In today’s industry, sustainability has become a necessity. One aspect of sustainability is promoting a circular economy, where materials can be reused and recycled at the end of their life. But what about the adhesives that bond these materials together?
Thermoset adhesives can often represent a challenge for recycling as the material is fixed after the activation. Here at Bemis-Protechnic we offer thermoplastic adhesive solutions that are tailored to match the composition of your substrates. That approach allows easier streamlined recycling at the end of your product’s life cycle.
Why matching your material to your substrate matters?
Sometimes, adhesives used to assemble materials might be made from a completely different polymer. When it comes time to, this match creates a problem. The different polymers can’t be effectively separated during the recycling process, leading to contamination and reduced quality of the recycled material. So monopolymer for the composite is the trend.
Thermoplastic advantages when it comes to recycling
Thermoplastic adhesives offer several advantages. By matching the adhesive to the substrate’s polymer family (Copa, Copes, PO, TPU), we create a more compatible bond. This compatibility allows for cleaner separation during the recycling process. Similar chemical structure is a major requirement when it comes to thermoplastic adhesives. They are composed of long chains of repeating units formed by specific molecules. When these adhesives match the polymer family of the substrate, they share a similar chemical structure.
Example:
PU foam bonded with a PU based adhesive, for example, can be more easily separated and recycled back into high-quality PU material. This approach creates a system minimizing waste and maximizing resource recovery.
Tailored Thermoplastic Adhesive Solutions for Streamlined Recycling
At Bemis Associates | Protechnic we understand that each project is unique. We offer a wide range of thermoplastic adhesives, allowing us to tailor the solution to your specific needs. By prioritizing substrate compatibility, we can help you achieve both optimal performance and easy end-of-life recycling.
Let’s bond together to build a more sustainable future. Contact us today to discuss how our thermoplastic adhesive solutions can help you create performant products contributing to a circular economy.
commercial@protechnic.bemisworldwide.com
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