Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP) are advancing the development of environmentally friendly, biobased adhesives for folding boxes, commonly used to package products like cereals, electronics, and medications. And while folding boxes made from paper and cardboard are already sustainable due to their recyclability and biodegradability, the current reliance on fossil-based adhesives limits their overall eco-friendliness.
Nowadays, the industry standard for adhesives in folding box production involves synthetic polymer-based dispersion adhesives. To improve sustainability, Fraunhofer IAP is collaborating with industry and academic partners to create biobased adhesives using renewable resources, such as starch.
According to Dr. Jens Buller, head of the Starch Modification and Molecular Properties Department, successful adhesives for high-speed folding box production must meet high standards for application quality, curing time, and initial tack. The team is focusing on modified starch products, which can enhance adhesive properties and performance.
Recent tests have shown that these biobased adhesives perform well in high-speed production, demonstrating strong initial adhesion and stability under humidity and temperature variations. Dr. Buller noted the holistic approach taken in the development process, considering how the adhesives interact with production equipment and environmental conditions.
The Fraunhofer IAP researchers believe that these biobased starch adhesives could effectively replace synthetic options, significantly enhancing recyclability and paving the way for fully sustainable packaging solutions.
