The Need for MagiGlue™

Using environmentally conscious and non-hazardous products doesn't have to mean a sacrifice in quality.

Bio-adhesive Background

Adhesives were originally derived from natural materials such as tar, tree sap, eggs, beeswax, or animal parts. They presented several quality challenges, most of which were solved with the advent of synthetic adhesives in the early 1900's. Synthetic adhesives use chemical and petroleum bases, allowing for smoother, stronger, quicker-drying, and longer-lasting adhesives. But these improvements came with several drawbacks such as negative environmental and health impacts. Click here for more on the history of adhesives.

Environmental Considerations

When petroleum-based adhesives were first being developed, the oil supply seemed infinite. Today, we know better, and are more aware that oil is a limited resource. The adhesive industry produces millions of gallons of oil-based adhesives per year. Even craft glue makes a significant impact; according to Elmer's Corporation, there are over 47 million students that use petroleum-based Elmer's Glue on a weekly bases- and that's just in elementary schools! MagiGlue™ is completely natural and does not use any precious non-renewable resources.

Health Considerations

Synthetic adhesives can also present health risks. We come into contact with adhesives in every area of life. They are used in autos in place of rivets and welds in order to make the car lighter and sturdier, so when you slide into a brand-new car these days, you can breathe deeply in the pride of ownership- but you're also breathing in these adhesives. The "new-car smell" is a combination of the chemicals in the plastics, leather and adhesives use in the manufacture of the car. They usually dissipate within six months of ownership, but during that time, especially if the weather is hot, cancer-causing volatile organic chemicals (VOC's) are present at high concentrations in the cabin. Adhesives also contribute to "sick building syndrome", an illness caused by VOC's in the home or office. Many craft glues such as rubber cement contain VOC's as well. MagiGlue™ is completely non-toxic, animal-free, and contains no VOC's. AthenaES™ Labs is also looking to explore and expand the MagiGlue™ line to offer non-toxic alternatives to adhesives currently used in industrial applications.