Adhesives are a critical part of flexible packaging production used in many packaging applications such as promoting adhesion, coating, and laminating of various polymer and metal foils.
Flexible Packaging Adhesives
The use of flexible packaging continues to increase as consumers demand more eco-friendly packaging solutions and businesses enjoy many cost-saving benefits. Flexible packaging provides lighter freight which reduces emissions and trips, meaning companies can pack more products in a truck by stacking bags instead of boxes for less wasted space. Flexible materials are convenient for consumers, providing options for easy opening, re-sealing, heating and cooling options, and prolonged food freshness.
According to the Flexible Packaging Association, the industry experienced more than $33 billion in sales in the U.S. in 2019 and is the second-largest packaging segment in the country.
Adhesive Technology for Flexible Packaging
Adhesives suppliers must continue to address the rapidly changing market with improved adhesive technology to meet various industry requirements such as food safety or protection against chemical exposure. Laminating adhesives for packaging must meet a broad spectrum of requirements for a wide range of materials. Packaging adhesives must provide quick curing times and long-lasting bonding.
Many solvent-based polyurethane adhesives are used on a variety of substrates in many consumer product industries and automotive packaging applications. Packaging adhesives for food products in North America must comply with various food regulations, such as the Food and Drug Administration’s Code of Federal Regulation Title 21, parts 175.105, 177.1390, and 177.1395. Adhesives used for food packaging must be in compliance with all food contact regulations.
Packaging adhesives continue to provide solutions that address the rapidly changing, rigorous flexible packaging industry requirements. Packaging adhesives must provide reliable adhesion to polymer and metal foils with an exceptional balance of flexibility and hardness. They must provide good processability and technologies that resist UV damage, yellowing, or chemical exposure.
UNICHEM for Flexible Packaging Adhesives
Universal Chemicals & Coatings, Inc., UNICHEM, offers adhesives solutions for packaging applications, including flexible packaging processes. We offer a complete range of laminating adhesives to improve product quality with reliable bonding that meets industry-specific regulations. Our uniBOND industrial adhesive product line is customizable to meet specific lamination bonding product requirements.
We offer adhesive solutions to meet a wide range of product and processing requirements, including various curing requirements. The adhesive experts at UNICHEM provide high-quality industrial adhesives to meet bonding requirements over a wide range of temperatures and are available in single-stage and two-stage (B-stage) curing options. Our industrial adhesives for laminating include formulations for ultra-low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) to meet the most stringent EPA regulations.
All UNICHEM adhesive products undergo rigorous testing in accordance with ASTM-established methodology in addition to our strict quality policies which include proprietary quality procedures. Our customers rely on our extensive knowledge of innovative, cutting-edge adhesive technology and resin science to provide high-performance laminating adhesives for long-lasting bonding solutions.
UNICHEM provides laminating adhesive solutions to the packaging industry to meet a variety of requirements, such as high-speed lines, operator safety, and with a maximum level of food safety.
UNICHEM is a leading provider of industrial adhesives used in a wide range of industries and market applications. We offer innovative adhesive bonding solutions to meet your specific needs. Contact us to speak with an adhesive specialist about improving your laminating adhesive for the packaging process.