As industries worldwide strive to reduce their environmental footprint, one area gaining significant attention is the replacement of petroleum-based adhesives with bio-based alternatives. Adhesives are often overlooked in discussions on sustainability, yet they play a critical role in product assembly across sectors—from packaging and automotive to electronics and furniture. This blog explores how bio-based adhesives are driving innovation in sustainable manufacturing, offering both performance and environmental benefits.
You may interested in: What is Self-degradable Adhesive Tape? Comprehensive Guide to Self-degradable Adhesive Tape
What Are Bio-Based Adhesives?
Bio-based adhesives are bonding agents derived from once-living organisms such as starch, lignin, soy protein, natural rubber, or cellulose. Unlike conventional adhesives made from petrochemical derivatives, these adhesives aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while lowering greenhouse gas emissions during production and end-of-life disposal.
Why Manufacturers Are Making the Shift toward Bio-based Adhesive
1. Environmental Compliance and Circular Economy Goals
As environmental regulations tighten and brands commit to net-zero emissions, manufacturers are integrating greener materials into their processes. Bio-based adhesives align with sustainability certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, and ISO 14001 by reducing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and enabling more recyclable and compostable end products.
2. Resource Renewability
Fossil-based adhesives are inherently finite. Bio-based adhesives, by contrast, are derived from renewable agricultural or forestry residues, contributing to a more circular economy. Some even enable closed-loop systems where both substrate and adhesive are compostable or recyclable.
3. Improved Health & Safety
Many bio-based adhesives contain fewer toxic ingredients and release lower emissions during application, creating safer working conditions for operators and reducing indoor air pollutants.
Prostech’s Bio-Based Adhesive Solutions
At Prostech, we are committed to promoting sustainable materials usage through advanced adhesive technologies. Our range of bio-based adhesives is designed to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources and lower carbon emissions, supporting industries in their journey toward greener, more responsible production. Some of our featured bio-based adhesive technologies are:
Bio-Based Thread Sealant Adhesive
Our bio-based thread sealant, compliant with ISO16620:2015, is engineered to deliver high sealing performance while incorporating over 50% renewable carbon content. Ideal for sealing metal threaded pipe joints, it is also suitable for threadlocking coarse nuts and bolts. Key features and benefits are:
- 50% certified bio-based content
- Seals effectively against liquids and gases
- Compatible with standard anaerobic application processes
- Excellent environmental and chemical resistance
- Comparable strength and shelf life to traditional thread sealants
Bio Based adhesive thread sealant test results
| Zinc coated | Black Iron | Stainless Steel | |
| Fixture time | 20 min | 5 min | 20 min |
| Initial torque | 20 N·m (180 in·lb) | 14 N·m (124 in·lb) | 6 N·m (53 in·lb) |
| Prevail | 13 N·m (115 in·lb) | 10 N·m (89 in·lb) | 10 N·m (89 in·lb) |
(Source: Permabond)
Overall, these characteristics are consistent with the typical performance of standard anaerobic thread sealants. Moreover, the shelf life of our bio-based adhesive is on par with that of traditional options. Interested in switching to a more sustainable solution? Contact us today to learn more about our bio-based thread sealants.
Floor Adhesives with Plant-Based Content
Our soft floor adhesive solutions feature Glass Ball Technology—a formulation innovation using hollow glass microspheres and plant-derived resins and plasticizers. This technology significantly reduces product density and carbon footprint while ensuring high-performance adhesion. Key features and benefits are:
- ~35% organic, renewable content
- Ultra-low VOC emissions for healthier indoor air
Ideal for PVC floors, carpets, and acoustic coverings - Helps reduce petroleum-based raw material consumption
Featured products: Bostik STIX A600 EVOLUTION, Bostik STIX A800 PREMIUM
Hot Melt Adhesives
- Hot Melt Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (HMPSA), known for their low VOC formulations, fast setting times, and excellent tack properties. These are ideal for applications such as labels, tapes, automotive components, flexible packaging, and absorbent hygiene products.
- Hot Melt Polyamide Adhesives (HMPA), which are 100% solid, solvent-free resins formulated for high durability, thermal resistance, and low-temperature impact performance. These adhesives are perfect for use in automotive filters, electronic low-pressure molding, and woodworking.
- Specialty Hot Melts, including pellets, powders, films, and webs, formulated with up to 80% bio-based polymer content. Designed for coating, bonding, and lamination, they support easy recycling and end-of-life separation thanks to their thermoplastic nature.
Featured Products: Bostik TLH 9100 E, THERMELT 867 Natural, Jowatherm® PUR GROW 631.20/853.20 & 853.22/105.85
Ready to Make the Sustainable Switch?
At Prostech, we believe that sustainable manufacturing starts with smarter material choices. Our bio-based adhesive solutions are engineered to deliver high performance while helping you reduce your environmental impact. Whether you’re looking to improve product recyclability, lower VOC emissions, or meet green certification standards, our technical team is here to help you find the right adhesive for your application. Contact us today to explore how Prostech’s bio-based adhesives can power your sustainability goals—without compromising on quality.
