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scale ovens, manufacturers can signifi cantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint. Since UV hot melt adhesives set faster, the production process becomes more effi cient. This increases output and enables manufacturers to complete more adhesive applications in less time, improving overall productivity. By switching to UV hot melt adhesives, companies can also reduce their carbon emissions as less energy consumption means fewer greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. This aligns with global sustainability eff orts and helps businesses meet carbon reduction targets.
3. SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT: PROTECTING WORKERS’ HEALTH While converters using solvent-based adhesives should always use necessary safeguards to protect workers, eliminating risks entirely is always best. Fortunately, UV hot melt off ers an immediate opportunity to eliminate solvent related risks at the converter.
HEALTH HAZARDS OF SOLVENT-BASED PSAS Solvent-based adhesives contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to workers when inhaled. Fumes released by these adhesives contain VOCs,
which can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea and respiratory problems. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic health issues, including lung damage and nervous system disorders.
Direct contact with solvent-based PSAs can cause skin irritation, burns and allergic reactions. Workers handling these adhesives should always wear protective gloves and clothing to avoid exposure, adding additional safety costs and discomfort in the workplace.
Another major risk of solvent-based PSAs is their high fl ammability. Many solvent-based adhesives are highly fl ammable, meaning they must be stored and handled with extreme caution to prevent workplace fi res and explosions. This increases hazards in production facilities, requiring additional safety measures and fi re prevention systems.
UV HOT MELT: A SAFER ALTERNATIVE UV hot melt adhesives eliminate the risk of toxic fumes as they are completely solvent-free. This means workers do not have to worry about inhaling dangerous chemicals, creating a healthier work environment.
Unlike solvent-based adhesives, UV hot melt adhesives are non-fl ammable, removing the need for costly fi re prevention systems. This makes
production areas much safer and signifi cantly reduces the risk of accidents or workplace fi res.
CONCLUSION: THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE ADHESIVES
As industries move towards more sustainable solutions, UV hot melt adhesives are becoming a viable alternative to solvent-based PSAs for many converters who want to reduce energy costs and meet sustainability targets. At present, there are still many applications where solvent-based adhesives must be used to achieve the necessary properties, albeit UV hot melt is catching up in this regard. However, in the applications where UV hot melt is a viable alternative, the switch from solvent- based PSAs to UV hot melt can off er converters several benefi ts, such as reduced energy consumption, ensuring a safer, greener working environment and ensuring sustainability criteria is met by eliminating solvent emissions.
To learn how GEW can support your conversion to UV hot melt, contact GEW on the details below: Jamie Neill
Sales Manager, UK +44 7793 042 467
enquiries@gewuv.com
www.convertermag.com
April 2025
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