Shipping boxes play an important role in sending goods across without any kind of damage or mishap. A strong shipping box consists of a lot of its constituents, such as glue, and one has to know what to look for while purchasing the same.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors to consider, the best glue options, and tips for achieving a strong bond.
Why Glue is Essential for Corrugated Cardboard?
Corrugated card board is a firm yet flexible material, and it requires an appropriate glue to remain intact. The adhesive for corrugated boxes should have the following properties:
- Strong Bond: The corrugated fluted layers and liners of the cardboard must remain bonded together for strength.
- Resistant to Environmental Conditions: The glue must resist temperature, humidity, etc.
- Economical: This is one of the important issues for mass-scale packaging industries. Cost-effective.
- Machine Friendly: For industrial applications, such as application through automatic application equipment.
Some Parameters While Selecting Glue
The following parameters need to be kept in mind while choosing the best glue for corrugated cardboard shipping boxes:
Type of Box:
- A single-wall, double-wall, or triple-wall box would necessitate different strength adhesives.
- Special coating or lamination on the box may require special glue.
Purpose:
- Light or heavy material
- For storage
Environmental Conditions:
- The temperature at which the shipping is done.
- Humidity levels when in storage of the corrugated boxes are prone to moisture, so use water-resistant adhesives.
Application Process:
Determine whether glue will be applied by hand or through automated machines.
Safety and Environment:
- Use eco-friendly adhesives that cause minimum harm to the environment
- Non-toxic low-VOC glue is suitable for green companies.
Recommended Adhesives for Shipping Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
Among the best types of glue for corrugated cardboard are those manufactured specifically for specific applications and conditions:
Hot Melt Glue
The most common adhesive used for corrugated cardboard shipping boxes is hot melt glue. Hot melt is applied in its molten state and dries within a very short period when cooled down to create a strong bonding.
Advantages:
- Dries very fast
- Tensile strength is very high. Good for heavy-duty boxes
- Suitable for automatic systems
- Water-resistant and durable
- Applications: Heavy-duty shipping and high-volume packaging operations.
PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) Glue
Synonyms: White glue and PVA adhesives are water-based and one of the adhesives most widely used in bonding paper or cardboard.
Advantages:
- It is easy to apply.
- It is inexpensive and widely available.
- Environmentally friendly alternatives are available.
Disadvantages:
- Dries slower than hot melt adhesive.
- Will not tolerate exposure to moisture.
Recommended Applications: Lightweight shipping boxes and for manual application.
Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA)
Pressure-sensitive adhesives are used as a tape or pre-coated layer, which dries on contact once pressure is applied
Advantages:
- Easy application process.
- No drying time is required to bond.
- Clean and crisp for sealing box flaps.
Disadvantages:
- Not very strong for heavy-duty applications.
- Best For: Sealing lightweight boxes and e-commerce packaging.
Epoxy Glue
Epoxy adhesives are extremely strong and durable, hence best suited for particular applications.
Benefits:
- Extremely strong bonding.
- Resistant to temperature and moisture.
Drawbacks:
- Expensive.
- Requires to be treated with care and adequate curing time.
- Good For: High-value or delicate goods that need added care.
Starch-Based Glue
Starch-based adhesives have been largely used in the production of corrugated cardboard.
Advantages:
- Non-toxic and biodegradable.
- Relatively inexpensive for bulk production.
Disadvantages:
- Waterproof
- Applicable for Manufacturing processes and general packaging.
Application of Glue
Best Practice to get better bonding strength:
1. Surface Preparing
Needs to be dust-free, oil-free, etc., for effective bonding.
2. Amount Used
It is not so thick that it would make it messy and take more time to dry.
Very weak bonding when too less is applied.
3. Application
The tools can be used for the application to ensure uniform coating by brush, rollers, or automation system.
4. Ensure Adequate Drying Time:
Follow the recommended drying and curing times for water-based or epoxy adhesives.
- Test Before Applying
- Prototype a small-scale version to ensure that the adhesive meets your performance requirements.
Eco-Friendly Adhesive Options
Environmental concerns are increasingly focusing on sustainable packaging, and the adhesive used has become an important contributor. Here are some of the eco-friendly options:
Biodegradable Adhesives:
Adhesives from starch and other biodegradable materials minimize ecological footprint.
Low-VOC Adhesives:
Select adhesives that have low chemical emissions to improve air quality and safety for the workers.
Recyclable Bonds:
The adhesive has no impact on the recyclability of the corrugated cardboard.
Conclusion:
The best glue for corrugated cardboard shipping boxes depends upon the type of box, the application method, and the environmental conditions. Among the most popular are hot melt adhesives because of their strength and quick drying time.
PVA and starch-based glues are the most eco-friendly. Pressure-sensitive adhesives and epoxies offer specific applications in lightweight packaging and high-value shipments.
It holds a lot of value since by understanding this, along with giving priority to sustainability, the solutions for your packaging would not only protect your product but also reach the targets in sustainability.
The difference between small shipments and operating an enormous organization all depends on which right adhesive one needs for safety, security, and eco-friendly packaging. Best Pro Pack is the top-notch wholesale custom corrugated box exporter providing the best quality personalized boxes for everyone!
