What is Polyolefin Hot Melt?
Polyolefin hot melt, commonly abbreviated as PO hot melt, is a type of hot melt adhesive made from polyolefin polymers, including polyethylene and polypropylene. These adhesives are solid at room temperature and melt upon heating, allowing them to flow and bond surfaces upon cooling.
Unlike EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) hot melts, polyolefin hot melts offer improved thermal stability, enhanced adhesion to challenging substrates, and lower odor, making them increasingly popular in modern packaging and assembly applications.

Polyolefin hot melt, commonly abbreviated as PO hot melt, is a type of hot melt adhesive made from polyolefin polymers.
Key Features of Polyolefin Hot Melt
PO hot melts possess several features that make them a preferred choice for many manufacturers:
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Excellent Adhesion: Bonds well to a wide range of substrates, including coated and varnished paper, plastics (PP, PE), and difficult surfaces.
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Superior Thermal Stability: Resists charring and degradation even during long pot life, reducing maintenance downtime.
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Low Odor and Fume: Ideal for environments prioritizing operator safety and product cleanliness.
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Flexible Open and Set Time: Available in various formulations to match different line speeds.
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Clean Machinability: Less stringing and tailing during application, ensuring cleaner production environments.
Types of Polyolefin Hot Melt Adhesive
PO hot melt adhesives can be formulated for different requirements, including:
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Fast-Setting PO Hot Melt: For high-speed packaging lines requiring immediate bonding and handling.
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Long Open-Time PO Hot Melt: For applications needing adjustment time before bonding, such as large carton sealing.
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Low-Temperature Application PO Hot Melt: Useful for heat-sensitive substrates and energy-saving operations.
Applications of Polyolefin Hot Melt
Polyolefin hot melt adhesives are widely used in:
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Carton and Case Sealing: Providing strong bonds to coated and recycled board while resisting pop-opens in transit.
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Paper and Packaging: Gluing folding cartons, wrap-around cases, and trays with high reliability.
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Bookbinding: Used in spine gluing for softcover and notebook production due to flexibility and strong adhesion.
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Straw Attachment: For beverage carton straw attachment lines requiring precise application and high peel strength.
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Filter Assembly: Bonding filter media with minimal odor and good resistance to chemicals.
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Product Assembly: In lightweight product assembly where flexibility and strong adhesion is required.

Polyolefin hot melt adhesives are widely used in paper and packaging industry
If you are in packaging, bookbinding, or product assembly, switching to polyolefin hot melt can help you improve efficiency and product quality while reducing adhesive consumption.
Advantages of Using Polyolefin Hot Melt Over EVA Hot Melt
Many manufacturers are moving from traditional EVA hot melt adhesives to polyolefin hot melts because of the following advantages:
✅ Better Thermal Stability: PO hot melts remain stable in the tank and applicators, reducing char and nozzle blockages.
✅ Lower Odor: Improved workplace environment for operators.
✅ Broader Substrate Compatibility: Adhesion to difficult substrates like OPP, PE films, and UV-coated papers.
✅ Cleaner Operations: Reduced stringing and dripping during application.
✅ Higher Heat Resistance: Better performance in hot climates and during transportation.
✅ Lower Application Temperature Options: Reduced energy consumption and minimized substrate heat distortion.

Advantages of Using Polyolefin Hot Melt Over EVA Hot Melt
Why Consider TECHBOND PO Hot Melt for Your Production?
TECHBOND offers polyolefin hot melt adhesives formulated to match your application needs, with options for:
- High-speed carton sealing
- Straw attachment for beverage packaging
- Book spine gluing with flexibility for lay-flat performance
- General-purpose packaging for coated and recycled boards
- Application temperatures ranging from 130°C to 170°C depending on line requirements
By working with TECHBOND, you can receive technical support to optimize your production line, reduce glue usage per carton, and minimize machine downtime caused by charred adhesive.
How to Choose the Right Polyolefin Hot Melt for Your Application
Choosing the right PO hot melt requires consideration of:
1️⃣ Line Speed: Fast lines require quick-setting adhesives to prevent shifting.
2️⃣ Substrate Type: Different coatings and materials require adhesives with specific tack and peel strengths.
3️⃣ Open and Set Time: Match adhesive open time with your assembly or packaging workflow.
4️⃣ Heat Resistance: For applications exposed to high temperatures, a PO hot melt with higher heat resistance is necessary.
5️⃣ Cold Resistance: For cold chain logistics, adhesives with good flexibility at low temperatures are ideal.
TECHBOND can help you test and adjust glue consumption for your application to ensure cost-effective and strong bonding.
Sustainable Packaging with Polyolefin Hot Melt
Sustainability is a growing concern for manufacturers, especially in packaging industries. Polyolefin hot melts support sustainability in several ways:
🌱 Reduced Energy Use: Low-temperature formulations help save energy during application.
🌱 Lower Consumption: Due to higher adhesive strength, less glue is needed per application point.
🌱 Cleaner Production: Less char formation means reduced machine cleaning chemicals and waste.
By using PO hot melt adhesives, you contribute to your organization’s ESG goals while maintaining productivity.
Common Questions About Polyolefin Hot Melt
1️⃣ Is polyolefin hot melt more expensive than EVA hot melt?
It may have a higher price per kg, but PO hot melts often reduce overall adhesive consumption and maintenance costs, resulting in similar or lower total applied costs.
2️⃣ Can I use PO hot melt on my existing equipment?
In most cases, yes. PO hot melts are compatible with standard hot melt equipment. However, you may need to adjust application temperatures and check viscosity compatibility for optimal results.
3️⃣ Does PO hot melt work with coated boards?
Yes, polyolefin hot melts are designed to bond coated and varnished substrates effectively, outperforming EVA in many cases.
Contact TECHBOND for Your Polyolefin Hot Melt Needs
If you are looking to improve your packaging lines, straw attachment processes, bookbinding, or product assembly, consider polyolefin hot melt adhesives (PO hot melt) for your production.
TECHBOND offers:
✅ Customized PO hot melt formulations for your production
✅ Technical support for glue line optimization
✅ On-site testing for glue consumption and bond strength
✅ Sustainable and clean adhesive solutions for your packaging needs
📞 Contact TECHBOND today to explore how PO hot melt can improve your productivity while reducing costs.
Conclusion
Polyolefin hot melt adhesives (PO hot melt) are becoming the preferred adhesive for modern manufacturers seeking performance, sustainability, and cost efficiency. Their versatility across various substrates, improved thermal stability, and lower odor make them a reliable choice for many packaging, bookbinding, and product assembly applications.
By choosing the right PO hot melt adhesive, you can enhance your product quality, reduce operational downtime, and support your sustainability goals. TECHBOND is ready to support you with high-quality PO hot melt adhesives tailored to your production requirements.
