Viherkaste, a company producing salads and herbs, is introducing packaging adhesive in its cardboard packages that is made from up to 70% bio-based raw materials. The adhesive, developed by Kiilto, is a major breakthrough in its field, as it is reportedly the world’s first biodegradable and compostable hot melt adhesive. In Viherkaste’s opinion, by engaging in this kind of collaboration they can change the world one small step at a time.
“We turn every stone and scrutinize every part of the process with nature values in mind,” Petri Nylund, CEO of Viherkaste, sums up the company’s approach. One of the scrutinized process parts was found in the cardboard packaging of the company’s products – the adhesive that holds the packaging together. Now, the first salad boxes held together by an innovative new type of adhesive, are on their way to retailers.
The new solution was found with Kiilto. Viherkaste was enthusiastic about trying something new, and saw it as an opportunity to make a difference. “Now that we have tested this new adhesive on our production line and are telling others about its good qualities, other companies might adopt it as well. This way, a few litres of adhesive can multiply into thousands or even millions of litres of adhesive and this decision of ours will have made a huge difference,” says Nylund.
The hot melt adhesive, which contains up to 70% renewable components, is a major invention by Kiilto, as it is also biodegradable and compostable. The product’s descriptive name, Kiilto Biomelt, is based on these characteristics. Viherkaste, a 40-year-old market garden based in North Karelia, looks at the impacts of its business from a broader perspective. By getting involved in development efforts, the company can change the world. Change comes one small step at a time.
“When I see how much the present generation is suffering from climate anxiety, I want to contribute to a better future as much as I can. I do not want to become cynical. Instead, I think that even small decisions matter,” says Nylund. The hot-melt adhesives often play an invisible but very important role in packaging, as they hold the container together.
Therefore, replacing the adhesive in the middle of production often requires careful planning on the company’s part. And when the adhesive in question is of a completely new type, testing it in use requires the company to take a special interest in new solutions. “Not all solutions are simple, but the introduction of this adhesive was just that. We were pleased to find that it works even better than the adhesive we were using before in our process and packaging,” says Nylund.
Stricter legislation in the packaging industry is challenging companies to seek more sustainable solutions for their packaging materials. That is why the development of packaging adhesives also matters. “Kiilto Biomelt brings new possibilities to the packaging industry, as it facilitates the production of fully compostable containers. The adhesive even meets the requirements for home compostability according to the EN13432 standard,” says Maija Kulla-Pelonen, R&D Manager at Kiilto.
The aim is to make the introduction of the new adhesive as easy as possible for businesses. The adhesive is suitable for recyclable packaging, and as the adhesive has been tested according to EU Regulation 10/2011, it is also suitable for use in food packaging. “The transition from traditional hot-melt adhesives to Kiilto Biomelt is very easy. The adhesive can be used with the same equipment and on the same packaging lines as previously used adhesives, and no investments in equipment are required,” assures Juha Vauhkonen, Regional Manager at Kiilto.
