1. Adhesives
1.1 A vast world of applications
Adhesives are present in everyday life without us even being aware of them. The world of visual communication, decoration and labeling applications is vast and ranges from billboards and shop windows in promotional campaigns to paper for decorating walls and furniture, as well as information labels and signage.
1.2. Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA)
The pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) that currently exist have various formulations and a range of performance from ultra-removable to ultra-permanent adhesion. The most environmentally friendly choices are hot melt adhesives (hotmelt and UV hotmelt) and water-based adhesives, which share the market with solvent-based adhesives.
1.3. Differences that make the difference
1.3.1 Hotmelt adhesives
UV-curable hotmelt adhesives reach a liquid state when heated and react to ultraviolet light, returning to a solid state when cooled. They have strong adhesion power, as well as high resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, UV, oxidation and humidity. Short-, medium- and long-term applications feature superior clarity and color stability.
1.3.2 Water-based adhesives
Water-based adhesives are dissolved in water and form a dry layer when heat is applied and the water evaporates. Water replaces harmful solvents and the production process is more cost-effective than solvent-based adhesives. They have the possibility of coloring the liquid adhesive to generate opacity (greyback) and are suitable for short-term applications.
1.3.3 Solvent-based adhesives
Solvent-based adhesives involve dissolving polymers in solvents through a stirring and heating process. The market chooses them because of their resistance and adhesion capacity, but they are less sustainable and safer for human health and the environment, for example because of the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
1.4. What determines adhesion
Adhesion is determined by three fundamental properties that condition the behavior of materials. These are the ability of the material to adhere at the time of application (Tack), the peeling force (Peel Adhesion) and the cohesion of the bonded materials. All are tested in the laboratory and combined to determine the most suitable formulas for each type of application.
1.4.1. Tack
The initial tack (Tack) ensures that the adhesive remains in the correct position during application. A higher tack means a stronger initial adhesion to the surface, which is useful when adhesion needs to be immediate and firm. On the other hand, a lower tack is preferable when adjustments or repositioning need to be made before final application.
1.4.2 Peel Adhesion
This property refers to the adhesion and force required to remove the adhesive material from the surface, and is influenced by factors such as surface roughness, temperature and environmental conditions. When it is high, the adhesive bond is greater and works better in permanent applications. On the other hand, when it is lower, it is suitable for temporary applications.
1.4.3 Cohesion
Cohesion is related to the bond strength of the adhesive material to the surface and determines the breaking point between the two. It is important that this capacity is high in cases where the adhesive material is subjected to forces applied in opposite directions, which stretch and elongate it, and cuts during its application.
2. Decal® sustainability
2.1 Ecological evolution with BASF quality
As we have already mentioned, the growing awareness of the need to change behavior and reduce the ecological footprint has led to the emergence of adhesives produced in an environmentally responsible way. This is the case with decal® adhesives, developed in conjunction with BASF, which have conquered the market with alternative solutions to less sustainable products for a wide variety of applications.
2.2 Effective and versatile sustainability
Our ecological line for printing and laminating includes the PVC Free range and gives customers confidence with certified self-adhesive products that combine sustainability, quality and versatility. Our UV and water-based hotmelt adhesives (permanent and removable) optimize and make jobs more profitable with the High Tack, GreyBack, Removable Smooth Surface, Dot Matrix and Bubble Free options.
2.3 Changing the future now
The future is not something distant and unattainable. It is built now with solid, conscious decisions and one of them is opting for greener solutions. In visual communication, decoration and labeling applications, choosing products with adhesives that respect the environment without neglecting quality and competitiveness ensures sustainability at all levels. The planet and companies thank you.
