RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT W
ith the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes coming into force, factory managers
now face tougher scrutiny over how the packaging they use performs once it leaves their site. Every component, even adhesives, must be considered to ensure packs are compliant, recyclable and sustainable. For operations teams, this introduces a new
layer of complexity. Adhesives may be a small part of a carton or case, but they can make the difference between a pack that passes through recovery systems smoothly and one that causes problems, from failed recyclability claims to rejection from waste streams. Non-compliance doesn’t just risk fines or penalties. It can also force packaging changes that slow down production and increase costs.
THE HIDDEN IMPACT OF ADHESIVES Unlike carton or film substrates, adhesives aren’t obvious to end consumers, but in recycling and composting facilities they can be the hidden factor that determines whether packaging is processed correctly. A non- compostable glue can invalidate an otherwise compostable pack, while the wrong adhesive can clog pulping or sorting systems. Adhesives that leave behind microplastics add further complications, undermining sustainability commitments and damaging brand reputation. In factories running thousands of packs per hour, these aren’t theoretical issues. The adhesive used to close a case or assemble a tray directly impacts compliance, efficiency and waste management outcomes.
THE COMPLIANCE CHALLENGE FOR FACTORIES Factory managers already juggle speed, efficiency and cost. Adding sustainability and compliance into the mix means adhesives need closer attention than ever before. The challenge is threefold: First, packaging claims such as ‘recyclable’
or ‘compostable’ must be backed up by certified testing. Without the right documentation, even well-intentioned claims may not stand up to scrutiny. Second, adhesives must bond securely to the substrates being used, from corrugated board to coated papers or films, without compromising recyclability or recovery. Finally, sustainable solutions must still support operational efficiency. No one can afford slower lines, inconsistent bonds, or costly stoppages caused by adhesive issues. The wrong adhesive doesn’t just create
problems at the recycling plant; it creates waste and inefficiency inside the factory too.
ADHESIVES AS PART OF SMARTER WASTE STRATEGIES For operations teams, effective waste management starts on the line. Choosing the right adhesive means selecting products that are proven to work with recovery systems. Compostable grades tested to EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 standards, for example, or
HOW ADHESIVES IMPACT RECYCLABILITY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
By Alex Zulewski, Commercial Manager, Power Adhesives
Waste management is no longer something factories can leave for others to solve further down the supply chain
recyclable hot melts that wash out cleanly during paper pulping. Equally important is working with suppliers
who can provide certification, traceability and clear technical data. Factories need assurance that their adhesives are compliant, not just effective in use. The best solutions also support line efficiency, bonding fast and cleanly with minimal waste, ensuring sustainability does not come at the expense of throughput.
INNOVATION DRIVING CHANGE Adhesives have long been treated as a fixed necessity, but that mindset is shifting. New formulations are being developed specifically with compliance and waste management in mind. Power Adhesives, for instance, launched the world’s first certified biodegradable hot melt adhesive, Tecbond 214B, and has since expanded this into a full range. These adhesives bond packaging securely while breaking down at the end of life, leaving no residues or microplastics and backed by certification. For factory managers, this means packing
lines can keep moving at full speed while still supporting compliance and sustainability targets. Adhesives are no longer just the invisible part of the process, they are now a lever for meeting both operational and regulatory demands.
LOOKING AHEAD Waste management and compliance pressures will only grow. New rules are already moving towards full traceability, meaning every material on the line, adhesives included, must be accounted for. At the same time, consumer and retailer expectations are pushing for packaging that is both sustainable and provably recyclable or compostable. Factory managers need to treat adhesives as part of the bigger compliance equation, not just a tool for sticking packaging shut. By choosing certified products and working with knowledgeable suppliers, operations teams can keep their packing lines efficient today while ensuring their packaging stands up to tomorrow’s regulations. Adhesives may be small, but their impact
on waste management and compliance is significant. In the current regulatory landscape, the glue really does matter.
Power Adhesives
www.poweradhesives.com 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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