Industries worldwide are grappling with the challenge of creating eco-friendly products as consumption and pollution continue to rise. Pressure-sensitive adhesive manufacturers are responding to customer demands for sustainable products by developing biodegradable adhesives that can decompose naturally through micro-organisms like bacteria and fungi.
What is the definition of a ‘biodegradable adhesive’?
The term biodegradable refers to the ability of natural elements to break down their constituent parts through natural processes.
What is the definition of ‘compostable’?
In contrast, ‘compostable’ products decompose in a controlled aerobic environment, such as a compost heap.
‘Composting’ occurs when farmers spread decaying organic matter in their fields, enabling microbes to restore nitrogen to the soil, ultimately leading to healthier crops and a more bountiful yield.
The nitrogen restoration process in farming occurs in a controlled aerobic environment, meaning oxygen is required in order for proper compost breakdown to occur. The only other fundamental requirement is time.
What is the government standard for labeling a product ‘Biodegradable’?
According to the ASTM, American Society for Testing and Materials, the term ‘biodegradable’ is defined as anything that undergoes degradation resulting from the action of naturally occurring micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae.
Although the time element is not defined, biodegradable breakdown is expected to take a considerably quicker amount of time than non-biodegradable compounds.
As time has progressed, have manufacturing companies been shifting towards using more biodegradable adhesives than petroleum-based ones?
While some manufacturers still use petroleum-based raw materials, others are investigating alternative sources, such as corn or soy, to create renewable resources. Some adhesive companies have their own labs where they can develop bespoke formulas that are fully biodegradable.
“We are investigating renewable raw materials that are either made out of corn, soy or other renewable resources,” says Clark Baily, Chief Chemical Engineer at GDI Adhesives. “Currently, we’re able to take previously disposable raw materials that come from petroleum. We’re able to break them down in the proper environment to go back into the earth.
Can any pressure-sensitive adhesive be formulated to be biodegradable?
Innovative adhesive manufacturers have the unique opportunity to formulate adhesives with distinctive ‘biodegradable’ properties, thanks to dedicated laboratories meant for developing and testing formulations.
“It’s a huge advantage for our customers because they have access to our chemists and a complete library of formulas. We are not limited to one specific type of adhesive, one performance range, or one level of biodegradability,” adds Mr. Baily.
What does the future of ‘biodegradable adhesives’ look like?
For GDI Adhesives, using renewable resources to create biodegradable adhesives has revolutionized the industry in the last decade. The broader scope of raw material resources allows for greater flexibility in the properties of the adhesives, which can benefit both the environment and the bottom line. With increasing demand for renewable products, biodegradable adhesives could well represent the future of the adhesive manufacturing world.
Things to be aware of when thinking about going in the ‘biodegradable’ adhesive direction;
- Biodegradable adhesives may not always be the most sustainable option. While biodegradability is a positive feature for reducing waste/pollution, it does not necessarily mean the adhesive is sustainable throughout its entire life cycle. Factors such as the source of raw materials, the energy used in manufacturing and transportation, and the disposal method can all impact the sustainability of the product.
- Biodegradability depends on the conditions of the disposal: Biodegradable adhesives require specific conditions to break down properly, such as exposure to microbes and oxygen. If the adhesive is not disposed of properly or ends up in a landfill, it may not degrade as intended and can contribute to environmental pollution.
- Biodegradability test standards can vary: While the ASTM provides a definition for biodegradability, testing methods and standards can vary across different industries and regions. It’s important to verify the testing methods used and the claims made by manufacturers to ensure the product’s biodegradability standards are met.
- There may be trade-offs between biodegradability and performance: Adhesives that are highly biodegradable may not always perform as well as non-biodegradable alternatives. Manufacturers may need to balance performance requirements with sustainability goals when formulating these types of adhesives.