Hot melt or water-based adhesives: which one is right for you?

If its about Adhesives we all know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. While a particular glue may be a perfect solution in one situation, it may not be in the other. Unfortunately, hot melt adhesives have a number of disadvantages. It is sensitive to changes in temperature, which can lead to losses.
the adhesive strength at higher temperatures. Hot melt can become brittle at low, freezing temperatures and compromise bond strength.

Hot melt adhesives for packaging

packaging

Hot melt adhesives can bond small, detailed boxes to heavy duty wraparound boxes. It is perfect for gluing all types of packaging as the variety of formulas available allows easy adaptation to any application required. Not only does hot melt adhesive have high heat resistance, but there are formulas that can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees C and humid environments that Freezer resistant adhesives. Packaging comes in a wide variety of materials, but even that doesn't affect the use of hot glue as it can adhere firmly to all types of paper, cardboard, and plastics, as well as a variety of other substrates. Hot melt products are available in bulk, which makes them cost effective.

Hot melt adhesive laboratory at Intercol

Foam gluing

For foam bonding, a water-based adhesive is the best option in terms of bond quality, comfort, and long-term durability, while also offering the added benefit of being environmentally friendly and safe for your employees. However, if your production process does not allow the processing time of a water-based adhesive, or if your substrates are not fully compatible with a water-based adhesive, then hot melt is a very sensible alternative.