UK-headquartered Power Adhesives has introduced what is believed to be a world-first: a fully certified, biodegradable, shaped hot melt adhesive, designed for use by cartons, corrugated packaging, and POS converters, as well as contract packers.

Certified to completely break down in the presence of oxygen, leaving behind only non-harmful products and no microplastics, Tecbond 214B is manufactured with 44% bio-based materials and certified to ASTM D6400 and EN13432; the EU standard that sets out the requirements for compostable and biodegradable products.

Brendan Colgan, Power Adhesives chief executive officer, said, “This is an exciting time for the packaging industry. All players in the supply chain are working hard to drive sustainable products and processes into the market to support brands and consumers, and this is truly a groundbreaking moment for the packaging adhesives sector.

“Brands and their packaging partners often expect new sustainable solutions to come at a premium cost. With Tecbond 214B, we’re delivering the adhesive quality and performance our customers have come to rely on combined with the same competitive pricing – no compromise. We recognise that the climate emergency is driving entire industries to step up and become more sustainable. While we’re working on our sustainability journey, we hope this innovation will lead the way for the packaging adhesives industry.”

Available globally, Tecbond 214B offers the same performance characteristics as standard Tecbond, with a high level of tack and fast setting speed providing an almost instant bond once applied and compressed. This enables companies to drive efficiency into packing procedures, improving workflow and output.

Tecbond 214B is also an indirect food contact approved, enabling it to be used in all areas of the food packaging process, from wrap-around cartons and boxes to shipping packaging.