Bio-based Adhesives and Sealants: How Eco-friendly Raw Materials Are Transforming Industrial Applications

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Industrial adhesives and sealants have traditionally relied on petrochemical raw materials, which carry a high carbon footprint and dependence on fossil resources. With growing pressure for sustainability and stricter environmental regulations, however, room for innovation is opening up. Biobased alternatives, produced from renewable sources such as plant oils, starches, or lignin, offer comparable adhesion and durability but with a significantly lower environmental impact. This article will focus on specific examples, technical advantages, and practical aspects of transitioning to more eco-friendly solutions in adhesives and sealants.

What Are Biobased Adhesives and Sealants and Why Are They Gaining Importance

Biobased adhesives and sealants represent a category of adhesive materials whose primary raw materials come from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils, starches, lignin, proteins, or natural resins. Unlike traditional synthetic adhesives, which are produced from petroleum derivatives, they offer a more environmentally friendly alternative with a lower carbon footprint. Their growing popularity is linked to global pressure for sustainability, reducing CO₂ emissions, and the transition to a circular economy. For industrial applications, they are attractive not only from an environmental perspective but also due to legislative requirements, such as the REACH regulation, which restricts the use of hazardous substances.

The significance of biobased adhesives and sealants is further underscored by the fact that many of them meet criteria for ecological certifications, such as Ecolabel or Cradle to Cradle. This enables manufacturers to gain a competitive advantage in markets where customers demand more sustainable solutions. Although historically used primarily in less demanding applications, modern technologies allow their use even in industrial sectors with high requirements for strength, durability, and lifespan, such as the automotive industry, construction, or electronics.

Key raw materials and production technologies for biobased adhesives

The primary raw materials for the production of biobased adhesives and sealants vary depending on the desired properties of the final product. Among the most commonly used are vegetable oils (e.g., soybean, linseed, or castor oil), which are modified through chemical processes such as epoxidation or transesterification to achieve adhesive properties. Starch and cellulose derivatives are used for the production of water-dispersible adhesives, while lignin, a by-product of the paper industry, serves as a starting material for thermoplastic adhesives with high strength.

Another significant group consists of proteins, such as casein or soy protein, which have traditionally been used in the wood industry. Modern technologies enable their modification, thereby improving resistance to moisture and microorganisms. Natural resins, such as rosin or shellac, which are combined with other components to achieve the desired elasticity and adhesion, are also key for industrial applications. Production often involves the use of enzymes or fermentation processes, which reduce energy consumption and increase the efficiency of raw material conversion.

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Advantages and limitations of biobased adhesives in industrial applications

The main advantage of bio-based adhesives and sealants is their environmental profile: lower greenhouse gas emissions during the life cycle, biodegradability or compostability of certain types, and reduced dependence on fossil resources. For industrial users, they are also attractive in terms of occupational safety, as they often do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or toxic components, simplifying handling and reducing the need for protective equipment. In some cases, they may also offer better technical properties, such as higher thermal resistance or flexibility.

On the other hand, there are limitations that hinder their wider adoption. The main ones include a higher price compared to synthetic alternatives, driven by more demanding production processes and smaller production volumes. Some bio-based adhesives also have lower resistance to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures, which limits their use in demanding conditions. Another challenge is the consistency of properties, as natural raw materials can exhibit greater variability than synthetic materials. Manufacturers therefore often combine bio-based components with partially synthetic additives to achieve an optimal balance between sustainability and performance.

The Future of Bio-Based Adhesives: Trends and Opportunities for Industry

The future of bio-based adhesives and sealants is closely tied to innovations in renewable chemistry and the growing pressure for sustainability in industry. One of the key trends is the development of hybrid systems that combine bio-based components with synthetic additives to achieve the desired properties while maintaining an ecological profile. For example, adhesives based on epoxidized vegetable oils with bio-based hardeners offer comparable strength to traditional epoxies but with a lower carbon footprint.

