When it comes to adhesives, packaging is more than just a container. It plays a crucial role in delivering the product stability, ease of use and consistent performance that are the hallmarks of a good adhesive.
Accordingly, there are a range of pack formats to suit the variety of adhesives on the market. A one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t work. Instead, each product's packaging is meticulously designed to complement the unique chemical properties of its contents.
From pack format and material to filling capacity, every aspect is tailored to optimise performance and longevity.
Why Packaging Matters in Adhesives
Adhesives vary widely in their chemical composition and application. Some require exposure to air to cure, while for others, the opposite applies! Certain adhesives have specific viscosity levels that benefit from precise dispensing methods, and some require dual-component systems for activation to keep active ingredients apart until needed.
These factors influence how adhesives are packaged, ensuring that their performance is maintained throughout their shelf life.
Anaerobic Adhesives: The Necessity of Air Space
Anaerobic adhesives, such as threadlockers and retaining compounds, cure in the absence of air and in the presence of metal ions. This unique chemistry means that their packaging must be carefully designed to prevent premature hardening inside the container.
Their bottles are often cylindrical or slightly tapered, making it easy for users to dispense controlled amounts, and are made from low-permeability polyethylene, preventing the ingress of moisture or contaminants that could affect performance. Each bottle is intentionally left partially unfilled, ensuring that there is enough air inside to keep the adhesive in its liquid state until it is applied to a metal surface.
Cyanoacrylates: Precision and Protection
Cyanoacrylate adhesives, commonly known as “instant adhesives,” are fast-acting adhesives that cure in the presence of moisture. This rapid curing capability necessitates packaging that prevents accidental exposure to humidity.
The packaging often features a precision nozzle for controlled application, preventing excess adhesive from escaping and curing prematurely. Bottles are made from specialised plastics like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or fluorinated plastics, which prevent moisture penetration while maintaining adhesive stability. Unlike anaerobic adhesives, cyanoacrylates are filled nearly to capacity to minimise air exposure inside the bottle and extend shelf life.
Two-Part Epoxies: The Challenge of Dual Dispensing
Two-part epoxy adhesives consist of a resin and a hardener that must be mixed in precise ratios to achieve optimal performance. Packaging plays a critical role in ensuring ease of use and correct mixing proportions.
Dual-chamber cartridges and syringes are common, allowing for simultaneous dispensing of both components, and are typically made of high-strength plastics resistant to chemical interactions, ensuring the resin and hardener do not degrade the packaging. Quantities are carefully measured to deliver the exact ratio needed, preventing errors in mixing and ensuring strong adhesive bonds.
Combating Counterfeiting with Smart Packaging
Given the global brand recognition of Loctite, counterfeiting has become an increasing concern that cannot be underestimated, as the consequences could be catastrophic.
For example, consider the use of a threadlocker. If a cheaper counterfeit product was used to lock a threaded assembly in a piece of equipment that is operation critical and the mechanism failed, the cost saving would pale into insignificance when considered against potential production losses, reputational damage and safety issues.
To combat this, Henkel has introduced packaging designed to thwart counterfeiters and ensure product authenticity.
These new packaging features include tamper-proof seals, long-lasting laser etched traceability codes, and unique bottle designs that are hard for counterfeiters to replicate. There is also a page on the Loctite website where you can report counterfeit product: Report suspicious Loctite Products - Henkel Adhesives (www.tinyurl.com/4hxhu8yk).
By continuously innovating in packaging design, we safeguard both the experience of our customers and the integrity of our adhesive solutions.
