When we think about sustainable packaging, we typically envision recyclable cardboard, paper, or bioplastics. But there’s a critical component that often goes unnoticed: the adhesive that holds everything together. Though adhesives make up only a small portion of packaging, choosing compostable and bio-based adhesives can reduce a product’s environmental footprint. Is your hot melt adhesive as sustainable as the rest of your materials?
For years, fossil-based hot melt adhesives have remained the standard in packaging, even when the packaging itself is compostable or recyclable. However, stricter legislation and rising consumer awareness are pushing brands to explore more sustainable options for all raw materials used in their packaging—and this includes adhesives.
Despite the obvious benefits of sustainable adhesives, there are still some misconceptions that hinder their widespread adoption. Let’s examine some of these persistent myths and reveal the facts behind them.
Myth #1: “Adhesives have no effect on a product’s environmental impact.”
Reality: While adhesives may represent a small portion of an individual package, their collective environmental impact is substantial.
“If we placed all the packaging adhesive used in Europe in a single year into trucks and lined them up, the queue would stretch all the way from Paris to Brussels. The raw materials used to produce such a huge amount of adhesive are definitely a significant environmental factor,” explains Maija Kulla-Pelonen, RDI and Solutions Manager at Kiilto.
Oil-based hot melt adhesives contribute to fossil raw-material consumption and carbon emissions. By switching to a bio-based alternative, manufacturers can reduce their packaging’s carbon footprint.
This is where Kiilto Biomelt comes in: the world’s first fully compostable and biodegradable hot melt adhesive. Its lactic-acid based formulation is made from 70% bio-based raw materials.
“Plants give us starch, starch gives us sugar, sugar gives us lactic acids, and lactic acids are used to polymerize the glue. Kiilto Biomelt is fully compostable and perfect also for recyclable packaging. In addition, it meets food safety standards, making it a great choice for the food and cosmetics industries, among others,” explains Kulla-Pelonen.
Myth #2: “Switching to compostable adhesives requires major equipment upgrades.”
Reality: Kiilto Biomelt works with existing equipment and requires no additional investment.
One of the biggest concerns for manufacturers considering sustainable alternatives is the potential disruption to their production processes. Kiilto Biomelt was designed specifically to address this concern.
Used like an ordinary hot melt adhesive, Kiilto Biomelt requires no change in equipment or production processes. It works seamlessly with existing packaging lines and machines, so no costly upgrades are needed. This plug-and-play functionality makes the transition to sustainable packaging seamless and cost-effective.
Myth #3: “Compostable and biodegradable adhesives don’t perform as well as traditional fossil-based ones.”
Reality: Kiilto Biomelt offers the same technical functionalities as conventional adhesives, combined with a positive environmental impact.
The perception that eco-friendly adhesives sacrifice performance has often been a significant barrier to their adoption. However, Kiilto Biomelt demonstrates that sustainability and functionality can go hand-in-hand.
“Our biodegradable adhesive has properties and processability similar to traditional hot melt adhesives currently on the market, though there may be slight differences in how it is used in some applications. What sets it apart is that it enables renewable packaging,” Kulla-Pelonen says.
Myth #4: “Compostable packaging can’t be fully compostable due to adhesives.”
Reality: Kiilto Biomelt enables 100% compostable packaging solutions.
The new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is creating pressure for brands to switch to more sustainable packaging solutions. While the PPWR focuses primarily on recyclability, it also requires compostability in certain applications.
Suitable for both recyclable and compostable packaging, Biomelt helps companies adhere to PPWR. The adhesive meets the requirements for both industrial and home compostability, ensuring the packaging is 100% compostable.
Endless applications across industries with Kiilto Biomelt
Kiilto Biomelt can be used in many applications, with new possibilities constantly unfolding. These include:
- Compost bags: Biomelt enables fully compostable bags from the seam to the outside material.
- Tea/coffee bags: The PPWR requires tea bags to be compostable within three years. Biomelt helps manufacturers meet this requirement.
- Fast food packaging: Recycling fast food packaging is often difficult due to the fat and organic waste it contains. Packaging made with Biomelt can be composted along with any food residue.
- Hygiene products: Compostable hygiene products are already on the market, but none of them use a biodegradable hot melt adhesive yet. Biodegradable adhesive would make the entire product compostable.
- Cosmetics packaging: With Biomelt, eco-conscious cosmetics brands can adopt packaging that is 100% compostable.
With its versatility, Biomelt is opening doors to new innovations across industries, and its potential applications are constantly growing.
Embracing biodegradable and compostable adhesives is the way forward
Whether you’ve been concerned about the performance, equipment compatibility, or packaging limitations of sustainable adhesives, innovations like Kiilto Biomelt are breaking down these misconceptions.
While the average consumer may not currently give much thought to the adhesive used in the wrapper of their takeaway burger, this is likely to change as awareness of the raw materials used in products grows.
Solutions like Kiilto Biomelt provide a competitive advantage to eco-conscious brands and are paving the way for a future where every detail of the packaging is considered. For manufacturers looking to strengthen their environmental credentials and prepare for upcoming regulations, compostable adhesives offer an effortless transition—with a significant impact.
Read about our collaboration with salad and herb producer Viherkaste.
Kiilto Biomelt is suitable for recyclable packaging and has been tested according to EU Regulation 10/2011, making it appropriate for food packaging applications. The adhesive also meets the requirements for both industrial (ISO 14855) and home compostability (NF T51-800) in accordance with the EN13432 standard. Kiilto is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to global sustainability goals