Launch Slideshow

Image

Green Adhesives

Play Slideshow >>

Green Adhesives

  • 3M. The companys Hi-Strength 94 ET Spray Adhesive is a high-strength, high-tack spray adhesive with high solids for increased coverage. It has 10.7 g/L VOC content and is Greenguard Children & Schools certified. It is sold in aerosol cans, canisters, 5-gallon pails, and steel drums (reducing container waste). The company has a handful of other Greenguard Children & Schools-certified spray adhesives. 800.362.3550. www.3m.com.

    http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/Images/tmp1518%2Etmp_tcm131-1031769.jpg

    3M. The companys Hi-Strength 94 ET Spray Adhesive is a high-strength, high-tack spray adhesive with high solids for increased coverage. It has 10.7 g/L VOC content and is Greenguard Children & Schools certified. It is sold in aerosol cans, canisters, 5-gallon pails, and steel drums (reducing container waste). The company has a handful of other Greenguard Children & Schools-certified spray adhesives. 800.362.3550. www.3m.com.

    600

    3M. The company’s Hi-Strength 94 ET Spray Adhesive is a high-strength, high-tack spray adhesive with high solids for increased coverage. It has 10.7 g/L VOC content and is Greenguard Children & Schools certified. It is sold in aerosol cans, canisters, 5-gallon pails, and steel drums (reducing container waste). The company has a handful of other Greenguard Children & Schools-certified spray adhesives. 800.362.3550. www.3m.com.

  • Chem Link. Chem Links WallSecure is a polyether-based, solvent-free, nonhazardous construction adhesive. Because the 100% solid formulation is moisture cured, it has quick grain strength, or grab. Installation is faster than water-based adhesives, and, because there are no solvents that need to be flashed off, it saves a step in installing drywall. The firm has a wide range of solvent-free, polyether-based adhesives and sealants for contractors along with its GreenLink brand consumer-focused products. 800.826.1681. www.chemlink.com.

    http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/Images/tmp1519%2Etmp_tcm131-1031782.jpg

    Chem Link. Chem Links WallSecure is a polyether-based, solvent-free, nonhazardous construction adhesive. Because the 100% solid formulation is moisture cured, it has quick grain strength, or grab. Installation is faster than water-based adhesives, and, because there are no solvents that need to be flashed off, it saves a step in installing drywall. The firm has a wide range of solvent-free, polyether-based adhesives and sealants for contractors along with its GreenLink brand consumer-focused products. 800.826.1681. www.chemlink.com.

    600

    Chem Link. Chem Link’s WallSecure is a polyether-based, solvent-free, nonhazardous construction adhesive. Because the 100% solid formulation is moisture cured, it has quick grain strength, or grab. Installation is faster than water-based adhesives, and, because there are no solvents that need to be flashed off, it saves a step in installing drywall. The firm has a wide range of solvent-free, polyether-based adhesives and sealants for contractors along with its GreenLink brand consumer-focused products. 800.826.1681. www.chemlink.com.

  • Henkel Loctite. Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty Interior/Exterior Construction Adhesive is a high-strength, high-tack latex adhesive for bonding or filling gaps. Weather resistant and paintable, it meets AFG-01 performance specifications, has a VOC content of 15 g/L, and is certified to Greenguard Children & Schools. The companys Loctite line includes a number of low-VOC content and Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives. 800.562.8483. www.henkelna.com.

    http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/Images/tmp151B%2Etmp_tcm131-1031805.jpg

    Henkel Loctite. Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty Interior/Exterior Construction Adhesive is a high-strength, high-tack latex adhesive for bonding or filling gaps. Weather resistant and paintable, it meets AFG-01 performance specifications, has a VOC content of 15 g/L, and is certified to Greenguard Children & Schools. The companys Loctite line includes a number of low-VOC content and Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives. 800.562.8483. www.henkelna.com.

    600

    Henkel Loctite. Loctite Power Grab Heavy Duty Interior/Exterior Construction Adhesive is a high-strength, high-tack latex adhesive for bonding or filling gaps. Weather resistant and paintable, it meets AFG-01 performance specifications, has a VOC content of 15 g/L, and is certified to Greenguard Children & Schools. The company’s Loctite line includes a number of low-VOC content and Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives. 800.562.8483. www.henkelna.com.

