Applications of Hot Melt Adhesives Across Five Industrial Sectors

I. Technical Applications in Labeling Industry

Driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, significant growth has been observed in logistics, product packaging, and goods identification sectors. As a critical component of the industrial chain, the label manufacturing industry and its supporting adhesive sector—though fundamental materials with high-frequency user contact—have long been undervalued in technical recognition. Hot melt adhesives (HMAs), serving as a core category of label adhesives, exhibit reversible physical state changes with temperature variation while maintaining highly stable chemical properties. This material delivers exceptional initial tack strength and sustained adhesion stability. Its solid-state characteristics provide outstanding advantages in packaging, storage, transportation, and production processes. Crucially, its solvent-free formulation achieves eco-friendly properties including zero pollution and non-toxicity, aligning with modern industrial sustainability requirements. Currently, HMAs have become the mainstream bonding solution in labeling and reciprocally drive technological advancements in the label adhesive industry.

II. Functional Properties in Hygiene Product Industry

Within hygiene material manufacturing, HMAs function as core bonding materials for nonwoven coatings and composite processes, providing critical structural fixation. Their application scope in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)—including feminine hygiene products, adult and infant diapers—exceeds conventional understanding. The material fully complies with specialized technical specifications for hygiene products through its superior environmental performance:

Safety Profile: Conforms to food-grade contact standards; colorless, odorless, and non-cytotoxic

Composition Purity: Free from organic solvents and volatile substances; impurity content ≤0.3%

Bonding Performance: Adhesion strength to cellulose materials ≥2.5N/cm; strength fluctuation <15% under varying temperature/humidity

Process Stability: Open time ≥30 seconds; no bleeding or reverse adhesion

III. Bonding Solutions for Express Delivery Industry

E-commerce expansion has driven explosive growth in express packaging demands, where HMAs have established systematic application solutions:

Sealing Applications: Heat sealing for composite express bags; terminal sealing for bubble cushioning mailers

Label Fixation: Rapid bonding of electronic waybills to diverse substrates (HDPE, kraft paper, corrugated board)

Specialized Processing: Creep-resistant sealing technology for high-humidity environments

IV. Technical Requirements for Packaging Lamination

In packaging material lamination processes, HMAs must meet stringent coating parameters:

Rheological Properties: Viscosity at 160°C controlled at 3000±500cps ensuring spray uniformity

Process Window: Open time 8-15 seconds; curing time ≤10 seconds

Mechanical Performance: Cohesive strength ≥1.5MPa; peel strength ≥4N/cm

Optical Specifications: Light transmittance ≥90%; haze ≤5% (light-colored transparent systems)

V. Development Outlook in Automotive Industry

The Asia-Pacific region commands 48.7% of the global automotive adhesive market (2023 data). Sustained growth in emerging markets—particularly China, India, and Japan—creates expansive application opportunities for HMA technology:

Application Expansion: From traditional interior bonding to emerging fields like battery encapsulation and sensor fixation

Technology Drivers: 11.2% YoY growth in lightweight material bonding demand

Market Projection: 2023-2030 CAGR for automotive HMAs to maintain 5.8%