The Shift to APEO-Free Formulations

As manufacturing industries—from textiles and packaging to medical applications—continue to evolve, there is a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility without sacrificing product performance. A key part of this progress is the move away from alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) in various product formulations.

What are APEOs? | Understanding APEOs and Their Impact

APEOs, including nonylphenol ethoxylates, have been widely used for their effective emulsifying and dispersing properties. However, these compounds degrade into nonylphenol—substance known for its persistence in the environment and toxicity to aquatic life—amongst other properties that raises concerns about long-term endocrine disruption in both wildlife and humans (EPA, 2010; European Chemicals Agency, n.d.).

Challenges in Eliminating APEOs

Transitioning away from APEOs is not without its challenges. These compounds have been integral in achieving high performance results in adhesives, emulsifiers, dyes, printing pastes, and other industrial processes. Replacing them requires careful reformulation to maintain product efficacy.

Our Commitment to Stewardship

At Franklin Adhesives & Polymers, we are committed to advancing responsible manufacturing while maintaining the reliability our customers depend on.

Our product development team continues to innovate within the adhesives space with high performance, APEO-free pressure sensitive adhesives. These products meet crucial industry and regulatory standards without compromising performance qualities across a wide range of applications in the label, tape, and graphic markets.

As we continue developing new adhesives and improving existing formulations, we aim to balance performance, efficiency, and environmental stewardship considerations as part of our core mission to be the most trusted adhesion company in the world.

We’re Here to Help!

Our team of adhesive experts are at the ready to answer your questions. Contact our technical service team or submit a request for more information.

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References:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2010). Nonylphenol (NP) and Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) Action Plan. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/rin2070-za09_np-npes_action_plan_final_2010-08-09.pdf

European Chemicals Agency. (n.d.). Nonylphenol, ethoxylated - Substance Information. Retrieved from https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.105.533

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Franklin Adhesives & Polymers is a division of Franklin International.

About Franklin International: Established in 1935, Franklin International is among the largest privately held manufacturers of adhesives and sealants in the U.S. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company maintains multiple manufacturing and distribution locations in the U.S. and a plant in Guangzhou, China to serve the Pacific Rim effectively. The company maintains two divisions: Franklin Adhesives & Polymers provides pressure-sensitive adhesives for labels, tapes and graphics applications, and adhesives for wood assembly markets, and the Construction Division manufactures Titebond® wood glues, construction adhesives, sealants and flooring products.

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