Bio-Based Adhesives

Sustainable Alternatives for a Changing World

Market Need and Environmental Motivation: As the global population grows and living standards rise, the demand for adhesives in construction, packaging, and consumer goods has reached record levels. However, the widespread use of fossil-based polymers brings environmental challenges such as carbon emissions and resource depletion. This has driven growing interest in bio-based adhesives, which offer comparable performance to traditional products while reducing the carbon footprint through the use of renewable biological resources.

 

What Are Bio-Based Adhesives?

These adhesives are formulated using carbon-neutral raw materials derived from agricultural and forestry biomass—such as starch, vegetable oils, proteins (soy, casein), lignin, and resins like rosin or terpene derivatives. In addition to being eco-friendly, they offer good adhesion, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance.

 

Types of Materials and Sources:

• Polymers: Soy protein, starch esters, PLA, polyamides

• Tackifiers: Pine rosin, terpene, citrus-based resins

• Waxes: Soy wax, castor oil derivatives, dimerized fatty acids

 

Types of Bio-Based Systems:

• Water-based dispersions

• Hot-melt adhesives

• Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA)

• Compostable heat sealants

 

Standards:

• EN 16785-1: Defines biobased content via C-14 and elemental analysis

• EN 13432: Requires 90% conversion to CO₂ within 180 days, no harm to plant growth, and compliance with heavy metal limits

 

Bio-Based ≠ Biodegradable

Not all bio-based adhesives are biodegradable.

• Biodegradable: Breaks down under natural conditions

• Compostable: Breaks down in controlled industrial compost environments

 

Conclusion

Bio-based adhesives are responding to the dual challenge of rising demand and environmental sustainability. Industry leaders and startups are playing key roles in bringing these technologies to mainstream markets.