What is the difference and when to use which product in paper tube production
In regular meetings with our potential customers, we consistently encounter one question: What is the actual difference between BLENDECO blend and BLENDECO additive products? Both products are powder-based, both relate to dextrin, and both are used in the production of paper tubes. Yet, they address completely different needs. The wrong choice can mean unnecessary costs, untapped production potential, or slower processes.
Let’s explain it simply and practically – from the perspective of a manufacturer and decision-maker.
The Difference in One Sentence
BLENDECO blend is a powdered dextrin mixture from which you create a finished liquid adhesive.
BLENDECO additives are active ingredients you use to enhance an existing adhesive recipe (let’s call it a spice).
What is BLENDECO blend (powdered adhesive)
BLENDECO blend is a powdered dextrin-based mixture that serves as the foundation for manufacturing liquid adhesive directly at the customer’s site. In addition to dextrin, it already contains the mentioned additives that improve the quality and performance of the final adhesive.
How it works in practice
BLENDECO blend is mixed with water and a local filler (most often CaCO₃) in a mixing station. The result is a liquid adhesive ready for the production of paper tubes (or protective corners or paper honeycomb).
In the final recipe, BLENDECO blend constitutes approximately 20%, with the rest being water and filler.
Who is BLENDECO blend ideal for
- manufacturers of paper tubes (e.g., spiral-wound)
- customers who possess a mixing station
- operations that want to:
- produce adhesive locally
- reduce logistical costs
- have control over the recipe and its modification
Main benefits
- lower transport costs (powder instead of ready-made adhesive = we don’t transport water)
- possibility to use local raw materials
- recipe flexibility according to specific production needs
- available variants LOW BORAX / BORAX FREE
BLENDECO blend is especially suitable where a company wants to build adhesive production from scratch and optimize it long-term.
Read the story behind BLENDECO: the evolution of sustainable adhesives that changed the game.
What are BLENDECO additives
BLENDECO additives are neither adhesive nor a basic raw material for its production. They are highly effective active ingredients added to existing dextrin recipes with the aim of increasing adhesive performance (and thus the final product) and reducing costs.
What additives do
- increase bond strength
- speed up the bonding and drying process
- stabilize the production process
- allow for reduced consumption of dextrin, which is the most expensive component
Specific figures from practice
- adding 2–4% BLENDECO additives allows for a reduction in the dextrin proportion by 5–8%
- adhesiveness can be up to 50% faster
Typical recipe example:
originally: 25% dextrin
after optimization: 18% dextrin + 2% additives
The result is:
- same or higher performance
- lower costs
- faster production
Who are BLENDECO additives ideal for
- companies that are already manufacturing or using adhesive
- operations where it is necessary to:
- increase production speed
- reduce raw material costs
- react to changes in paper, humidity, or machine speed
When to choose BLENDECO blend and when BLENDECO additives
Choose BLENDECO blend if:
- you want to produce adhesive locally and thus reduce costs
- you have a mixing station
- you are dealing with the logistics of ready-made adhesives
- you are building the recipe from scratch
Choose BLENDECO additives if:
- you are already manufacturing or using adhesive
- you want:
- faster bonding = simply better performance?
- lower dextrin consumption
- higher production stability
How it looks in a real operation
Both solutions require a mixing station, at least basic laboratory control, and work with adhesive viscosity.
The most common mistake is expecting a “plug & play” solution. Every paper tube production has its specifics – paper type, machine speed and settings, climate in the hall, requirements for the resulting product.
That is why TOPCORE’s role is crucial, not just as a product supplier, but as a partner for setting up the correct recipe.
How to start correctly
When proposing a solution, TOPCORE typically asks three things:
- What type of paper tubes are you producing and under what conditions?
- What technological equipment do you have?
- What is the main goal: cost, performance, or production stability?
Based on this information, an optimal adhesive recipe can be proposed, and production can be recommended to be completely renewed with the BLENDECO blend mixture, or only the properties of the existing adhesive can be improved with BLENDECO additives.
Conclusion
BLENDECO blend and BLENDECO additives are not alternatives. They are two different products that solve two different problems. However, together they bring paper tube manufacturers maximum flexibility, performance, and significant savings.
Unsure which option makes sense for your production?
Contact the experts at TOPCORE, and we will gladly go through the specific parameters of your operation with you.
