GLOBAL demand for hot-melt adhesives (HMAs) is on the rise. So much so that Durban-based tape adhesive specialist Absto is now making HMAs part of its product offering.

It’s true that the knowledge and awareness of more sustainable packaging materials is growing. However, it’s often confusing and difficult for some to assess the impact adhesives will have on this industry’s sustainability model because they are a small but nonetheless crucial component of modern packaging.

Founded in 2008, adhesive tape specialist ABSTO is a leader in the converting and distribution of a wide range of innovative tape products. By combining over 60 years of experience, ABSTO’s been able to provide high-quality products and a fresh and dynamic sales strategy.

Through the use of technology, managing director Craig Viljoen believes the company has gained the ability to develop strong partnerships. ABSTO has built an efficient supply chain that enables the sourcing, converting, customising and delivering of tape products in a short turnaround time. ‘Placing service delivery at our core, we constantly work to design new products and have made over 40 variants suited to any tape need,’ Craig comments.

ABSTO’s core market and product is BOPP film carton sealing tape (which comes in various forms and adhesives), water- and solvent-based adhesives and more recently, hot-melt adhesives.

Shift to improved recyclability

During interpack 2023, Craig and his team noticed a seismic shift in trends likely to change the adhesive tape game completely – a greater move towards sustainability and a circular economy. Because of consumers’ desire to improve their environmental footprint, and the market’s demand for recyclable products, Craig says some customers have shifted away from traditional adhesive tape and prefer to use pure glue and other closure systems. ‘ Boxes are able to be sealed by directly applying glue to the corrugated flaps for closure,’ he notes.

The benefit of using pure adhesive systems, says Craig, is the elimination of the plastic from the adhesive tape. The boxes can be recycled without having to dispose of the tape separately.

This trend has prompted Craig and his team to source a variety of pure adhesive products to include in their offering to their customers. These products are currently being trialled and tested in the market.

At the moment, the product will only be an additional offering in ABSTO’s range. ‘While pure hot-melt adhesive has a better bonding ability, there’s a huge capital investment required. The process can be messy and there’s a degree of security risk attached.’

Make it stick

Despite the shift towards pure adhesives for box assembly, ABSTO is proud of its adhesive tape brand, Altezze. Contributing to a more circular economy, Atlezze produces a paper-based carton sealing tape as well as a new recycled PET (rPET) tape where the film is made entirely out of recycled bottles and bottle caps. Altezze is designed to offer customers a diverse selection of products that caters to their packaging, insulation and construction needs.

‘Not only is Altezze a leading adhesive tape brand in South Africa, but its commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and stick quality standards has earned it a reputation for delivering a superior product and experience,’ states Craig Viljoen, ABSTO’s MD.

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