From the books on our shelves to the packages on our doorsteps, natural adhesives are the unsung heroes that hold us all together. As LD Davis moves closer to celebrating our 100th anniversary next year, we chose to take a deeper look at the versatile natural adhesives that we have come to know so well. Throughout this blog, we will explore the different types of gelatin, liquid, and hot melt glues used in manufacturing a wide range of common items.
Gelatin Glue: A Natural Bond
Gelatin glue is one of the oldest forms of glue. This protein-based adhesive, also sometimes known as protein glue or jelly glue, comes in the shape of a solid cake that can melt in water. Because of its ability to form a strong and rigid bond, gelatin glue has stood the test of time. Thanks to its natural properties, gelatin glue is biodegradable and non-toxic.
As one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of 100% non-toxic, recyclable, and biodegradable gelatin glue, LD Davis’ gelatin glues have been used in many versatile applications:
- Bookbinding (for spines and cases)
- Laminating
- Manufacturing of rigid or luxury boxes
- Match heads
- Woodworking
- Abrasives
- Paper Crimping
Liquid Glues: The Water-Based Duo
Sometimes referred to as white glues, liquid glues are water-based glues used in many applications. They are a popular solution for many adhesive applications because they are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and easily recycled. Because they require no heat before application, they are much safer to handle than other natural adhesives. Like gelatin, these glues are used in many manufacturing applications, like bookbinding and rigid box manufacturing. Liquid glues are also commonly used in laminating, paper straw manufacturing, and food and beverage packaging.
At LD Davis, we manufacture two types of eco-friendly liquid glues:
Dextrin glues: These versatile glues are eco-friendly and water-based. Their clean machining capabilities make them perfect for laminating and other paper goods manufacturing.
Starch Glues: Made from modified vegetable starches to ensure maximum performance, starch glues are found in corrugated boxes, foil laminating, and even wallpaper paste.
Hot Melt Glues: Quick-action Adhesives
When you’re looking for optimal bond strength, hot melt glues are the right solution. These glues are solid, polymer-based glues that contain no solvents or water. Without these, types of glues are not natural; they rapidly reach a peak bond strength. Because they are thermoplastic, they remain solid at room temperature and turn to liquid upon heating. Metal, plastics, and paper bond well with hot melt glues, allowing them to be used in various applications in different industries, from graphic arts and construction to electronics and automotive.
As a distributor of hot melt glue for some of the largest global industrial glue manufacturers, LD Davis provides our customers with three types of hot melt glue.
PUR Glues: Used for perfect binding, PUR glues form a stronger bond than most hot melt and require less to make a solid bond. These glues are used in bookbinding, flooring, and furniture.
Fugitive Glues: Used only once, fugitive glues come in various tack levels. They form a very strong bond that is easily peeled off, like in credit cards or sticky notes.
Metallocene Glues: Made using a metallocene catalyst, these hot melt glues are odorless, resist stringing and charring, and reduce clogging issues. Used in packaging and operations.
Choosing the Right Glue for the Job
Because of their natural properties, gelatin, liquid, and hot melt glues can provide bonding solutions for many major manufacturing industries. Though they each have their own unique properties that set them apart from one another, natural adhesives have been used in ancient bookbinding, all the way through history until the current age of high-speed packaging. Through their versatility, they provide a solution for nearly every purpose.
It will come down to your specific manufacturing needs and requirements to determine exactly which natural adhesive glue is the right choice for you. If you would like more information about LD Davis and our range of natural adhesives or would like to discuss which option is right for you, reach out today!