Interlock produces energy-saving adhesive

Interlock Adhesives has developed a new range of adhesives, which it believes will save printers and finishers on their energy costs.

According to the Scunthorpe-based manufacturer, it has produced adhesives that follow the same qualities of a normal glue, but operate at a much lower temperature.

For binding techniques, it has created the Cool-bind range, while its Novacol adhesive can be used for cases and cartons.

Ian Howard, sales manager at Interlock, told PrintWeek that users would see three major advantages in the company's new products.

He said customers would use less energy placing the bonding agent on paper or card because the glue melts at 90 degrees Celsius, while normal glues' melting points are around the 180 degrees Celsius mark.

The substance can be contained for longer because it does not burn off like normal glues, he said.

The other advantage, he claimed, is that it is safer. Howard likened the Interlock products' temperature to a recently poured cup of coffee, rather than using something of double the temperature.

He said: "We have been able to identify polymers that melt at a much lower temperature than standard glues, but still follow similar temperature patterns.

"So the adhesive will melt at one temperature but still have the adhesive power of something that melts at a far higher temperature."