(Un)Common Bonds: The Chemistry Behind Everyday Connections

Adhesives are quietly holding together the things we rely on daily. From the soles of our shoes to the screens we swipe, they're the invisible force behind modern life. But behind every bond is a blend of chemistry and innovation and an entire industry ready to support what’s needed. That’s where Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions comes in.

Our Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers (CASE) team works with customers across the adhesive industry to deliver specialty ingredients and technical support that help bring formulations to life. Whether it's for packaging, automotive, electronics, or construction, we understand the nuances of adhesion and the performance demands that come with it. With access to a global network of suppliers and our own Solution Centers, we help customers move from concept to commercialization at the pace they need.

The Evolution of Performance in Adhesives

Adhesive technologies have come a long way. What started as a focus on bonding strength and durability has evolved into a pursuit of smarter, lighter, and more sustainable solutions. Industries are demanding more from their adhesives such as performance under extreme conditions, compatibility with diverse substrates, and faster assembly times.

Mechanical fasteners are increasingly being replaced by adhesives that offer weight reduction, and improved efficiency. In sectors like aerospace, automotive, and electronics, adhesives must withstand high temperatures, resist corrosion, and maintain integrity under stress. These are engineered materials designed to perform.

One of the most exciting developments is the rise of bio-based and water-based adhesives. Derived from renewable sources like plants and vegetables, these adhesives reduce reliance on fossil fuels while offering impressive performance benefits. Improved flexibility, temperature resistance, and strong bonding on various surfaces make them viable alternatives to traditional formulations.

Then there’s the emergence of smart adhesives. These are formulations that respond to external stimuli like heat, light, or pressure. These can bond and de-bond as needed and they open up new possibilities for dynamic applications.

At Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions, we’re helping customers navigate this evolution. Our technical experts and supplier partners are constantly exploring new chemistries and performance profiles to meet the changing needs of manufacturers. Whether it's developing adhesives for high-performance electronics or lightweight automotive components, we’re here to support innovation every step of the way.

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Formulating for the Future

Sustainability has become a driver for innovation in the market. In today's economic climate, it's easy for sustainability goals to take a back seat to cost and speed. Still, the pendulum will swing back and when it does, companies that stayed ahead of the curve will be ready.

The adhesive industry is already making strides. Reduced and zero-solvent formulations, water-based systems, and bio-based materials are gaining traction. These innovations help lower VOC emissions, improve indoor air quality, and create safer working environments. They also support broader sustainability goals like recyclability and end-of-life disassembly, which are critical in sectors like automotive and packaging.

At Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions, we believe momentum matters. Even when sustainability isn't the top priority, it's important to keep pushing forward. Our team helps customers explore alternatives without compromising performance. We provide access to the latest materials, regulatory insights, and formulation support to help customers stay competitive and compliant.

Our Technical Superheroes Are Here to Help

Behind every great formulation is a team of technical experts and at Univar Solutions, we've built a network of what we call our "Technical Superheroes." Our CASE team and Solution Centers are designed to help customers tackle their toughest challenges, from ingredient selection to performance testing.

Speed to market is critical. That's why our Solution Centers act as innovation hubs, offering hands-on support and access to cutting-edge technologies. Whether you're developing a new bio-based adhesive, optimizing an existing formula, or navigating regulatory hurdles, our experts are here to help.

We understand that formulating adhesives isn't one-size-fits-all. Every application has its own set of requirements, and our team works closely with customers to create customized solutions. We help evaluate performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance all while keeping development cycles on track.

Our collaboration with leading suppliers means customers get access to the latest materials and insights. We stay ahead of industry trends so our customers can too. In a market that's constantly evolving, having the right technical partner makes all the difference.

(Un)Common Bonds: Adhesive Formulations That Stick

Our "(Un)Common Bonds" campaign celebrates innovation in adhesive formulations. From high-performance industrial adhesives to sustainable packaging solutions, the kit showcases what's possible when chemistry meets creativity.

Each formulation in the kit is designed to address a specific challenge — whether it's bonding dissimilar substrates, reducing VOCs, or improving flexibility. We've included examples of water-based adhesives, bio-based options, and even smart adhesives that respond to applied pressure.

These are strong starting points to consider and discuss with our team of experts. Our goal is to inspire formulators to think differently, experiment, and push the boundaries of what adhesives can do. And with the support of our technical team and supplier partners, customers can take these ideas and turn them into real-world solutions.

Innovation doesn't happen in isolation. It happens through collaboration, experimentation, and a willingness to explore the uncommon. That's what "(Un)Common Bonds" is all about.

Adhesives may be invisible, but their impact is undeniable. At Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions, we're helping customers build stronger, smarter, and more sustainable bonds - literally and figuratively. Learn more about our adhesives and sealants formulation solutions at univarsolutions.com/case.