The flexible packaging industry is increasingly favting polyurethane adhesives (PU adhesives), mainly because they can fully meet the comprehensive requirements of modern packaging for performance, safety, efficiency and environmental protection, and are an ideal choice to replace traditional solvent-based adhesives and single-performance adhesives. Its core advantages are reflected in the following aspects:
First of all, the outstanding composite performance is the fundamental basis for the establishment of polyurethane adhesives. It has excellent bonding strength to a variety of substrates such as BOPP, PET, aluminum foil, nylon, PE, CPP, etc., demonstrating outstanding initial tack force and final peel strength. It has excellent film-forming properties, is highly flexible and durable, and can withstand the erosion of the contents (such as acid, spiciness, oil, and salt), high-temperature steaming (above 121℃), freezing, and dropping. This fully ensures the integrity of the packaging bags during transportation, storage, and use, and extends their shelf life.
Secondly, adaptability to environmental protection and safety is the key driving force. With increasingly strict environmental protection regulations (such as VOCs emission limits) and food safety standards, the development of
Polyurethane Adhesive systems perfectly aligns with this trend. Solvent-free polyurethane adhesives are formed through 100% solid content reaction, achieving zero VOCs emissions, improving the working environment, reducing safety risks, and meeting the requirements of green production. Meanwhile, the technology of waterborne polyurethane adhesives is also constantly advancing. These eco-friendly products have extremely low residual solvents after compounding, effectively preventing contamination of the packaged contents (especially food) and ensuring the health and safety of consumers.
Furthermore, its excellent processing applicability and production efficiency are highly favored by manufacturers. Whether it is the rapid coating and immediate curing of solvent-free laminating machines or dry laminating processes, polyurethane adhesives can provide a good operating window and process tolerance, and are easy to adjust to adapt to different production line speeds and laminating structures. Solvent-free products can significantly reduce energy consumption and increase production speed as they do not require drying tunnels, thereby lowering the overall production cost.
In conclusion, polyurethane adhesives, with their core advantages such as excellent comprehensive performance, environmental protection, safety and compliance, and high processing efficiency, have successfully addressed many challenges faced by the flexible packaging industry in high-quality, diversified and fast-paced production, and have become the mainstream choice in the current and future markets.
