Biodegradable Glue

Do Tecbond biodegradable hot melt adhesives have a shelf life?

Yes. For best performance, Tecbond biodegradable hot melts should ideally be used within 24 months of manufacture. After this period, adhesive characteristics may begin to change.

Are Tecbond biodegradable hot melts suitable for food contact?

Tecbond biodegradable hot melts are produced using raw materials that are approved for indirect food contact applications. Their compliance with FDA 175.105 remains unchanged.

Do Tecbond biodegradable hot melts require recycling or composting conditions to break down?

Tecbond biodegradable hot melts are biodegradable, while still maintaining similar handling and performance characteristics to other Tecbond adhesive grades.

They are certified to ASTM D6400 and EN 13432, both of which relate to biodegradation under industrial composting conditions. EN 13432 also includes wider testing, such as disintegration, soil impact, and ecotoxicity requirements.

In addition, all grades meet ASTM D6954 standards for plastics designed to degrade under specific exposure conditions, and they also hold CHIRA certification, confirming they do not cause disruption in fibre-based recycling streams.

How long will Tecbond biodegradable hot melts take to break down?

The time required for biodegradation depends heavily on the environment and how the adhesive is used. Factors such as oxygen exposure, UV light, heat, and application thickness all influence the breakdown process.

Because these variables differ so widely, it is not possible to give a reliable universal timeframe. However, once degradation begins in oxygen-rich conditions, the process is considered irreversible.

Will Tecbond biodegradable bulk hot melts thermally degrade?

Like many hot melt adhesives, Tecbond biodegradable bulk grades can be affected if held at high temperatures for extended periods. For best results, they should be run at the lowest suitable operating temperature (as outlined in the relevant Technical Data Sheet) and the melted adhesive should ideally be used within 8 hours.

Will the biodegradation process start as soon as the carton or bag is opened?

Once the adhesive is exposed to conditions such as oxygen, UV light, and heat, the polymer structure will gradually begin to break down over time. To minimise unnecessary degradation, unused glue sticks should not be left exposed and should be stored correctly when not in use.