The History of the First Industrial Glue

Glue has played a significant role throughout human history as a bonding agent, but the emergence of industrial glue coincided with the advent of modern industry in the late 19th century.

Natural materials like animal hides and bones were used to make the first industrial glues. Because of these organic materials' flexibility and durability, they were especially well-liked in bookbinding and carpentry. Industrial-scale adhesive manufacture started in the 1870s when factories in the US and England started mass-producing animal-based glue.

Stronger and more resilient adhesives were developed in the early 20th century as a result of the Industrial Revolution's influence on the development of synthetic chemical technologies. By creating adhesives that could tolerate higher stress levels and harsher weather conditions, phenolic resins and other synthetic polymers transformed sectors like construction and automobile.

These advancements paved the way for the diverse range of industrial adhesives we rely on today, reflecting a significant evolution from the early natural glues.

10 January 2025