Food-Safe Adhesives for Corrugated Packaging: A Guide to Compliance
The corrugated box is a hero of the modern food supply chain, protecting everything from fresh produce to frozen goods on its journey to the consumer. When these boxes are used for packaging food, they are classified as 'Food Contact Materials' (FCMs), and every single component—from the paper fibers to the printing inks to the adhesives—falls under a complex web of global food safety regulations. Ensuring that the adhesive used in the construction of these boxes is 'food-safe' is not just a best practice; it is a legal and ethical requirement to protect consumer health and a brand's reputation. Navigating this landscape requires diligence and a partnership with a knowledgeable adhesive supplier.
The central principle of food contact safety is preventing 'migration'—the transfer of chemical substances from the packaging into the food. Regulations like the EU's Framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and the FDA's regulations in the US set strict limits on which substances can be used and the maximum amount that is permitted to migrate. A food-safe adhesive must be formulated exclusively with raw materials that are approved for either direct or indirect food contact, depending on the application. For a standard shipping carton where the food is already pre-packaged, the adhesive is considered indirect contact. For applications like a pizza box or a fresh produce tray where the food might touch the board, the requirements are even more stringent.
Key substances of concern that must be avoided in food-safe adhesives include mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH), phthalates, primary aromatic amines (PAAs), and certain solvents or biocides. A reliable adhesive manufacturer must be able to provide a 'Declaration of Compliance' or a similar statement, certifying that their product meets the requirements of relevant regulations for its intended use. This is not just a simple claim; it should be backed by a robust quality control system, full supply chain traceability of all raw materials, and, in many cases, independent third-party laboratory testing to verify low migration levels.
At Kubron Chemicals, we take food safety with the utmost seriousness. Our corrugation adhesives, like Aquatack Plus CS, are formulated to meet and exceed global food contact standards. We meticulously select our raw materials from approved suppliers and maintain rigorous manufacturing processes to prevent any form of cross-contamination. We provide our customers with clear and comprehensive regulatory documentation to support their own compliance and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) programs. By choosing a Kubron food-safe adhesive, corrugated manufacturers and the brands they serve can have complete confidence that their packaging is not only strong and efficient but also fully compliant and safe for the end consumer. It is a commitment to quality that extends all the way to the dinner table.