The disposed pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape widely used in daily life has been contaminating the environment and producing vastly non-degradable trash. Commercial PSAs are mostly composed of petroleum-based acrylate monomers. Most PSA products are considered disposable, thus the amount of waste generated annually keeps rising with the increasing demand. Fortunately, self-degradable tapes are already available as eco-friendly alternatives. We can reduce our plastic waste footprint without sacrificing an essential modern convenience.
What is Self-degradable Tape?
Self-degradable adhesive tape, also called biodegradable tape, is a type of adhesive tape designed to break down naturally over time. Biodegradable tape is made from plant-based materials such as plant-based starches or cellulose. The adhesive itself is also made from biodegradable materials. This ensures natural decomposition over time without releasing environmental pollutants.
Plant-based cellulose film is one of the more common materials used to make biodegradable tape. Derived from cotton or wood pulp, it’s transformed using specialized techniques like alkalization, yellowing, and forming.
Paper also takes center stage, with well-loved varieties of tape, like Kraft and Washi, crafted from paper. Finally, there are starch-based tapes, made from the bounty of crops like corn, potato, and wheat.
The raw materials can be renewable. The fibers used are typically from fast-growing crops such as bamboo or cotton. At the same time, natural adhesives can be derived from cornstarch or tree sap. Biodegradable films, such as PLA (polylactic acids), are also used to create a waterproof layer. Then the raw materials are mixed in a specific ratio and then formed into a tape using a special machine…
Bio-based Adhesive Tape Products
Benefits of Self-degradable Tape
Currently, commercial tape plays an essential role in various industries due to its versatility and effectiveness. From sealing boxes and organizing wires to crafting masterpieces and repairing ripped pages, its versatility is undeniable. But traditional tape, often made from plastic, can take hundreds of years to decompose, leaving a lasting impact on the environment.
Compared to traditional tape, biodegradable tape offers numerous superior benefits such as:
- Reduced waste: Made from natural materials, biodegradables will be decomposed by microorganisms in the soil, ensuring that they won’t fill up landfills or end up in our oceans.
- Versatility: can be used in a wide variety of applications.
- Similar Performance: Biodegradable tape offers comparable strength and adhesion to traditional options. Resistant to tears, damage, and tampering. Also resilient against extreme weather conditions such as high humidity, extreme heat, and cold temperatures.
- Ease of application: It offers the same convenience as conventional tape but with more smoothness and ease of use.
- Easy removal: This can be easily removed from packaging, making recycling the cardboard or paper components much easier. Some types are even water-soluble.
Self-degradable adhesive tapes have a wide range of products but choosing the right type for your manufacture is essential, you can refer to this article for the selection: Considerations When Choosing Self-degradable Adhesive Tape for Your Manufacturer
Challenges of Using Self-degradable Tape
Self-degradable tape offers a compelling alternative to traditional plastic tapes, but it’s not perfect, there are still challenges and limitations involved:
- Cost Conscious: Biodegradable tape can be more expensive than conventional tape.
- Water-resistance: Cellophane and some paper tapes may not be water-resistant, limiting their use in damp environments.
- Strength and Durability: While generally durable, some biodegradable tapes might not be as strong or long-lasting as their plastic counterparts, especially for heavy-duty tasks.
- Shelf life: The natural materials used in biodegradable tapes can degrade over time, potentially resulting in a shorter shelf life compared to traditional plastic tapes.
Each type of adhesive tape has its own advantages and disadvantages, except for this self-degradable adhesive tape. However, the limitations of self-destructing tape can all be overcome, from simple manual technical applications to other auxiliary products. With our qualified experts in adhesive, Prostech is a reliable partner offering a wide range of biodegradable products with valuable consultation and solutions tailored to your production needs.
Conclusion
Although many industries and businesses worldwide are already using biodegradable tapes, their future usage will only grow as people become more aware of the environment and the sustainability of our resources.
Self-degradable tapes are an excellent cost-effective investment because of their durability, versatility, and ease of use, ensuring you do not sacrifice quality and convenience for sustainability.
With a comprehensive range of chemistry platforms, Prostech offers the most application flexibility for self-degradable tapes. To choose the best solution for you, contact us and we will guide you towards the perfect solution for your requirements. With a focus on improving efficiency and improving the quality of life, Prostech’s self-degradable tape solutions will bring you great experiences when using our products.
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