Latest News

Sticking to Innovation: The Science & Utility of Hot Press Adhesives With BreezeBondTM

BreezeBond^TM is a water-based modified soybean hot press adhesive initially created for plywood manufacturing. Its viscosity can be adjusted to make it suitable for various other applications as well. This product is safer and more eco-friendly than its urea formaldehyde (UF) and petroleum-based counterparts, and it is currently the only soy-based adhesive capable of meeting industry standards available that is free of expensive petrochemical components.

In this article, we will explore the various potential applications of this novel adhesive, with emphasis on the qualities that set BreezeBond^TM apart.

Industrial Applications of BreezeBond^TM

BreezeBond^TM provides secure adhesion without harmful volatile chemicals and promotes eco-friendly supply chains for the following domains:

Furniture Manufacturing

Sustainable performance and eco-friendliness are becoming increasingly sought after by furniture manufacturers, and BreezeBond^TM delivers on both fronts. It forms robust bonds to wood and supplementary materials, ensuring longevity and quality of furniture pieces. Its eco-friendly nature also meets the demands of environmentally conscious consumers while maintaining the high standards of craftsmanship required. This is because its ability to bond cellulosic materials can provide furniture with added structural integrity or decorative finishes without using toxic substances such as petrochemicals or formaldehyde, improving indoor air quality and, when discarded, promoting healthier landfills. This improves safety and aligns with the industry’s increasing focus on eco-friendly and health-conscious manufacturing practices.

Packaging Industry

The use of BreezeBond^TM in the packaging industry is essential for creating safe and durable – yet cost effective – disposable packaging. It allows companies to create custom “preformed” shapes to neatly nestle their products into packages so that potential wear or damage during transport and handling is reduced or eliminated. It also assists businesses in complying with the increased regulatory scrutiny over disposable packages entering the environment. On that note, not only is it safer for the environment, but it may even be safe enough for humans to be used in some food packaging applications.

Construction Supplies

BreezeBond^TM’s secure adhesion, low cost, and eco-friendly characteristics make it an attractive option for producing plywood, flooring components, and even panels with decorative veneers. This contributes to the sustainability of construction projects while ensuring optimal indoor air quality. Moreover, its biodegradable, non-toxic nature aligns with the industry’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its waste streams.

Key Features and Qualities of BreezeBond^TM

Here are some of the essential characteristics of BreezeBond^TM:

Petrochemical and Formaldehyde-Free

Petrochemicals are non-renewable resources that have significant environmental impact by contributing to pollution and possibly climate change. Formaldehyde is also carcinogenic at elevated levels, posing risks to manufacturing workers and consumers exposed to potentially harmful fumes from off-gassing of furnishings that use formaldehyde-containing adhesive in their homes and offices. Since all of its formulations are water-based with a mild pH, BreezeBond^TM‘s commitment to excluding these substances offers a safer choice that aligns with health-conscious practices and sustainability goals.

Modifiable Viscosity

BreezeBond^TM‘s unique ability to combine low viscosity with high solids content highlights its versatility and performance. This dual feature allows it to cater to specific process requirements, from achieving a flowable consistency to ensuring robust bond strength for a range of different applications.

Low Capital Outlay

BreezeBond^TM is designed to be compatible with most existing manufacturing equipment, minimizing substantial modifications or upgrades. This seamless integration can result in immediate cost savings for businesses. Its mild pH and lack of noxious odors may also give work areas a more pleasant atmosphere, possibly leading to more productive employees. It can even be blended with other common hot press adhesives as an interim way to reduce costs.

Single-Component Product

BreezeBond^TM can be conveniently provided as a ready-to-use product, eliminating the need for significant additional mixing or preparation in most instances. A gentle stir before using is usually sufficient. This feature makes it a user-friendly adhesive suitable for an assortment of applications across multiple industries, including custom shaped packaging and plywood manufacturing.

