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Three reasons why UV hot melt off ers a sustainable alternative to solvent-based PSAs
WHY UV HOT MELT IS BECOMING AN ALTERNATIVE
Unlike solvent-based PSAs, UV hot melt adhesives are 100 percent solvent-free. This means that they do not release harmful VOCs into the air, making them a cleaner and safer option for manufacturers and workers.
Since UV hot melt adhesives do not emit VOCs, they eliminate the need for air purifi cation systems, saving businesses costs on compliance with environmental regulations. This also means companies can avoid fi nes and penalties for exceeding emission limits.
Using UV hot melt adhesives contributes to a lower carbon footprint as the production process does not involve the release of solvent-based pollutants. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative that aligns with sustainability initiatives across various industries.
2. LOWER ENERGY CONSUMPTION: A MORE EFFICIENT PROCESS
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n today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, sustainability has become a major driving force behind innovation. Adhesive technology is no exception, as companies look for eco-friendly solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. One area where sustainability is gaining traction is in pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). Traditionally, solvent-based PSAs have been widely used in industries such as packaging, automotive, textiles and electronics. However, with growing concerns over volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and high energy consumption, industries are turning to UV hot melt adhesives, where the desired properties can be achieved, as a more sustainable, cost-eff ective alternative.
This article explores why UV hot melt adhesives are becoming a popular alternative to solvent-based PSAs. Here are three key reasons why making the switch to UV hot melt is a step toward a more sustainable future:
1. ZERO SOLVENT EMISSIONS: A CLEANER PRODUCTION PROCESS AND MEETING SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS
One of the most pressing issues with solvent-based PSAs is their reliance on chemical solvents. Solvents serve as a necessary carrier that dissolves the adhesive compound making it easier to apply, but due to their nature, they present some environmental, safety and health-related hazards.
THE PROBLEM WITH SOLVENT-BASED PSAS Solvent-based PSAs contain VOCs that evaporate into the air during application. These emissions contribute to air pollution which can pose health risks to workers, albeit most western manufacturing facilities now have safeguards in place to keep workers protected when running solvent processes.
When VOCs are released, they react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere, leading to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog, which have harmful eff ects on both human health and the environment. Regulations often require evaporated solvents to be incinerated in an after- burner / oxidiser prior to release. This adds another cost and another step to converting. Governments and environmental agencies worldwide are tightening regulations on VOC emissions to reduce their impact on the environment. While this has been common practice in western manufacturing, it is now being addressed in the east as well. Emissions permits are becoming more diffi cult to obtain and come with increasingly tighter limits on what can be released to the atmosphere. Manufacturers using solvent-based adhesives are required to invest in air purifi cation and waste disposal systems and periodically measure and report the quality of the emitted air. Both increase operational expenses, although both are costs that many converters already bear.
Another major sustainability challenge with solvent- based PSAs is their energy-intensive manufacturing process. This not only drives up operational costs, but also increases carbon footprint.
THE HIGH ENERGY DEMAND OF SOLVENT- BASED PSAS
Solvent-based adhesives require long, thermally intensive, drying ovens to evaporate solvents and set the adhesive properly. These dryers consume large amounts of energy to speed up solvent evaporation. These ovens must be operated continuously during production, leading to an increase in electricity or fuel consumption.
Extended processing times further add to energy waste. Since solvent-based adhesives need additional drying time, manufacturers must keep production lines running for longer periods, using up more power and reducing overall effi ciency. Cooling systems are another hidden energy drain in the solvent-based PSA process. After being exposed to high heat, materials must be cooled down before they can be handled or packaged, requiring even more energy consumption in the form of cooling tunnels, chilled rollers or refrigeration units.
HOW UV HOT MELT SAVES ENERGY UV hot melt adhesives off er a more energy-effi cient solution because they cure instantly when exposed to UV light, eliminating the need for heat-intensive drying processes. Without the requirement for large-
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April 2025
www.convertermag.com
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