Another opportunity lies in the use of waste raw materials, such as those from the food or agricultural industries, which would otherwise end up in landfills. Research is also focusing on improving the resistance of biobased adhesives to moisture and microorganisms, which would expand their use in exterior applications. For industrial customers, it will be crucial to monitor legislative developments, such as requirements for packaging recyclability or restrictions on the use of hazardous substances, which may further drive demand for eco-friendly alternatives. With increasing availability and improving technical parameters, biobased adhesives and sealants will become a standard part of the portfolio of modern manufacturing companies.

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How biobased adhesives and sealants meet industrial standards and certifications

Biobased adhesives and sealants have become a full-fledged alternative to traditional synthetic products in recent years, even in terms of technical and legislative requirements. To be used in industrial applications, they must meet the same standards as conventional materials—whether in terms of mechanical strength, moisture resistance, temperature stability, or chemical compatibility. Manufacturers of biobased adhesives are therefore investing in the development of formulations that achieve comparable parameters, often using a combination of natural polymers and modified additives. An important aspect is also certification under the REACH system, which confirms the safety of raw materials and final products for users and the environment.

For industrial customers, the issue of sustainability-focused certifications, such as the "biobased" label according to European or American standards, is also key. These certificates confirm the share of renewable raw materials in the product, which is important for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint or meet internal ESG goals. Additionally, biobased adhesives and sealants often meet requirements for low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, making them advantageous for applications in enclosed spaces or industries with strict environmental regulations, such as the automotive or furniture sectors.

Practical examples of biobased adhesive applications in industry

Biobased adhesives and sealants are used in a wide range of industrial sectors, where their ecological properties combine with technical performance. In the woodworking industry, for example, starch- or lignin-based adhesives are increasingly used for the production of plywood, particleboard, or furniture. These materials not only reduce dependence on fossil raw materials but also improve the working environment due to lower formaldehyde and other harmful substance content. Similarly, in the packaging industry, biobased adhesives are used in the production of paper and cardboard packaging, where recyclability and compostability are emphasized.

Another significant area is the automotive industry, where biobased sealants and adhesives are used for bonding interior components such as door panels, dashboards, or insulation materials. Here, properties such as low weight, resistance to temperature fluctuations, and vibration-damping capability play a key role. In the electrical engineering industry, biobased adhesives are utilized in the production of printed circuits or insulating layers, where high electrical resistance and long-term stability are required. These applications demonstrate that biobased materials can be not only more environmentally friendly but also technically equivalent to their synthetic counterparts.

How to Choose the Right Biobased Adhesive or Sealant for a Specific Application

Selecting the appropriate biobased adhesive or sealant depends on several key factors that must be considered during the production planning phase. The first step is defining the required technical properties, such as bond strength, moisture resistance, temperature range, or chemical compatibility with the materials to be bonded. For example, in humid environments, adhesives based on polyurethane modified with vegetable oils are suitable, while for high-temperature applications, epoxy systems with biobased components are more commonly used. It is also important to consider the curing time and application method—some biobased adhesives require a longer processing time or specific drying conditions.

Another criterion is the product’s ecological profile, which should be supported by certifications and transparent information about the origin of raw materials. Customers should request documentation confirming the proportion of renewable components, low VOC content, or compostability if relevant to the application. Last but not least, the economic aspect must be considered—biobased adhesives and sealants may initially be more expensive than conventional alternatives, but their long-term benefits, such as lower environmental impact or improved brand image, can result in significant savings or competitive advantages. Collaboration with a supplier that provides technical support and samples for testing is therefore crucial for the successful implementation of these materials into the production process.

Looking for a sustainable solution for your production?

GCG Group offers a wide range of biobased and low-emission raw materials for adhesives and sealants, including detailed technical data sheets and safety data sheets (SDS). Our experts will help you select the optimal solution for your specific applications and ensure full compatibility with your production processes. Contact us – or browse our catalog of over 1,300 products right away.