(Un)Common Bonds in Adhesives: Stick with US for a Brighter Future

By Univar Solutions

In the realm of manufacturing and product development, the role of adhesives is pivotal yet often understated. From the cars we drive to the smartphones we can't live without, adhesives play a crucial part in assembling components with precision and durability. However, as industries evolve and consumer demands shift toward more sustainable and high-performance products, the adhesives sector is also undergoing a significant transformation. This evolution is not just about enhancing product performance but also about redefining the very fabric of adhesive technologies with a focus on sustainability and rapid development cycles. Univar Solutions and our partner suppliers stand at the forefront of these innovations, helping to guide and assist customers through their development process with our state-of-the-art Solution Centers and market intelligence.

The Evolution of Adhesive Technologies

The journey of adhesive technologies has been marked by continuous innovation, driven by the need to address the ever-growing demands of broadening industries. Traditionally, the focus was primarily on the bonding strength and durability of adhesives. However, the narrative is changing. Today, the industry is witnessing a shift toward developing adhesives that are high-performing, environmentally friendly, and derived from more sustainable raw materials. All while the world of mechanical fasteners is shrinking and losing ground to adhesives based on demands for faster assemblage and lighter-weight solutions.

One of the most exciting advancements taking place in the world of adhesives is the growing demand for bio-based adhesives. These adhesives are derived from renewable resources, such as plant and vegetable sources, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-based materials. Bio-based adhesives are not just a nod towards sustainability but also offer enhanced performance characteristics, such as improved flexibility, better resistance to temperature variations, and greater bonding strength on diverse substrates. And, more choices when it comes to the raw materials for producers.

Most recently, there has been the advent of smart adhesives, which are looking to revolutionize the industry further. These next-generation adhesives can change their properties in response to external stimuli, such as temperature, light, or pressure. This innovative feature opens up new possibilities for applications where traditional adhesives might fail, offering dynamic solutions that can adapt to changing environmental conditions or operational requirements and the possibility of adhesives that can bond and de-bond "on command".

Meeting Higher Performance Demands

As industries push the boundaries of innovation, the demands on adhesive performance have skyrocketed. High-strength, durable, and versatile adhesives are no longer a luxury but a necessity. In aerospace, automotive, and electronics sectors, where the integrity and reliability of components are non-negotiable, adhesives must meet stringent specifications. They must withstand extreme temperatures, resist corrosion, and maintain their bonding strength like in no other application. To meet these demands, adhesive manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development to create new materials and experimenting with novel chemical formulations. The goal is to create adhesives that meet current performance standards while anticipating future needs, ensuring that industries can continue innovating without constraints.

Embracing Sustainability

Even with all those other drivers bolstering a market, there's room for one more. And it's a big driver! The shift toward sustainability is perhaps the most significant step forward for the adhesive sector. With increasing awareness of environmental issues and stricter regulatory requirements, there is a pressing need to develop adhesives that are not only effective but also eco-friendly. This awareness received new vigor during the pandemic when home delivery became king, and the demand for packaging and labeling products went through the roof. Though the pandemic has calmed, people have maintained a high demand for delivered products. This means large retailers and all the myriad other industries utilizing adhesives are looking for ways to do the job of adhering but do it right when it comes to sustainable goals.

This challenge has spurred the development of reduced / zero solvent and water-based adhesives, as well as those containing bio-based and materials with lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. These innovations minimize the environmental impact of adhesives and contribute to safer working conditions for applicators and healthier indoor air quality. Furthermore, the industry is exploring the recycling and reusability of adhesive materials. By designing adhesives that can be easily separated or decomposed at the end of the product's life, manufacturers are paving the way for more sustainable production cycles and reducing the overall carbon footprint of their products. Example: Cars must be disassembled at the end of their life cycle if the manufacturer wants to teach reusability/recyclability. It's easier said than done when you've moved from a bolt to an adhesive holding that body together.

Accelerating Development with Univar Solutions

So what do we do with this seemingly endless string of demands on a mature market? In this rapidly evolving landscape, speed to market is critical. Manufacturers must quickly adapt to changing market demands, regulatory landscapes, and technological advancements. Developers need to understand the tools available to them and how to evaluate if they're on the right track. This is where Univar Solutions plays a pivotal role in collaboration with our partner suppliers. Our Solutions Centers are hubs of innovation, offering customers access to cutting-edge research, technical expertise, and development resources.

At the Univar Solutions Centers, we understand the complexities of adhesive formulation and application. Our teams of experts work closely with customers to navigate their challenges, offering customized solutions that align with their specific requirements. Whether formulating a new bio-based adhesive, optimizing a formulation for better performance, or ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, we provide comprehensive support throughout development.

Our collaboration with leading suppliers ensures that we have access to the latest materials and technologies, enabling us to stay ahead of industry trends and offer our customers innovative solutions that meet the demands of tomorrow. By leveraging our global network, technical expertise, and market insights, we help customers accelerate their development cycles from concept to commercialization.

Looking Toward the Future

The future of adhesion is bright, with endless possibilities for innovation and improvement. As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, the focus will remain on developing stronger, more sustainable, and more adaptable adhesives than ever before. With Univar Solutions and our partner suppliers at your side, navigating the complexities of this ever-changing landscape becomes not just manageable but exciting.

Advancements in adhesive technologies are about creating stronger bonds and building a better, more sustainable future. Truly (Un)Common Bonds. As we look ahead, it's clear that the role of adhesives will only grow more critical, driving innovations that will shape industries for years to come. At Univar Solutions, we're committed to being at the forefront of this journey, empowering our customers to turn their visionary ideas into reality.

The adhesive industry is at a crossroads of performance and sustainability, with rapid development cycles being the key to staying competitive. Univar Solutions and our supplier partners are ready to lead the charge, offering unparalleled expertise and resources through our Solution Centers and field technical specialists. Together, we're not just developing adhesives, but shaping the future of technology and sustainability, forging (Un)Common Bonds.