While the green march continues to grow in the mainstream, adhesives manufacturers have been environmentally conscious for decades. The main challenge for glue producers has been developing effective products while keeping a focus on being eco friendly.

For example, W.F. Taylor unveiled solvent-free and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) products 10 years ago with the launch of its Envirotec line, the first globally available solvent-free floor covering adhesives. “We were the first to achieve Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label status,” said Jack Raidy, president and CEO, “and are now certified by the GreenGuard Environmental Institute.” All these products qualify under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building programs.

Jeff Johnson, product manager for Mapei’s Floor Covering Installation Systems business, concurred with Raidy in that gluemakers have long been at the front lines of the green movement. “For almost two decades, we’ve been improving our products to provide the greatest performance with the maximum amount of environmental responsibility.”

John Lio, marketing manager for Dri-Tac Flooring Products, believes producing green adhesives is critical to the flooring industry. “Providing both installers and homeowners with an eco friendly adhesive that will not force them to sacrifice performance is invaluable. It takes the latest, most up to date technology, a dedicated team of chemists and researchers, as well as state-of-the-art equipment [to achieve this].”

He noted 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 is the glue company’s recently launched 1001 All-In-One, which Lio calls a revolutionary new adhesive, concrete moisture sealer, sound deadening membrane and crack suppressant system, all in one 4-gallon pail. “DriTac 1001 is a green, one-component system that offers major time and labor savings for the installation of hardwood flooring when a concrete moisture barrier is preferred.”

VOC-free is key

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

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

“Taylor MS Plus is a true replacement for moisture cure urethane adhesives with none of the headaches or problems associated with these products,” he explained. “This is the product the professional installer has been seeking for many years.” The ease of use, rapid grab and strength build, along with the lack of odor and ease of cleanup, are all features that have long been lacking in urethane glues. The problem of harsh solvents required to clean up urethanes, that also clean the finish off flooring, has been eliminated for the installer as well as for the customer.”

USG’s Tile & Flooring division markets Durock brand flooring adhesive, an environmentally friendly, high-performance glue offering superior bond strength and outstanding troweling properties.

Multiple Applications

The adhesive is designed for bonding hardwood flooring, tile and stone to all types of subfloor and vertical surfaces. Safe to use in confined areas, USG’s Durock contains no solvents, VOCs or Proposition 65-listed materials.

Unlike other glues, Durock will not produce out-gassing, noted John Mandel, market manager, performance substrates and specialty division for USG. “The product has a 20 minute to 30 minute working time and relies on humidity and ambient temperatures for curing.

“After the adhesive is applied,” he explained, “light foot traffic can resume in four to eight hours, while normal foot traffic typically can resume in 24 hours. It is easily cleaned up or removed using alcohol or mineral spirits.”