Development Mainstream of Adhesive Industry Hot Melt Adhesive and Water-based Adhesive​

Adhesives are indispensable across industries, but for years, many products carried a stigma: they often contained harmful substances. Authoritative experts emphasize that adhesive development must prioritize strict national standards for raw materials, banning toxic or hazardous components. Unfortunately, some unethical manufacturers—especially unlicensed small workshops—cut corners using cheap, unsafe solvents like methylal, n-alkanes, or dichloropropane. These not only pose health risks (exacerbated by poor ventilation in cramped spaces) but also lead to poisoning incidents. To protect workers and the environment, the focus is now on cracking down on such practices and championing eco-friendly alternatives: hot melt adhesives and water-based adhesives.​

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Adhesives​

Advances in chemical technology have paved the way for environmentally safe adhesives. Hot melt adhesives and water-based adhesives stand out because they eliminate the need for harmful organic solvents, addressing the root of environmental and health concerns:​

• Water-based adhesives: Use water as a solvent, avoiding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) entirely. This makes them low-odor, non-toxic, and safe for workers and end-users.​

• Hot melt adhesives: Solid at room temperature, they activate by heating—no solvents required during production or application. Solvent-free reactive polyester hot melt adhesives, for example, melt with moisture or heat to form strong bonds, leaving no harmful residues.​

Strengths Beyond Environmental Benefits​

Both types offer performance advantages that solidify their role as industry leaders:​

• Hot melt adhesives: Boast strong adhesion and versatility, with specialized variants like polyurethane and polyamide hot melts offering exceptional temperature resistance and weatherability. These meet demands in extreme environments, from high-heat industrial settings to outdoor applications.​

• Water-based adhesives: Water-based polyurethanes, in particular, combine good temperature resistance, weatherability, and high efficiency. They’ve gained widespread use in industries prioritizing safety and sustainability, mirroring the adoption seen in Europe and the U.S. since the 1990s, where strict environmental regulations drove their popularity.​

Aligning with Global Trends​

The push for these adhesives aligns with global environmental efforts. European and American countries have enforced strict eco-regulations since the 1990s, driving industries to adopt safer alternatives. In response, manufacturers worldwide are investing in hot melt and water-based adhesive technologies, ensuring compliance while protecting worker health and reducing environmental impact.​

Hot melt adhesives and water-based adhesives aren’t just trends—they’re the future of the adhesive industry. By combining environmental safety with strong performance, they address the dual needs of sustainability and functionality, making them the clear choice for a responsible, innovative industry.