  • Henkel OSI Green Series. OSI Green Series FlameSeal Fire, Smoke & Draft Stop Sealant is the only Greenguard Children & Schools-certified sealant to control the spread of fire. This nonhazardous, one-part latex and vinyl acetate-based sealant has a VOC content of 33 g/L, is designed to service penetrations and joints in fire separations and firewalls, and controls fire, smoke, fumes, and water for up to four hours at temperatures up to 1,850 degrees Fahrenheit. The Henkel OSI Green Series line includes a number of low-VOC content and Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives, caulks, and sealants. 800.624.7767. www.greenseries.com.

    http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/Images/tmp151A%2Etmp_tcm131-1031794.jpg

    Henkel OSI Green Series. OSI Green Series FlameSeal Fire, Smoke & Draft Stop Sealant is the only Greenguard Children & Schools-certified sealant to control the spread of fire. This nonhazardous, one-part latex and vinyl acetate-based sealant has a VOC content of 33 g/L, is designed to service penetrations and joints in fire separations and firewalls, and controls fire, smoke, fumes, and water for up to four hours at temperatures up to 1,850 degrees Fahrenheit. The Henkel OSI Green Series line includes a number of low-VOC content and Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives, caulks, and sealants. 800.624.7767. www.greenseries.com.

    600

    Henkel OSI Green Series. OSI Green Series FlameSeal Fire, Smoke & Draft Stop Sealant is the only Greenguard Children & Schools-certified sealant to control the spread of fire. This nonhazardous, one-part latex and vinyl acetate-based sealant has a VOC content of 33 g/L, is designed to service penetrations and joints in fire separations and firewalls, and controls fire, smoke, fumes, and water for up to four hours at temperatures up to 1,850 degrees Fahrenheit. The Henkel OSI Green Series line includes a number of low-VOC content and Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives, caulks, and sealants. 800.624.7767. www.greenseries.com.

  • ITW TACC. ITW TACCs Miracle Lumber Lock G E72 is a solvent-free adhesive formulated for use in wood-based subflooring systems. E72 provides durable, weatherproof bonds, adhering to wet and frozen lumber. The MSDS lists a VOC content of 26 g/L for regulatory VOC content (typically cited), but also lists total VOCs, including EPA-exempt compounds, at 44 g/L. The product does contain ammonia, at less than 0.5% by weight, so it may not be free of odors. The company offers a number of low-VOC content and Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives. 888.751.0409. www.itwtacc.com.

    http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/Images/tmp158C%2Etmp_tcm131-1031818.jpg

    ITW TACC. ITW TACCs Miracle Lumber Lock G E72 is a solvent-free adhesive formulated for use in wood-based subflooring systems. E72 provides durable, weatherproof bonds, adhering to wet and frozen lumber. The MSDS lists a VOC content of 26 g/L for regulatory VOC content (typically cited), but also lists total VOCs, including EPA-exempt compounds, at 44 g/L. The product does contain ammonia, at less than 0.5% by weight, so it may not be free of odors. The company offers a number of low-VOC content and Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives. 888.751.0409. www.itwtacc.com.

    600

    ITW TACC. ITW TACC’s Miracle Lumber Lock G E72 is a solvent-free adhesive formulated for use in wood-based subflooring systems. E72 provides durable, weatherproof bonds, adhering to wet and frozen lumber. The MSDS lists a VOC content of 26 g/L for regulatory VOC content (typically cited), but also lists total VOCs, including EPA-exempt compounds, at 44 g/L. The product does contain ammonia, at less than 0.5% by weight, so it may not be free of odors. The company offers a number of low-VOC content and Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives. 888.751.0409. www.itwtacc.com.

  • Liquid Nails. Liquid Nails Subfloor and Deck Construction Adhesive (LN-902) is a heavy-duty exterior/interior latex-based adhesive for walls and subfloor systems. Formulated to adhere to wet or frozen lumber in temperatures as low as 22 degrees, it has a VOC content of 20 g/L and is certified to Greenguard Children & Schools. The company has a number of Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives covering a wide range of applications, all with VOC content below 50 g/L. 800.634.0015. www.liquidnails.com.

    http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/Images/tmp158D%2Etmp_tcm131-1031829.jpg

    Liquid Nails. Liquid Nails Subfloor and Deck Construction Adhesive (LN-902) is a heavy-duty exterior/interior latex-based adhesive for walls and subfloor systems. Formulated to adhere to wet or frozen lumber in temperatures as low as 22 degrees, it has a VOC content of 20 g/L and is certified to Greenguard Children & Schools. The company has a number of Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives covering a wide range of applications, all with VOC content below 50 g/L. 800.634.0015. www.liquidnails.com.

    600

    Liquid Nails. Liquid Nails Subfloor and Deck Construction Adhesive (LN-902) is a heavy-duty exterior/interior latex-based adhesive for walls and subfloor systems. Formulated to adhere to wet or frozen lumber in temperatures as low as 22 degrees, it has a VOC content of 20 g/L and is certified to Greenguard Children & Schools. The company has a number of Greenguard Children & Schools-certified adhesives covering a wide range of applications, all with VOC content below 50 g/L. 800.634.0015. www.liquidnails.com.

