Crespel & Deiters Group has confirmed that corrugated board manufacturers using its Definol adhesives will not face supplementary labelling or administrative obligations under the updated EU chemical rules.
The European Union has tightened restrictions on boron compounds due to their classification as reproductive toxins and severe irritants.
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Under the amended measures, boron ethanolamine now requires revised hazard labels.
For corrugated board producers, these statutory changes require administrative updates, including revising safety data sheets, preparing fresh compliance paperwork, and conducting staff training.
Definol avoids these labelling rules because the formulation contains no borax.
Instead, it relies on substitute boron compounds that temporarily cross-link the starch to regulate curing rates, ensuring bonding speeds remain unaffected.
Supplied in powder form, the ready-to-use adhesive requires only ambient-temperature water for preparation and operates on high-speed corrugators.
When combined with specific resins, the adhesive can be configured for packaging exposed to soil contact, refrigerated environments, or high humidity, serving agricultural and cold-chain distribution.
This configuration increases mechanical strength and moisture resistance whilst remaining starch-based and recyclable.
Crespel & Deiters noted that ‘free from borax’ is not the same as ‘free from boron’, as some formulations still contain boron compounds currently designated as less critical under EU classifications.
For manufacturers requiring adhesives with zero boron content, the company supplies the Zerobor line, which supports line speeds of up to 200 metres per minute.
Crespel & Deiters sales industrial solutions head Dirk Köllmeier said: “This regulatory tightening in the EU shows the importance of forward-looking raw material management.
“That’s why our Definol portfolio has been borax-free for several years now, thus giving customers planning security and reliability.”
Headquartered in Ibbenbüren, Crespel & Deiters was established in 1858 and remains under sixth-generation family ownership.
