Bio-based hot melt adhesive that performs even in cold-chain packaging
Sonja Ulma
KIILTO
Kiilto expands its range of bio-based adhesives with the new Kiiltomelt EVO R 20 hot melt adhesive. Made from 97% biobased raw materials, the fast-setting adhesive withstands freezing temperatures, provides excellent adhesion to recycled cardboard and performs reliably in all types of food packaging. The new adhesive supports circularity and is easy to implement on existing production lines.
97% BIO-BASED RAW MATERIALS
The new developed adhesive is an almost entirely biobased hot melt adhesive – one of the first on the market.
97% of its raw materials come from renewable sources. A part of the bio-based content is calculated using the mass balance method.
“Packaging manufacturers increasingly want to use sustainable, fibre-based materials. When the packaging itself is bio-based, it’s important that the adhesive supports the same goal. Bio-based adhesives help reduce the overall carbon footprint of packaging,” says Maija Kulla-Pelonen, Product Development Manager at Kiilto. Kiilto’s RDI work has long focused on bio-based adhesives. The aim is to continuously increase the share of renewable raw materials, and the product range is now more bio-based than ever.
STRONG ADHESION TO RECYCLED CARDBOARD
An increasing share of cardboard packaging is made from recycled fibres. These fibres tend to be less uniform than virgin ones, making the cardboard’s surface denser and less porous. This makes bonding more difficult and puts high requirements on the adhesive. The new adhesive was developed to meet this challenge.
The fast-setting adhesive provides excellent adhesion to both virgin and recycled cardboard and can be used as such in cardboard recycling processes.
PERFORMS RELIABLY EVEN IN COLD-CHAIN PACKAGING
Adhesives used in food packaging must withstand a lot. They need to withstand temperature variations as well as the entire packaging lifecycle – from transport and storage to shelf life and use. Kiiltomelt EVO R 20 maintains its strength even in refrigerated and freezing conditions, where many conventional packaging adhesives lose their strength. The adhesive’s thermal stability makes it an excellent choice for frozen ready meals and other cold-chain packaging.
EASY TO IMPLEMENT ON PRODUCTION LINES
The new adhesive works with the same application methods as other hot melt adhesives, requiring no changes to the production process. The adhesive has been tested under industrial conditions, and new pilot runs are currently taking place on customers’ production lines. In addition to food packaging, the adhesive is also suitable for other applications where strong adhesion, renewable raw materials and durability in varying temperatures are required.
MORE BIO-BASED OPTIONS FOR PACKAGING
Kiilto’s comprehensive range of bio-based packaging adhesives already includes Pro Pack Eco dispersion adhesives as well as the world’s first biodegradable hot melt adhesive Kiilto Biomelt. Kiiltomelt EVO R 20 now expands the portfolio with the highest bio-based content to date.
“It’s great that we can offer the packaging industry a nearly fully bio-based hot melt adhesive that performs just as well – and in some applications even better – than conventional options. This helps our customers reduce their use of fossilbased raw materials and minimise the environmental impact of their packaging,” says Maija Kulla-Pelonen.