in case and carton sealing hot melts.