H.B. Fuller develops compostable adhesives for flexible packaging eco-boost

08 Apr 2021 --- H.B. Fuller is unveiling two new compostable adhesive solutions for flexible packaging under its global Flextra Evolution brand.

The new solutions come in response to increasing consumer environmental awareness, stricter legislation on conventional plastics and industry focus on addressing end-of-life issues, such as recyclability and compostability.

In flexible packaging, the adhesive holds the structure together. To make the whole package compostable, the adhesive must also be compostable.

H.B. Fuller addresses this challenge with two compostable solutions: Flextra Evolution SF1000CP/XR2000CP and Flextra Evolution WB1200CP/XR2200CP.

Compostable adhesives
Flextra Evolution SF1000CP/XR2000CP is a 2K solventless adhesive offering design benefits – including “outstanding” sound dampening and “excellent” adhesion – to various biodegradable film substrates from bar wrap to snack packaging.

Flextra Evolution WB1200CP/XR2200CP is a water-based two-part system that works best with paper-to-film laminations. It is fully compostable according to EN13432, ASTM D6400 and certified through the Biodegradable Products Institute, a North American certifier of compostable products and packaging.The EU’s Waste Framework Directive is targeting a 65% municipal waste recycling rate by 2035.

“When people ask for a compostable adhesive, what they are likely asking for is a package with components that can be composted and, now, this can be brought to life with the help of our compostable adhesives throughout the supply chain,” comments Wayne Eklund, research scientist at H.B. Fuller.

“These new solutions from our Flextra Evolution product line have similar performance to conventional multi-layer packaging adhesives, show great printability and appearance, and work seamlessly with standard equipment.”

“Most importantly, in industrial composting facilities, the adhesives decompose with no toxic residue, microplastics, or other pollutants.”

As part of the broader market move toward sustainability, compostable flexible packaging provides converters and brand owners another tool toward reducing, reusing, composting or recycling.

Expert support for compostables
A Tipa-commissioned review has found “landslide expert support” for compostable packaging across the EU to reduce plastic contamination in organic waste streams and increase the amount of food waste captured for recycling.

Ricardo Energy environmental consultancy investigated the opportunities and barriers for compostable packaging in the EU through desk-based research and interviews with stakeholders across the compostables value chain in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.

Some 72 percent of respondents said compostable packaging would help increase the amount of food waste captured and decrease plastic contamination. All respondents agreed conventional plastic packaging poses a challenge to organic waste streams.

The EU’s Waste Framework Directive is targeting a municipal waste recycling rate of 65 percent by 2035. Bio-waste – including food waste – is the largest single component of municipal waste.

Edited by Joshua Poole