Chloroprene Rubber (CR) plays a crucial role in the global economy, used across various industries such as manufacturing, automotive, medical technology, and consumer goods. CR is primarily utilized in the production of technical rubber components (cables, hoses, belts, tires, etc.), neoprene, and adhesives, including water-based adhesives. Due to its excellent bonding properties, CR is widely favored in the formulation of water-based adhesives and is now used in the majority of products.
In the past, limited availability of CR has led to increasing supply bottlenecks. At the same time, global demand continues to rise, causing manufacturers to struggle with significant price fluctuations. Additionally, regulations are becoming more stringent. The SIMALFA® team has therefore expanded its adhesive portfolio with CR-free adhesives that meet both current and future regulations.
Advantages of CR-free adhesives compared to Chloroprene Rubber (CR) in adhesives
The following three side effects of CR can be eliminated by using a CR-free product:
Unlike CR-based adhesives, CR-free products offer superior aging resistance, preventing the unwanted yellowing of bond seams over time. This is especially beneficial for visible bond seams or those covered by light, thin fabric, where yellowing is no longer an issue.
Upcoming chemical regulations will govern chlorine content, and by extension, halogens. Depending on the chlorine content in the end product, it may be impossible to meet the criteria for certain stringent environmental labels. It is expected that the guidelines for halogen and chlorine content will become even more stringent across all relevant environmental labels. CR-free adhesives ensure users are prepared for the future and guarantee compliance with these regulations.
Currently, only a few manufacturers produce chloroprene rubber. However, demand is substantial and continues to grow due to its versatility and adaptability for various products—often exceeding supply. This leads to significant price fluctuations for chloroprene rubber, with availability being unstable at times. CR-free adhesives offer a stable alternative.
Summary of the benefits of CR-free adhesives
Our SIMALFA® CR-free adhesives do not yellow and offer even better aging resistance. The modern chlorine-free formula is highly eco-friendly and meets the requirements of the most stringent of environmental labels. This ensures that our customers are equipped to handle tighter regulatory restrictions. With resource-efficient production and energy-saving processing, SIMALFA® takes another step toward a circular economy. Additionally, the raw materials used in CR-free adhesives are available in sufficient quantities for 1C and 2C adhesive solutions.
Added Value
The foam industry is undergoing significant changes due to new, stricter environmental regulations. Statutory limits are becoming tighter and end-user expectations are rising continuously. The demand for chlorine- and halogen-free end products is gaining increasingly in importance. CR-free products provide users with a sustainable alternative.
SIMALFA®’s CR-free, water-based adhesives are formulated to be both solvent-free as well as chlorine-free (and therefore halogen-free). They are designed specifically for the foam processing industry. This 1C or 2C system can be used for a wide range of materials in foam and upholstery production. In keeping with all SIMALFA® adhesives, this new line is extremely economical to use. Even small application amounts bond foam efficiently and allow for high-level bonding.
The adhesives are characterized by excellent immediate tack and outstanding workability. Along with strong initial tack, users benefit from both an economical and ecological solution.
Future Outlook
Given that ecological as well as economic restrictions and regulations are likely to increase in the future, CR-free adhesives will prove to be the best long-term solution. The raw materials are sustainable and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Companies relying on CR-free adhesives will be more competitive. This is because they can be confident that raw materials will remain available and environmental label requirements will be met. Our existing product portfolio is constantly being improved and expanded.