Long Shelf Period

The product’s shelf life of up to 3 months ensures that manufacturers can produce larger quantities at a time, allowing for greater process flexibility, better distribution logistics, and economy of scale. This improves efficiency, minimizes waste, and allows customers to order larger quantities, reducing the need for frequent restocking. It can also potentially be dried into a powder form to further extend shelf life and reduce shipping costs in high volume applications. This dried form also makes this eco-friendly adhesive suitable for large-scale distribution, catering to smaller customers because of its ability to retain its properties after being stored for an indefinite amount of time in an industrial supply warehouse. Once purchased, a customer would simply need to add water and stir until the desired consistency is achieved prior to use. Alternatively, sublicensing options for on-site production are also available.

Choose Specialty Organics for Tailored Services

At Specialty Organics, Inc., we recognize customers’ unique adhesive requirements and preferences! Our expertise lies in hot-press formulations, and we can customize our products to align precisely with your application’s needs. We also offer tailored synthesis for adhesives and coatings, pilot plant testing for proof of concept, scalability, and optional manufacturing services.

Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities!

BreezeBond™: The Future of Eco-Friendly Adhesives in Plywood and Laminates Production

The construction and furniture industries have undergone a remarkable transition toward sustainability in recent years. As businesses seek materials with eco-conscious ingredients, the spotlight has shifted towards revolutionary products like BreezeBond™. Unlike traditional bonds that rely on toxic petrochemicals and added formaldehyde, BreezeBond™’s adhesive characteristics are derived from modified soybean protein. This adhesive is favored for not only its non-toxic ingredients but also its exceptional versatility and ability to create strong, durable bonds between many different types of forest products.

This article shares more information about this innovative adhesive, highlighting its use in plywood and laminate production and its benefits beyond sustainability.

How Was It Formulated?

BreezeBond™ is a result of years of research, development, and experimental trials. The underlying concept behind this novel adhesive was first invented by a dedicated team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin in collaboration with the USDA Forest Products Laboratory. Specialty Organics, Inc.’s product development team then worked on refining this patented water-based, petroleum-free, no-added formaldehyde (NAF) plywood hot press adhesive to be used in a range of different applications.

Since BreezeBond™ contains no petroleum products or aadded formaldehyde, this means that it only contains the miniscule amounts of naturally present volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so it is virtually odorless! Customers will therefore once again be able to enjoy the pure aroma of their favorite forest products, whether they be derived from hardwoods like oak, birch, maple, or walnut without worrying about noxious odors emanating from the adhesive. Not only that, BreezeBond™ also adheres well to softwoods like cedar, spruce, and pine, with douglas fir commonly used in substrate underlayers.

This eco-friendly adhesive begins with soy flour a renewable and eco-friendly resource. Through a carefully crafted process, the soy flour is modified by introducing a small amount of an abundant, low cost, and zero VOC reagent. This transformative step enables soy flour to better approximate the strong bonding capabilities of natural adhesives like, for example, those found in marine organisms such as barnacles and sea mussels.

The resulting adhesive is suitable for a wide range of hot press applications. If added strength and moisture resistance is needed, an optional oxidizing agent can be added, which creates added cross-linking bonds within the adhesive. The result is an adhesive that exceeds industry standards while upholding the ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and odorless performance.

Redefining Plywood and Laminate Production

One of the standout applications of BreezeBond™ is in plywood fabrication. This adhesive is engineered to create robust bonds between wood layers, ensuring the production of plywood sheets that exhibit strength and durability. Manufacturers in the furniture, construction, and architectural sectors will be glad to have a responsible choice to seek out when designing, building, or assembling their latest creation.

Aside from plywood, BreezeBond™ is also used for hardwood laminates and veneers. Its secure bond to laminated surfaces will not only exude elegance but also endure the rigors of everyday use, all while offering only the natural fresh scent of your favorite hardwood.

Furthermore, BreezeBond™ excels in bonding decorative paper onto medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard. This ensures that decorative finishes are not only visually appealing and resilient against wear and tear, but healthy and sustainable too. This makes it a great choice for products ranging from affordable furniture and cabinetry to wall paneling.

