TOP 4 COMMON ADHESIVE PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD KNOW If you’re like many manufacturers, you may experience a problem with adhesives on your packaging line, leading to slower packaging, higher expenses, and the potential of product damage or loss. Let’s take a look at some of the most common adhesive problems manufacturers face today, and explore possible adhesive solutions.

PROBLEM 1

USING TOO LITTLE ADHESIVE If your packages are accidentally opening during the assembly, storage or distribution process, it’s likely a sign that you’re using too little adhesive. While you may be trying to use less adhesive as a way to help lower your overall packaging cost, you’re being pennywise and pound foolish. The time and effort it takes to go back and re-apply adhesive to open cases — not to mention the costs of products that are lost or damaged due to packaging that falls apart — will far outweigh any potential savings. Make sure you’re using enough adhesive to form a secure bond.

PROBLEM 2

USING TOO MUCH ADHESIVE The flipside of the problem mentioned above, using too much adhesive brings its own problems. Not only is it wasteful and expensive, but it may lead to additional packaging issues such as an extra long set time, or stringing glue that mars the package’s exterior. When it comes to adhesives, more isn’t necessarily better. Work with your adhesive supplier to determine just how much adhesive you need for your application.

PROBLEM 3

NOT CONSIDERING TEMPERATURE EXTREMES It’s important that you keep temperature and humidity/moisture levels in mind when selecting the right adhesive for your packaging needs so that you don’t end up with issues. Remember to consider not only the temperature of your product when it is placed in the packaging, but also the temperatures your product will be exposed to during the production, storage and distribution process.

Some types of adhesives perform better at extremely high temperatures and moisture levels, while others are better suited for extremely cold temperatures and low humidity levels. Work with your glue supplier to explore adhesives that are best suited to your specific needs.

PROBLEM 4

USING THE WRONG GLUE PATTERN The glue pattern you select — along with the pattern’s length, width, compression requirements, type of glue, and even age/maintenance level of your equipment — all have an impact in determining just the right amount of adhesive to use. Also, if you use the wrong glue pattern you could be wasting money creating less-than-ideal package bonds.

To determine your ideal glue pattern, figure out what you want your end user to experience. Does the package need to be difficult to get into, or should it be relatively easy to open? Is the glue bond part of the structure of the package? Do you need the package to indicate if tampering/previous opening has occurred? Share your answers with your glue supplier, who can help you make informed decisions based on your requirements and your end-user goals.