  • Safecoat. Safecoat Almighty Adhesive is a polyether-based, solvent-free, nonhazardous construction adhesive. With a 100% solid formulation, it meets the AFG-01 performance specification and is appropriate for a wide range of applications from interior and exterior paneling, metal, tub surrounds, wood and metal frame construction, and more. Its VOC content is under 35 g/l. 619.239.0321. www.afmsafecoat.com.

    http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/Images/tmp158F%2Etmp_tcm131-1031848.jpg

    Safecoat. Safecoat Almighty Adhesive is a polyether-based, solvent-free, nonhazardous construction adhesive. With a 100% solid formulation, it meets the AFG-01 performance specification and is appropriate for a wide range of applications from interior and exterior paneling, metal, tub surrounds, wood and metal frame construction, and more. Its VOC content is under 35 g/l. 619.239.0321. www.afmsafecoat.com.

    600

    Safecoat. Safecoat Almighty Adhesive is a polyether-based, solvent-free, nonhazardous construction adhesive. With a 100% solid formulation, it meets the AFG-01 performance specification and is appropriate for a wide range of applications from interior and exterior paneling, metal, tub surrounds, wood and metal frame construction, and more. Its VOC content is under 35 g/l. 619.239.0321. www.afmsafecoat.com.

  • Titebond. Franklin Internationals Titebond Original Wood Glue is an industry standard. Introduced in 1955, this was the first aliphatic resin glue or yellow glue, which, like polyvinyl acetate white glue, is inherently nonhazardous. Original Wood Glue has 10.7 g/L VOC content, and no ingredients of concern are listed on the material safety data sheet. Many of Franklins Titebond adhesives, along with its GreenChoice-branded adhesives, have VOC content below 50 g/L. 800.669.4583. www.titebond.com.

    http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/Images/tmp1590%2Etmp_tcm131-1031856.jpg

    Titebond. Franklin Internationals Titebond Original Wood Glue is an industry standard. Introduced in 1955, this was the first aliphatic resin glue or yellow glue, which, like polyvinyl acetate white glue, is inherently nonhazardous. Original Wood Glue has 10.7 g/L VOC content, and no ingredients of concern are listed on the material safety data sheet. Many of Franklins Titebond adhesives, along with its GreenChoice-branded adhesives, have VOC content below 50 g/L. 800.669.4583. www.titebond.com.

    600

    Titebond. Franklin International’s Titebond Original Wood Glue is an industry standard. Introduced in 1955, this was the first aliphatic resin glue or “yellow glue,” which, like polyvinyl acetate “white glue,” is inherently nonhazardous. Original Wood Glue has 10.7 g/L VOC content, and no ingredients of concern are listed on the material safety data sheet. Many of Franklin’s Titebond adhesives, along with its GreenChoice-branded adhesives, have VOC content below 50 g/L. 800.669.4583. www.titebond.com.

The Adhesives and Sealants Council has been working with its members on exploring and defining for themselves what sustainability means for their industry. This article focuses on occupant health aspects as something that should be a non-negotiable first step, but there’s a whole chemical supply chain to pay attention to as well. Manufacturers that use green chemistry principles and other innovations to reduce the life cycle impacts of their manufacturing and supply chain should be lauded—although until there is consistent comparable reporting through things like an Environmental Product Declaration, it can be hard to tell whether a company’s broader “sustainability” claims are worth applauding.

To find the best adhesives amongst what’s available today, use this guidance:

1. Consider the total assembly in evaluating greener options, including whether alternative fasteners or releasable adhesives may be appropriate.

2. Use the right adhesive for the job while seeking out greener adhesives. Ask the substrate manufacturer for compatible adhesives that have both low-VOC content and are certified to CDPH 01350 through one of the certifications covered above.

3. Ask for adhesives that do not contain hazards of high concern. Review the MSDS, but ask for assurance beyond that. You may not get it, but asking lets manufacturers know it’s relevant to the market. For hazardous ingredients other than carcinogens, manufacturers’ safety sheets don’t have to list anything present below 1% (10,000 ppm) of the total by weight—and, yes, smaller concentrations of certain chemicals of concern do matter.

Most important, use the information you receive in purchasing decisions. Adhesive advances over the past decade show how industries will respond to consumer and regulatory requirements—but many manufacturers are unlikely to stick their necks out much further than consumers demand.

Jennifer Atlee is research director for BuildingGreen, publishers of The GreenSpec Directory and Environmental Building News.

Rating System Credits

Energy Star 3.0 with Indoor airPLUS

Requires that carpet adhesives meet Green Label Plus or Green Label testing program criteria (documentation required, certification optional). There are no requirements for other types of adhesives and sealants.

LEED for Homes 2008 MR2

Credit for adhesives and sealants that meet SCAQMD #1168 requirements for VOC content (limits differ by type).

Draft LEED for Homes 2012 EQ

The latest draft gives credit if site-applied adhesives and sealants meet CDPH 01350 (for which there are numerous certifications).

ANSI National Green Building Standard

Credit if a minimum of 85% of site-applied adhesives and sealants meet either CARB limits (versus SCAQMD for LEED) for subfloors or exterior installation, or are certified to CDPH 01350 for interior installations.