While the green movement gains mainstream momentum, adhesives manufacturers have been environmentally conscious for quite a while. The major challenge for these glue makers has been developing strong and effective products while placing an emphasis on being environmentally friendly.

For example, W.F. Taylor introduced solvent-free and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) products in 1989 with the launch of its Envirotec line, the first solvent-free floor covering adhesives globally. “We were the first to achieve Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label status and are now certified by the GreenGuard Environmental Institute,” said Jack Raidy, president and CEO. “All these products qualify for LEED green building programs.”

Jeff Johnson, product manager for Mapei’s Floor Covering Installation Systems, agreed with Raidy in that adhesive producers have long been at the forefront of the green movement. “For almost 20 years, the company has been innovating its products to provide the best performance with the maximum environmental responsibility.”

John Lio, marketing manager for DriTac Flooring Products, believes producing green products is essential to the wood flooring industry. “Providing installers and homeowners with an environmentally friendly adhesive that will not force them to sacrifice performance is an invaluable tool. It takes the latest technology, a dedicated team of chemists and researchers, and state-of-the-art equipment.”

Lio noted that DriTac now offers high-quality, premium, green products completely free of all VOCs and solvents. “In years past, having an adhesive that was VOC compliant was more than sufficient. Today, however, VOC-free adhesives have become the focus and, in some cases, the mandate of the industry. In illustration, DriTac offers a moisture cure urethane adhesive, DriTac 7500 Eco-Urethane, that can be used to install bamboo, exotic woods, multi-ply engineered plank, solid wood planks, acrylic impregnated wood, plain-back parquet and plywood.

Being solvent- and VOC-free is key for the adhesives manufacturers in their quest to make their products safe for the environment. “Mapei’s urethane adhesives for wood have superior bond strength compared to other adhesive choices such as water- or solvent-based materials,” Johnson said. “Their solvent-free base insures these products are LEED compliant.”

USG’s Tile and Flooring Division markets Durock brand wood flooring adhesive, an environmentally friendly, high-performance glue offering superior bond strength and outstanding troweling properties. The adhesive is designed for bonding wood flooring, tile and stone to all types of subfloor and vertical surfaces. Safe to use in confined areas, it contains no solvents, VOCs or Proposition 65-listed materials.

Taylor markets Meta-Tec MS Plus adhesive, a 100% solids, solvent- and isocyanate-free moisture cure adhesive for wood flooring. It’s manufactured with a proprietary advanced MS polymer combined with Taylor’s patented Meta-Tec cross-linking chemistry utilizing bio-based renewable oils and resins. The adhesive also acts as a moisture inhibitor, sound reduction membrane, offers easy clean-up and is GreenGuard certified.

“Taylor MS Plus is a true and superior replacement for moisture cure urethane adhesives with none of the headaches or problems associated with these products,” Raidy said.