H.B. Fuller has just launched two new compostable adhesives for the flexible packaging market under its Flextra Evolution brand.
The new solution seeks to address end-of-life issues, such as recyclability and compostability. In flexible packaging, the adhesive holds the whole structure together and, to make the whole package compostable, the adhesive must also be compostable.
Flextra Evolution SF1000CP/XR2000CP is a 2K solventless adhesive that offers design benefits, such as sound-dampening and adhesion, to a variety of biodegradable film substrates from bar wrap to snack packaging.
The other solution, Flextra Evolution WB1200CP/XR2200CP, is a water-based two-part system that works best with paper-to-film laminations, is fully compostable according to EN13432, ASTM D6400, and is certified through the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), North America's leading certifier of compostable products and packaging.
“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,” says Wayne Eklund, research scientist.
“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.”
The company argues that, as part of the broader market move toward sustainability, compostable flexible packaging gives converters and brand owners another tool that helps them reduce, reuse, compost and recycle.
