when providing customer service for Robatech
products. "Robatech adhesive application
systems are highly modular and we can use
the same spare parts among various product
lines even for legacy systems. Customers can
keep their systems for a long time. They can
even upgrade easily without the need to dispose
of the old system because spare parts are no
longer available or compatibility is not part of the
company's philosophy."
But how can adhesive application as such
become more sustainable? This is where
innovation, know-how and technology from
green gluing comes in.
"The key is to use less adhesive while
maintaining the bonding quality of the glued
product,” says Mr Nesdale. “There are different
ways to reduce glue consumption. One is to
adjust the glue pattern, for example by switching
from continuous bead to intermittent bead or dot
application. Another is to convince the customer
to simply use less adhesive and implement
a quality control system. Many customers
apply more adhesive than really needed to be
on the safe side. Packages or cartons that
unintentionally open up are a nightmare in the
processing industry."
Robatech developed the adhesive measuring
system AMS for tracking glue consumption.
It allows the customer to go down to the
minimum hot-melt application level without
producing nightmares. "It's really worthwhile
investing in quality control," says Mr Nesdale.
"Robatech's glue verification system can stop
waste production easily. The systems tracks
the glue position and stops the production
process if deviations are detected. It's up to
the industry to make a change in mindset and
invest in sustainable solutions."
Green Gluing solutions such as Robatech's
pallet stabilisation convince more easily. The
application process can save costs and tons
of plastic every year.
"It's a great opportunity to maintain the
balance between business requirements and
sustainable production,” Mr Nesdale adds.
“For pallet stabilisation with anti-slip gluing,
a thin bead or spiral of hot melt adhesive
is applied on top of the packaging. When
stacked on a pallet, the packaging becomes
a safe and stable unit for transport. Our
customers don't need plastic foils to stabilise
the pallet and their consumers get rid of the
disposal problem.
"With Green Gluing", Mr Meier says in
summation, "we build a bridge between the
industrial adhesive application process and
fundamental ecological values."
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