Addressing a sticking point in sustainable adhesives
Petroleum-based adhesives are everywhere: bonding the wood and drywall in a construction project, holding together the joints of furniture, and even sticking labels to otherwise recyclable containers. “The labels on a container are held up with petroleum-based glue. And because of that, even though you’re putting the container in the recycle bin, it will not…
Petroleum-based adhesives are ubiquitous in various industries, from construction to packaging. However, this reliance on fossil fuels poses a significant environmental challenge. Patty Ferreira, the CEO and co-founder of Silvis Materials, is addressing this issue with her innovative biodegradable cellulose adhesives. In 2014, Ferreira began her research by modifying cellulose’s role as a stabilizer in adhesive emulsions to replicate the adhesive properties of more costly nanocellulose.
Today, the Silvis adhesive formula can utilize cellulose from any plant source, and the company is collaborating with packaging and construction firms through the MIT Startup Exchange (STEX) to test its effectiveness. Ferreira anticipates that the biodegradable adhesive could reduce production emissions by up to 80% and consume half the energy required by conventional fossil-based glues.
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