Packaging sticking play a vital role in the packaging industry by binding different packaging components together and ensuring safe delivery of packaged products. They are formulated to effectively seal packages and keep products protected from external factors like moisture, heat, chemicals, etc. during transportation and storage. Various adhesive technologies are used for different package designs and applications.
Major Types of Packaging Adhesives
Hot Melt Adhesives
Hot melt adhesives are commonly used due to their ease of application at room temperature. They are made from polymer resins which are heated and applied as a liquid adhesive. Once the adhesive cools and solidifies, it forms a strong yet flexible bond. Hot melt adhesives bond quickly and allow for high production speeds. They are used for case sealing, carton closing, and attaching labels on bottles and cans.
Water-Based Adhesives
This type of Packaging Adhesive uses water as its main solvent and they dry by evaporation of water. They have lower VOC emissions and are considered environment-friendly. Water-based adhesives offer good tack, bond strength along with resistance to humidity. They find application in corrugated packaging, flexible packaging pouches, envelopes, and self-adhesive labels.
Solvent-Based Adhesives
As the name suggests, these adhesives use organic solvents like acetone, toluene, etc. in their formulation. They provide high bond strength and quick setting. However, solvent-based adhesives release VOCs during drying. They find usage in specialty applications requiring high tack and adhesion at low temperatures.
Reactive Hot Melt Adhesives
These are hot melt adhesives which additionally contain reactive components like acrylates, silicones that create cross-linking within the adhesive matrix. This imparts benefits like increased cohesion, heat and moisture resistance to the adhesive bond. Reactive hot melts are used for demanding packaging applications and flexible packaging.
Properties Required in Packaging sticking
Adhesion
The key property required is adhesion which is the measure of how well the adhesive forms strong bonds with the substrates. Sufficient adhesion ensures the pack remains sealed during transit and storage. Factors like remaining bonded after thermal cycling must be considered.
Bond Strength
Packaging sticking need to provide sufficient bond strength so that the seal withstands forces encountered during transportation, stacking of packages etc. Peel strength, shear strength and tensile lap strength determine the integrity of adhesive bonds.
Cohesion
Cohesion refers to the internal strength of the adhesive itself. Highly cohesive adhesives prevent premature failing of adhesive bonds. It is necessary to ensure bonds remain intact under changing conditions.
Application Properties
Besides adhesion and bond strength, properties like viscosity, open time, setting time etc. determine the ease of automated application in packaging lines. Adhesives need to wet-out and spread well during high-speed application processes.
Additional Requirements
Apart from the above, packaging sticking must offer resistance to external environmental factors like humidity, temperature fluctuations while meeting stringent industrial and regulatory standards regarding safety.
Applications of Packaging sticking
Carton Sealing
Most commonly, adhesive tapes and glue are applied as closure for carton flaps during box packaging. Hot melt adhesives are widely used at high speeds in carton closing machines.
Case Sealing
Case sealing adhesives securely attach case components like labels, corrugated wraps and strengthen cases containing packs of products. Solvent adhesives find usage for sealing heavy-duty industrial cases.
Flexible Packaging
Adhesives attach several layers of films, paper and aluminum foils in the manufacture of retort pouches, stand-up pouches, blister packs etc. Water-based and hot melt adhesives are favored.
Self-Adhesive Labels
Pressure-sensitive adhesives adhering to the back of labels are applied to identify and provide information on packages, bottles and cans. Their removability is also an important factor.
Envelope Sealing
Adhesives present along the flaps and edges of envelopes securely seal letters, parcels for postal and courier services. Water-based adhesives work well on a variety of paper stocks.
Future Trends in Packaging sticking Industry
Sustainable Packaging
Packaging producers are innovating with bio-based and recyclable adhesive formulations. Adhesives that maintain performance while reducing ecological impact will drive future growth.
Specialized Applications
Demand will rise for adhesives tailored to perform under extreme temperatures, chemicals for applications in agriculture, medical and electronics packaging.
Smart Adhesives
Developments in active and intelligent adhesives incorporated with sensing abilities would enable additional functionalities in smart packaging.
Automated Packaging
Integration of adhesives optimized for automated packaging lines will gathering momentum aided by industry 4.0 technologies.
In Summary, with the ever-expanding packaging industry, adhesives will remain a critical component in providing effective protection to a wide range of packaged goods while meeting sustainability and performance goals. Innovation in adhesive formulations tailored for specific packaging needs will thus remain an area of focus.
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About Author:
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