The Health Benefits of Plant-Based Adhesives

BreezeBond™’s impact extends far beyond its eco-friendly credentials. Some adhesives, such as urea formaldehyde (UF) adhesives, can emit harmful fumes as it degrades, especially in humid environments. BreezeBond™ contains no added volatile substances, so one of its most significant and often underestimated benefits is its positive influence on human health. Here’s how it contributes to building a safer, greener world:

1. Reduced Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

As mentioned above, traditional UF or petrochemical-based adhesives contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic substances. This can be present in paint, carpet, furniture, wood flooring, or even the plywood inside the walls of homes. When released into the air, heightened levels of these chemicals can cause headaches, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing, nasal congestion, or chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, rashes, allergic reactions, and other health issues. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems like those with pre-existing conditions may be at greater risk for these health implications. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified formaldehyde in group 1 (human carcinogen), meaning that exposure can even lead to some cancers.

On the other hand, water-based plant derived adhesives like BreezeBond™ don’t emit harmful VOCs during their application, bonding process, or at any time during their service life. BreezeBond™ is also more landfill friendly than traditional adhesives. By eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals, workers in manufacturing plants and inhabitants of furnished spaces can enjoy cleaner and safer environments.

2. Improved Indoor Air Quality

As mentioned above, water-based, plant-derived adhesives contribute to a healthier indoor atmosphere. They don’t release toxic fumes over time, making the air in enclosed spaces cleaner and safer to breathe. This is particularly important for individuals with respiratory conditions or chemical sensitivities.

Imagine walking into a new house and breathing fresh air just like the outdoors. This, in itself, is a considerable advantage, because, not only will people need to worry less about health risks, but they will also have a higher quality indoor living experience. Removing sources of noxious, artificial lingering odors will allow people to once again notice the subtle notes of potpourri or the scent of the natural hardwood in your flooring. This means that it can not only improve people’s physical health, but their mental state of well being as well!

3. Minimized Allergic Reactions

Certain individuals are more susceptible to allergic reactions triggered by exposure to chemicals commonly found in traditional adhesives. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe allergic responses.

Plant-based and eco-friendly adhesives significantly reduce the risk of allergic reactions. This makes them ideal for environments where occupants include children, the elderly, or individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

4. Enhanced Occupational Safety

Plant-based adhesives offer a safer working environment for employees involved in the manufacturing process. By eliminating exposure to toxic substances, these adhesives contribute to reducing occupational health hazards. This not only ensures the well-being of the workforce but also enhances overall workplace productivity and morale. Since it is water-based with a mild pH, general housekeeping is made easier too because uncured material can simply be rinsed away. Small amounts should even be compatible with most wastewater treatment facilities.

Experience the Difference of Eco-Friendly Adhesives With BreezeBond™ From Specialty Organics, Inc.

Want to try BreezeBond™ for your manufacturing needs? Consult with Specialty Organics, Inc. Since 1962, their experts have been providing custom products and services to its customers. Now at the forefront of sustainable adhesive innovation, they are crafting custom non-toxic products that meet industry standards and set new benchmarks. We understand the importance of green building goals, and BreezeBond™ is poised to align seamlessly with these objectives.

Contact us today and discover how BreezeBond™ can make your products more appealing than ever before while giving design projects a more inviting atmosphere.

Enhancing LEED and ESG Ratings: How Manufacturers Benefit From Switching to BreezeBond™ Adhesive

The growing importance of sustainable and ethical practices has prompted businesses to evaluate their degree of compliance to new rating systems that are intended to focus on a company’s commitment to these areas. Specifically, two key rating systems are the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings. These metrics serve to influence how products, projects, and brands are perceived in the market and shape investor decisions. The role of innovative products like the BreezeBond™ adhesive is to give companies the competitive advantage needed to enable them to continue to thrive in the shift toward a more environmentally responsible future.

BreezeBond™ is a plant-based, high strength, moisture resistant hot press adhesive that has proven versatility across an array of different applications. The underlying chemistry behind this novel adhesive was first invented by a dedicated team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin in collaboration with the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, and further refined by Specialty Organics, Inc.’s product development team. What sets it apart is that it is currently the only soybean adhesive that is free of both added formaldehyde and petroleum products that is capable of meeting industry performance standards. Join us as we explore the ways BreezeBond™ adhesive can have a measurable impact on your company’s LEED and ESG ratings!

