Middle East Corrugated Packaging

Strengthening Adhesive Bonds in Corrugated Packaging: A Middle East Perspective with Shalbond’s Gum Powder Solutions

Key Takeaway :

Rapid growth in GCC and Saudi Arabian corrugated packaging markets demands robust, moisture-resistant adhesive solutions. Shalbond’s Gum Powder formulations deliver superior green strength and bond durability—addressing production managers’ challenges such as rapid line speeds, humidity control, and substrate variability.

High-Growth Corrugated Packaging Regions in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar dominate the region’s corrugated packaging expansion :

• Saudi Arabia led the Middle East industrial packaging market with a 34% revenue share in 2024, driven by petrochemical and manufacturing investments under Vision 2030.[1]
• GCC Corrugated Boxes Market is projected to grow from USD 18.5 billion in 2025 to USD 32.6 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 9.7%, fueled by e-commerce and sustainable packaging demands.[2]
• UAE corrugated packaging is forecast at ~3% CAGR (2024–2029), driven by e-commerce, beauty, and food delivery sectors.[3]

These markets require adhesives that perform under high-speed operations, variable climates, and stricter environmental regulations.

Persona: Corrugated Box Production Manager

Name : Ahmed Al-Harbi

Role & Responsibilities : Oversee corrugator line operations, maintain board integrity, manage adhesive systems, and ensure meeting daily output targets (50,000+ boxes).

Goals & KPIs :

• Achieve < 1% adhesive-related downtime
• Maintain burst strength ≥32 ECT
• Reduce adhesive consumption by 5% annually

Pain Points :

• Humidity-induced adhesive sag and web breaks
• Variability in recycled-fiber liners affecting bond quality
• Balancing green strength for rapid take-up vs. final bond durability

Preferred Solutions :

• Moisture-resistant gum powders with tailored viscosity
• Technical support for on-site adhesive optimization
• Equipment-friendly formulations for both batch and continuous mixers

Real-World Challenges from Industry Discussions :

Corrugated box forums and industry blogs reveal recurring issues:

• Moisture Gain & Bond Failure : Gum formulations absorb ambient moisture post-drying, leading to reduced burst/flat crush strength and box collapse.
• Inadequate Green Strength : Rapid line speeds demand adhesives that gel instantly yet cure flexibly; common starch blends underperform, causing glue lap failure.
• Viscosity Fluctuations : Low or inconsistent viscosity leads to poor roller pickup or excess lift-up, disrupting production.
• Substrate Variability : High recycled fiber content reduces wet-out, requiring adhesives with enhanced tackifiers and crosslink density.

Shalbond’s Gum Powder Solutions :

1. Tailored Moisture-Resistant Formulations

Shalbond’s Gum Powders employ specialized starch modifications to reduce hygroscopic fillers and replace caustic soda, ensuring minimal moisture uptake in humid climates.

2. Enhanced Green & Final Bond Strength

By optimizing tackifier levels and incorporating partially reacted crosslinkers, Shalbond’s adhesives achieve green strength within seconds while delivering high tensile bond strength (>5 MPa) after full cure—ideal for high-speed corrugators.

3. Viscosity Control & Roller Compatibility

Formulations are engineered for 30–35 sec (Ford Cup #4) viscosity in corrugation gum and pasting gum, preventing roller buildup and ensuring consistent glue application.

Implementation & Technical Data

Application Guidelines :

• Mix powders at 10–12% solids for corrugation; adjust to 14–16% for paste gum.
• Preheat reactivation rollers to 60–70 °C for optimal gelation.
• Maintain adhesive tank at 50–55 °C, avoid prolonged storage (>12 hrs).

Conclusion

Shalbond’s Gum Powder adhesive solutions are uniquely positioned to meet Middle East corrugated box production demands—providing rapid green strength, robust final bonds, and superior moisture resistance. By adopting these formulations, production managers like Ahmed can minimize downtime, uphold quality standards, and drive cost efficiencies in high-growth regional markets.