Green Adhesive Use has exploded across global industries, but one sector leads the charge by a huge margin: packaging, responsible for 31.2% of total demand in 2024. This single figure reveals a massive transformation driven by sustainability mandates, brand commitments, and consumer expectations.
With packaging representing more than a third of all green adhesive adoption, it’s clear that bonding technology is becoming one of the biggest levers for building circular, low-waste packaging systems.
But why packaging? And why now?
Let’s break down the forces behind this shift and explore what it means for Australian companies preparing for the 2025 National Packaging Targets.
Why Green Adhesive Use Is Rising in Packaging
1. Packaging Is the Most Regulated Material Stream
Unlike construction, automotive, or textiles, packaging faces the strictest recyclability and waste-reduction laws.
Globally — and especially in Australia — brands must shift to:
- recyclable packaging
- compostable materials
- low-VOC components
- reduced plastic content
- non-toxic adhesive formulas
Traditional adhesives often make packaging non-recyclable, even when the base materials (paper, cardboard, PET) are fully recyclable.
So packaging companies are moving rapidly to green adhesive systems to stay compliant.
2. Adhesives Are a Hidden Contaminant in Recycling Facilities
One major reason Australia struggles with packaging recycling is contamination — and adhesives are a top culprit.
Conventional adhesives can:
- gum up machinery
- stick to fibre in repulping
- reduce recovered paper quality
- interfere with PET melt filtration
- contaminate rPET and rPE streams
Green adhesives solve these problems by being:
- repulpable
- water-dispersible
- wash-off compatible
- compostable
- solvent-free
This instantly improves recycling system efficiency and dramatically reduces waste volumes.
3. Major Brands Have Committed to Sustainable Packaging by 2025
Global commitments from companies like:
- Nestlé
- Unilever
- P&G
- Coca-Cola
- Woolworths & Coles
- Amazon
…have made sustainable adhesives standard for packaging lines.
Without green adhesives, materials cannot meet “recyclable” criteria — making adhesive choice a strategic sustainability decision.
4. E-Commerce Growth Has Exploded the Need for Sustainable Tapes
Australia’s e-commerce shipments have grown by over 14% annually since 2020.
More parcels = more:
- carton sealing tapes
- labels
- mailer adhesives
- pallet unitisation adhesives
- anti-tamper seals
Companies want every component — not just the box — to be sustainable.
That’s why pressure-sensitive tapes, paper tapes, and repulpable labels have become standard.
Explore Carewell’s packaging tapes:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/category/tapes/
What Counts as “Green Adhesive Use” in Packaging?
Packaging uses several types of sustainable adhesives, each serving a specific environmental purpose.
1. Water-Based, Low-VOC Adhesives
These replace harmful solvent-based formulas.
Benefits include:
- 60–80% lower emissions
- no toxic solvents
- recyclable
- safer for workers and storage environments
2. Repulpable Paper Tape Adhesives
These dissolve fully during pulping, saving thousands of tonnes of fibre from landfill each year.
3. Compostable Adhesives
Made from bio-based materials, they suit:
- compostable mailers
- biodegradable trays
- plant-based films
4. Wash-Off Label Adhesives for PET Recycling
Essential for beverage and FMCG packaging.
Labels detach in hot water, enabling high-purity rPET production.
5. Hot-Melt Bio Adhesives
These are replacing fossil-based hot melts in automated packaging lines.
(External Resource DoFollow Link)
https://share.google/lgtCmZysrDNTmlqtf
Why Packaging Dominates Green Adhesive Use (31.2%)
1. Packaging Has the Shortest Life Cycle
While adhesives in construction or automotive stay in use for decades, packaging lasts days or weeks.
This makes its environmental impact immediate — and its sustainability needs urgent.
2. Adhesives Control Whether Packaging Is Truly Recyclable
A carton might be fully recyclable
BUT
if the adhesive is not, the entire item can be rejected.
Brands now understand this — and it’s pushing adhesive upgrades faster than ever.
3. Consumers Now Look for Sustainable Packaging First
Surveys show that 72% of Australians prefer brands using eco-friendly packaging.
This drives companies to adopt greener adhesives as a fast, low-cost upgrade.
4. Australia’s 2025 Packaging Targets Are Forcing the Shift
The targets require:
- 100% recyclable/compostable packaging
- 70% plastic recycling
- reduced problematic plastics
Green Adhesive Use is one of the easiest ways to comply without redesigning entire packaging systems.
Real Supply Chain Benefits from Green Adhesives
1. Lower Waste Disposal Costs
Less contamination = less waste chuted to landfill.
2. Faster Recycling Line Processing
Wash-off and repulpable adhesives reduce downtime and equipment blockages.
3. Higher Material Value
Cleaner fibre and plastic streams sell at better rates.
4. Better Brand Reputation
Retailers now require recyclable packaging — including adhesives.
How Carewell Group Helps Australian Businesses Meet Green Adhesive Standards
Carewell Group provides sustainable tapes, packaging film, labels, and custom packaging solutions designed for modern recycling and composting requirements.
Eco-Friendly Tapes & Adhesives
Carewell helps Australian brands transition smoothly into 2025, reducing cost, risk and environmental impact.
Before redesigning your entire packaging system, redesign your adhesive strategy — it delivers the fastest sustainability gains with the lowest investment.
Ready to Upgrade Your Packaging Sustainability? Request a Quote Today
Carewell Group Pty Ltd
Unit 27/191, McCredie Road, Smithfield, NSW 2164
Phone: +61 0477 123 699
Email:
sales@carewellgroup.com.au
info@carewellgroup.com.au
logistics@carewellgroup.com.au
