Water-based adhesives, also known as "wet" glues, are widely used in various industries such as paper labelling, woodworking, automotive, and non-woven applications. Here's a brief guide to their properties and applications:
- Dextrin and Starch-Based Adhesives:
- Popular in the paper industry.
- Very durable with specific materials.
- Biobased, biodegradable, and compostable.
- Break down when exposed to water.
- Casein-Based Adhesives:
- Provide strong bonds.
- Relatively long curing time.
- Resistant to water.
- Ideal for glass bottle labelling in the beverage industry.
- Synthetic-Based Adhesives:
- Modern and customisable.
- Form stronger bonds.
- Suitable for challenging applications and environments
- PVAC, Styrene Acrylic, Acrylic and VAE technology
Water-based adhesives offer environmental benefits and are easy to clean off equipment. They work by applying liquid glue, with water as a carrier, allowing it to form a bond after evaporation or absorption into porous substrates. Keep in mind that some wet glues have a limited shelf life compared to other adhesive technologies.

UAE technology
Intercol is specialised in VAE technology, also to enhance the properties of other technologies, like PVAC, dextrin and starch-based adhesives. VAE on it's own is already a kind of hybrid technology, combing Vinyl-Acetate with Ethylene. With this build in plasticiser a range from hard to soft adhesives are already possible, without external plasticisers. Therefore VAE technology has been proven to be a perfect match for food packaging purposes.
Furthermore VAE has a relative low environmental impact and is also proven in many construction applications. Dry VAE powder is a key ingredient in many dry cementious adhesives and floor levellers. Basic PVAC adhesives are already widely used in wood, furniture and assembly applications.