The envelope manufacturing industry in America, which began approximately 170 years ago, started simply as a folding paper machine that had workers apply adhesive by hand to secure the folds with no closure gum or adhesive for the end-user. Interestingly, the first paper envelopes were created in China over 3,000 years ago used to store and distribute monetary gifts. By the late 1800’s, began the use of pre-gummed envelopes much like we see today. Envelopes since have become the way to send any type of correspondence from personal letters to paying bills to direct mail marketing. Even with the advent of email twenty years ago, envelopes still are an essential part of distributing correspondence.
In an industry that produces over 150 billion envelopes each year, demand for high speed and high quality adhesives to convert paper is crucial. Manufacturers need gum and adhesive formulations that perform on a variety of equipment and paper materials to keep them running efficiently. At the same time, there is an increased need for adhesives that are environmentally sound with reduced VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and offer sustainable solutions that are cost-effective over the long-term.
HAR works closely with envelope converters to formulate and support water-based adhesives that meet these challenges. From side and bottom flap bonding, top flap gumming and window patching, we offer clean-running adhesives and gums that provide warp-free joining in high-speed production. Specifically, we supply synthetic resins and dextrin-based adhesives for wet gumming, latex adhesives for pressure-sensitive gumming, and pressure-sensitive adhesives for seal and peel applications.
For a full range of envelope adhesives that are safe and consistent with the best overall value, we will work with you every step of the way to develop flexible adhesive solutions that meet your production needs. Contact us today to get started.
Jeff Fugitt, Technical Sales Representative
jeff.fugitt@haradhesive.com
614-531-2219