Gelatin glue is commonly used in packing industries, bookbinding and more. Non-toxic and biodegradable, glue from gelatin is an essential ingredient for many adhesive manufacturers.

The main ingredient in gelatin glue is — you guessed it — gelatin. Gelatin glue is made up of the proteins extracted from waste animal remains like bones and hide. These remains are cooked in water, cooled and cooked again to break down their collagen into raw glue. With additional heating or drying, gelatin adhesive manufacturers can create the desired viscosity for their product.

The History of Glues and Adhesives

The art of making glue from gelatin dates back to 2000 BC in ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphic images and stone carvings from that time depict the use of gelatin glue in wood furniture and murals of pharaohs. When the Greek and Roman empires came to power, gelatin glue was commonly used for fixing broken pottery and wood veneering. Chinese inventors and chemists took things one step further and used glue from gelatin to preserve painted artwork.

Gelatin glue became a thriving industry during the industrial revolution, and by the 20th century, adhesive manufacturers were scattered throughout America. During that time, technological advancements provided a better understanding behind the science of adhesion.

Today, manufacturing glue from gelatin is a multi-billion dollar industry, and adhesives are used in shoes, clothing, construction, cars, paper products and more.

The Benefits of Creating Glue from Gelatin

Years of working with gelatin glue have provided adhesive manufacturers with numerous advantages. The many benefits of creating glue from gelatin include: