Crespel & Deiters offers high-performance adhesives that are not subject to new EU
regulatory requirements
Ibbenbüren (Germany), October 2026 – All Definol® high-performance adhesives supplied by Crespel & Deiters for the EU market are free from borax and so can continue to be used under new regulations, with no additional labels or documentation required. The borax-free Definol® range is ideal for high-speed corrugators, while manufacturers who prefer a fully boron-free adhesive will find a solution in the Zerobor range.
As the EU continues to tighten its rules on boron compounds, which are strongly irritant and classified as toxic to reproduction, boron ethanolamine now carries new labelling requirements. For corrugated board manufacturers, this means extra work such as updated safety data sheets, new documentation and additional staff training.
“This regulatory tightening in the EU shows the importance of forward-looking raw material management,” says Dirk Köllmeier, Head of Sales Industrial Solutions at Crespel & Deiters. “That’s why our Definol® portfolio has been borax-free for several years now, thus giving customers planning security and reliability.”
Definol® uses alternative boron compounds that temporarily cross-link the starch and determine how quickly the adhesive sets. Not only is speed and bonding performance assured but, for corrugated board manufacturers using these products, there are no additional labelling requirements.
However, ‘free from borax’ is not the same as ‘free from boron’, as some adhesives still contain boron compounds currently classified as less critical. Corrugated board manufacturers who want a fully boron-free adhesive will find a suitable solution in the Zerobor range from Crespel & Deiters, built for production speeds of up to 200 metres per minute.
