Adhesives play a vital role in packaging, ensuring that products remain secure during transit and storage. Among the various options available, Jelly Glue, Animal Glue, and Synthetic Glue are widely used for different applications.
At Bell Printers, we prioritize adhesives that uphold safety, durability, and quality in all our packaging. In this blog, we’ll examine the differences between jelly glue, animal glue, and synthetic glue to understand why we exclusively rely on synthetic glue for our packaging solutions—especially for food-grade products.
Jelly Glue: An Affordable but Risky Option
What is Jelly Glue?
Jelly glue, also known as gelatin glue, is a type of adhesive made from the collagen extracted from animal by-products like bones, cartilage, and skin. It’s named for its jelly-like texture during the manufacturing process.
Key Characteristics:
Cost-Effective: Jelly glue is considered an inexpensive adhesive.
Water-Soluble: Its solubility makes it easy to work with for certain traditional applications.
Natural Base: As a collagen-based adhesive, it is derived from animal sources.
Drawbacks:
Food Safety Concerns: Jelly glue is susceptible to contamination, posing risks in food packaging.
Durability Issues: Its bonds weaken when exposed to heat and moisture, leading to compromised packaging integrity.
Inconsistent Performance: The reliance on natural animal by-products can lead to variable adhesive strength.
Animal Glue: Traditional but Outdated
What is Animal Glue?
Animal glue is a broader category of adhesives made from animal by-products. It has been used for centuries in applications like woodworking, bookbinding, and art restoration.
Advantages:
Natural Origin: For some niche applications, its organic base may be desirable.
Reversible Bonds: Animal glue can be dissolved and re-applied, making it ideal for restoration purposes.
Disadvantages:
Limited Durability: It is not suitable for environments with high heat or humidity.
Hygiene Risks: Like jelly glue, its organic composition makes it prone to contamination and unsuitable for modern food packaging.
Inefficiency in Modern Manufacturing: It doesn’t meet the demands of high-speed, automated production lines.
Synthetic Glue: The Modern Solution for Packaging
What is Synthetic Glue?
Synthetic glue is a type of adhesive engineered from polymers and chemical compounds. It is designed to deliver consistent and reliable performance, making it the industry standard for packaging.
Why Bell Printers Uses Synthetic Glue: At Bell Printers, synthetic glue is our adhesive of choice because it aligns with our commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability.
Advantages of Synthetic Glue:
Food Safety Compliance: Synthetic adhesives are formulated to meet stringent food safety standards, ensuring no contamination risks.
Durability: Synthetic glue offers strong, long-lasting bonds that withstand environmental stressors like heat and humidity.
Eco-Friendly Options: Modern synthetic adhesives include formulations designed for sustainability, minimizing environmental impact.
Consistency: Unlike natural adhesives, synthetic glue delivers uniform performance across production batches and high-speed operations.
Drawbacks:
Higher Initial Cost: Synthetic glue may be more expensive than jelly or animal glue, but its long-term benefits outweigh the costs.
Comparison: Jelly Glue, Animal Glue, and Synthetic Glue
Feature | Jelly Glue (Gelatin Glue) | Animal Glue | Synthetic Glue |
Source | Collagen from animal by-products | Animal by-products | Polymers and chemical compounds |
Durability | Weakens with heat and moisture | Temporary bonds only | Highly durable under all conditions |
Food Safety | Contamination risks | Not suitable | Meets global safety standards |
Eco-Friendliness | Natural but unsustainable | Natural but unethical | Sustainable variants available |
Performance | Inconsistent | Outdated for modern needs | Reliable, precise, and scalable |
Why Bell Printers Chooses Synthetic Glue
At Bell Printers, we strive to deliver the best packaging solutions, and adhesives are a critical part of our process. Here’s why we exclusively rely on synthetic glue:
Safety for Food Products: Synthetic adhesives meet FDA and global safety standards, ensuring contamination-free food packaging.
Reliable Performance: Synthetic glue maintains strong, consistent bonds in even the most demanding conditions.
Sustainability Commitment: We prioritize adhesives that minimize environmental impact, aligning with our eco-conscious business practices.
High Efficiency: Synthetic glue’s uniformity ensures smooth performance on modern, high-speed manufacturing lines.
Conclusion
Choosing the right adhesive is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of packaging. While jelly glue and animal glue may have niche uses or appeal due to their cost, they fall short in areas like durability, consistency, and hygiene—especially in food packaging.
At Bell Printers, we’ve embraced synthetic glue for its unparalleled reliability, safety, and sustainability, ensuring that our packaging meets the highest industry standards.
Ready to experience superior packaging solutions? Contact Bell Printers today to learn more about how we can elevate your packaging to the next level.