Sustainable converting
ADDEV MATERIALS - Optimising material use and reducing waste through adhesive tape converting
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n a context where industrial performance increasingly depends on both operational effi ciency and environmental responsibility, adhesive tape converting has become a powerful driver of progress. By transforming large rolls into tailor-made formats through slitting or die-cutting, ADDEV Materials converting capacities enable manufacturers to use the right material in the right quantity. More than a simple customisation step, it is a strategic lever for improving resource effi ciency, reducing waste and strengthening production reliability.
USING THE EXACT AMOUNT OF MATERIAL NEEDED
A key advantage of adhesive tape converting is its ability to deliver components that match the exact geometry and performance required by the application. Instead of cutting material directly on the production line or relying on oversized formats, converters supply parts dimensioned to the customer’s specifi cations. This precision eliminates unnecessary oversizing and generates immediate material savings. In industries such as automotive, electronics, renewable energy and mobility, reducing each component by even a few millimeters can signifi cantly decrease annual consumption of tapes, fi lms, foams and protective materials. By avoiding the systematic overuse of materials, companies reduce their procurement costs and environmental footprint.
LIMITING RAW MATERIAL WASTE Converting techniques also drastically reduce the scrap generated during manufacturing. When materials are processed into their fi nal shape at a converter’s facility, digital layout tools and high- precision cutting technologies optimise the use of each roll and minimise off cuts. Converters select the most suitable technology, rotary die-cutting, fl atbed cutting, or laser cutting, depending on the material and design complexity. This expertise ensures tight tolerances, excellent repeatability and minimal non-conforming parts. Less waste upstream means fewer handling, sorting, or recycling steps on the customer’s production line, improving both sustainability and productivity.
REDUCING PRODUCTION TIME AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Beyond material optimisation, adhesive tape converting has a direct impact on manufacturing effi ciency. Receiving parts already cut, identifi ed and ready to apply dramatically reduces installation time. Instead of manual trimming, a repetitive and error-prone task, operators can focus on assembly and quality control. Shorter assembly steps translate into lower energy consumption. Machines run fewer hours, production fl ows faster and supporting systems such as lighting, ventilation, or compressed-air networks operate for shorter periods. Converting also enables the creation of pre-assembled multi-layer laminates that replace several on- line operations, further reducing handling steps, energy usage and ergonomic strain on operators.
IMPROVING QUALITY AND REDUCING LOSSES FROM NON-CONFORMING PRODUCTS
Non-quality is a significant source of waste. Poorly cut or inaccurately sized adhesive
components can cause assembly defects, rework, or product rejection. Converting ensures tight dimensional control and perfect repeatability, reinforcing the reliability of adhesive integration.
Customised shapes also improve functional performance, whether the goal is bonding, sealing, damping, thermal management, or surface protection. More accurate parts reduce the risk of premature failures and increase the durability of the final product. To further secure assembly, converters can integrate features such as liners with tabs or positioning aids, reducing variability and ensuring consistent quality.
A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE AND EFFICIENT MANUFACTURING
Adhesive tape converting is ultimately a strategic approach that aligns productivity with sustainability. By enabling industries to consume only what is necessary, minimise waste, shorten production cycles and reduce energy usage, it strengthens both operational performance and environmental stewardship. As industries transition toward low-impact, resource-effi cient processes, converting will play an increasingly essential role, helping manufacturers use materials more precisely, reliably, and sustainably. In short, converting enables companies to produce better — with less. In 2023, ADDEV Materials launched an initiative to recycle technical waste by repurposing scraps from adhesive rolls into adhesive disks. These were repackaged and sold online. Originally intended for industrial use, the adhesive quality also fits a wide range of everyday consumer applications. After a successful pilot at the Wittelsheim site in France, where several hundred packs were sold, the project is now set for expansion. ADDEV aims to apply the concept to other types of waste or unsold products and deploy it across additional industrial sites in France and abroad. The objective is clear: promote material circularity while reducing waste management costs. In 2025, ADDEV Materials has been awarded platinum medal by Ecovadis ranking us among the top 1 per cent of the world’s most sustainable industrial companies.
24
Dec 2025/Jan 2026
www.convertermag.com
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