Whitepaper: Latest Developments in Hot Melt Adhesives – From Gen 1 to Gen 7

Hot melt adhesives have come a long way since their origins. From the animal glues once favoured by cabinet makers to today’s sophisticated polymer-based formulations, innovation in this area has transformed modern packaging.

While the fundamental principle remains the same — a solid adhesive that liquefies when heated and rapidly bonds materials — the technology behind hot melts has advanced through seven distinct generations, each addressing the limitations of the last.

The reasons for their dominance in packaging are clear:

• Non-toxic and suitable for food applications where solvent-based systems aren’t an option.

• Fast-setting to maintain productivity on high-speed lines.

• Clean-running and simple to store, handle and apply.

• Low odour, protecting sensitive products such as chocolate or confectionery from taint.

But the story doesn’t stop there. Early Generation 1 hot melts ran at 170–180 °C, producing fumes, odour, and yellowing — all challenges that later generations have steadily overcome. Modern Generation 7 systems are safer, cleaner, and more efficient than ever, offering enhanced performance at lower application temperatures with significant energy and maintenance savings.

To explore how adhesive chemistry has evolved — and what the latest generation could mean for your packaging line — we’ve created an in-depth whitepaper:

• Discover the key innovations behind each generation

• Understand how modern formulations improve efficiency and sustainability

• See real-world performance comparisons and cost-saving examples

👉 Fill in the form below to download your copy of “From Gen 1 to Gen 7: The Latest Developments in Hot Melt Adhesives” and stay ahead of the curve in adhesive technology.