Importance of end-of-line case and carton packaging
End-of-line packaging plays a key role for manufacturers; it’s the last step before a product leaves the factory door on its way to retailers and consumers. Any faults that lead to cases or cartons popping open, unseemly glue staining, or problems opening the package itself, can lead to negative consequences for brands and even jeopardise future business - if the problems are not dealt with sufficiently.
Application-specific hot melts, designed to provide the necessary performance characteristics - be it high or low-temperature performance, moisture resistance, or low odour – reinforce the quality of the packaging, supporting its journey from factory to consumer.
Furthermore, production challenges during case and carton sealing, often related to speed and cost, have a major impact on profitability. Modern adhesive technology can boost productivity as it's designed to run at high speeds, with minimal disruptions due to charring, blockages, or cleaning.
Advantages of hot melts for case and carton sealing
Hot melts offer many key advantages, particularly for manufacturers producing large volumes of packaging. For instance, because adhesives can be easily incorporated into automated production lines, they provide continuous operation at high-speed allowing producers to increase output, whilst reducing overall costs.
In addition, the adhesive bond provides high structural strength making it ideal for heavy packages and for goods with extended delivery chains that often require enhanced durability.
Customer experience is another key advantage: a glued seal often looks more professional than a taped one with unsightly cracks or folds; not to mention the ease with which containers can be opened without the need for scissors or a knife.
Lastly, bio-based adhesives are increasingly available and used for sealing applications. This helps manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the sustainability of their packaging designs.
Which case and carton sealing adhesive should you choose?
Understanding the necessary performance criteria for hot melt sealing enables manufacturers to choose the right adhesive for their application.
Next-generation adhesives such as the metallocene-based BAMFutura™ range include application-specific grades that are formulated specifically to ensure high performance across various substrate and service applications:
- Cereals and dry foods
Require adhesives produced in food contact-approved facilities that will operate on fast production lines.
- Deep-freeze packaging
Meat, dairy, pizza, ready meals: frozen foods require specialist deep-freeze adhesives that sustain bonds at temperatures as low as -50°C degrees.
- Confectionery
Aside from food contact approval, adhesives that are in low odour - to avoid food tainting - are also required.
- Tray forming
Agricultural box adhesives need to bond quickly, on coated and uncoated boards, and perform successfully in high ambient temperatures.
Apart from these specific requirements, a high-performance case and carton sealing adhesive should offer excellent thermal stability, trouble-free running, and precise application; to reduce production downtime for cleaning and maintenance.
Increased mileage is another key feature of advanced glue technology: adhesives formulated using the latest raw materials require less adhesive to bond substrates, reducing purchasing costs and increasing resource efficiency, as well as enhancing the overall sustainability of the packaging.
If you require an adhesive for case and carton sealing and would benefit from using a sample of our advanced hot melts in a trail – supported by our experienced technical team – then get in touch using the contact us page, or send an email to: marketing@beardowadams.com