Sticking to your goals

15 April 2013



With a global population more than doubling over the last 60 years, and emerging markets changing the economic landscape, striving to be ever more sustainable is an essential element of nearly all manufacturing, and more so with packaging. Per-Olof Algotsson, business director of HB Fuller’s packaging solutions in EIMEA and managing director of HB Fuller Deutschland, looks at the situation from an adhesives perspective and explains how the choice of adhesive in packaging goods can help


Adhesive, while a relatively small element of packaging solutions, plays a vital role in sustainability. Choosing the right product can really make a difference to operational efficiencies, the working environment, waste reduction and the quality of the end product.


In the current marketplace the consumer is looking for packaging products which are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. However most are reluctant to pay the associated price of being totally green and there is an increasing focus on sustainable products and processes.

Sustainability plans incorporate environmental considerations and other business elements, which all contribute to long-term survival and growth. These include healthy working environments, efficient industry practices and, importantly, the balancing of the books.

Everyday difference
Take a moment to consider how your own world is constantly changing because of adhesive innovation. Think about the number of products you use daily that are 'glued' rather than welded or nailed. Through advancement in chemical bonding, products are being created quicker, cheaper, lighter and in a greater variety of forms than ever before, allowing manufacturers to achieve more with less.

This trend is set to continue, as is the impact and opportunity created by adhesive innovation. Therefore, it makes sense that the choice of adhesive can facilitate sustainability via its impact on areas such as efficiency, flexibility, product quality, process, cleanliness, waste, and operating conditions.

High performance benefits
HB Fuller continuously invests in research and development to create high performance products which help customers be more sustainable. In practical terms, products such as Advantra Premium Hot Melt adhesives have been shown to deliver significant operational benefits to the packaging industry. The line's high performance formulation creates the same bond with less adhesive than some alternative products, lowering the environmental impact through reduced raw material usage and supply mileage.

As a clean running product, there are efficiency gains too with less line outages - planned and unplanned, and reduced waste from cleaning and application failures. High performance delivers more precise adhesive application and low odour, resulting in better operating conditions and an improvement in the health and safety of your staff.

Fine-tuning in partnership
Business partnerships are an essential aspect of achieving your sustainability goals. To meet ever-changing market demands manufacturers need to evolve and continuously improve. This can mean fine-tuning the production line to make sure the people, machines, products and processes are working at their most efficient and effective.

HB Fuller works with customers providing the necessary support needed to get the best from the production line. Periodic line audits performed by technical experts are a critical service to help ensure optimally running lines. Audits ensure machine efficiency through measuring hose and nozzle pressures, adhesive placement and consumption, as well as cleanliness, which all contribute to maintaining and improving operational efficiency.

House in order
In addition to helping customers achieve their sustainability goals, we are continuously striving to optimise HB Fuller facilities through operational and process improvements, as well as technological advancement. As part of our sustainability efforts, we aim to create value for customers while minimising the environmental impact of adhesive production.

This means engaging our employees so they can play their part in ensuring safety and wellness, enabling us to be truly sustainable. Achieving these targets is essential for us, as it is for most businesses, with customers throughout the supply chain wanting information about the sustainability credentials of suppliers.

This is why we are so delighted to be named one of the world's most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute - a leading international organisation in the creation, advancement and sharing of best practice, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability.

Sustainability into the future
The interdependence of our world and our industry makes sustainability a fundamental part of modern business success. With over 125 years of focusing on industrial adhesive development, HB Fuller is well placed to support customers in their choice and use of adhesives. By selecting the right products and working in partnership to fine-tune performance, manufacturers can make significant strides towards their sustainability goals, and in turn make a difference to global sustainability.

The author's views expressed on this page may not be shared by this publication

www.hbfuller.com




Privacy Policy
We have updated our privacy policy. In the latest update it explains what cookies are and how we use them on our site. To learn more about cookies and their benefits, please view our privacy policy. Please be aware that parts of this site will not function correctly if you disable cookies. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.