What Are LEED and ESG Ratings?

Developed by the US Green Building Council, LEED evaluates the environmental performance of buildings. It encourages and recognizes environmentally responsible design, construction, and operational practices over the life cycle of the project, considering design elements such as materials, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and ecological conservation and restoration. Ratings can range from Certified to Silver, Gold, and Platinum, reflecting the level of sustainability achieved by a building. Many cities in the United States have even adopted a version of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) which means builders and project planners must comply by force of law in those jurisdictions.

On the other hand, ESG assesses a company’s performance in key sustainability and ethical areas. It has various criteria, including a company’s impact on the environment, relationships with employees and society, and governance, which examines internal structures and decision-making processes.

How BreezeBond™ Improves LEED and ESG Ratings

BreezeBond™ plays a crucial role in helping manufacturers improve LEED and ESG ratings through the following innovative and sustainable characteristics:

Reduces Carbon Footprint

As a soybean-derived adhesive without petroleum-derived content, the unique composition of BreezeBond™ contributes to a reduced net carbon footprint, especially since production of U.S. soybeans (the adhesive’s largest active ingredient) have been measured to have the lowest carbon footprint in the western world (see chart below). Soybeans grown in some other countries, particularly in Argentina and Brazil, have been found to have substantially higher carbon footprints (~260 times higher by some measures!) than U.S. grown soybeans, due largely to land use change (LUC) considerations such as deforestation. U.S. soy also has higher yields, minimal fertilizer use, and efficient machinery, all of which help minimize U.S. soy’s carbon footprint. These findings were reported by Blonk Consultants, an international leader in the fields of environment, sustainability, nutrition, and health in a study funded by the U.S. soybean board. Also, since it contains no petroleum products and uses responsibly grown soybeans instead, it thereby reduces the amount of pollution involved in its production and use. This aligns with LEED and ESG criteria that prioritize environmentally friendly practices.

Promotes Responsible Sourcing

Domestically produced soy flour, the main ingredient in BreezeBond™, is a sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable resource. This addresses the environmental aspect of LEED and ESG by promoting responsible sourcing of materials and positively influencing the overall impact of the adhesive’s manufacturing process as well as the forest products – and eventually – the buildings they are used in. It even has a low impact on landfills. Also, it doesn’t take long to realize that growing soybeans domestically is preferable to creating more demand in crude oil markets, especially since many oil producing nations have limited humanitarian oversight.

Improves Health and Safety

Unlike regular adhesives, BreezeBond™ does not contain formaldehyde or harmful petrochemicals. Rather, it is water-based with a mild pH. This ensures a healthier and safer working environment for manufacturing personnel, aligning with the social and corporate governance components of ESG. Also, it offers near zero VOC emissions once products that use it are moved into or installed in buildings. This positively impacts the indoor environmental (air) quality category of LEED scoring.

Ensures Compliance and Transparency

BreezeBond™ underwent rigorous testing, including evaluations not only at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, but also at independent laboratories such as Applied Technical Services for strength and Capital Testing & Certification Services for VOC content. This underscores the product’s suite of attributes, ensuring compliance with industry performance and environmental standards as well as transparency in adhesive’s formaldehyde-free and petroleum-free formulation.

Specialty Organics: Pioneering Novel Products to Address the Concerns of Tomorrow

Specialty Organics is a dynamic and diversified specialty custom manufacturing company. We specialize in crafting advanced synthetic ingredients and adhesives that reinvent and elevate industry standards, including the revolutionary BreezeBond™. We have licensed the patent behind this petroleum-free, no-added formaldehyde (NAF), water-based hot press soy adhesive, and offer it as an innovative path to future growth for forest product manufacturers. Beyond our specialty adhesives, we offer comprehensive services, including toll manufacturing, pilot plant evaluations, scale-up support, and custom synthesis services.

Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!