Cartons that pop open, flaps that lift and paper that wrinkles usually come down to the glue, not the board. This guide covers the checks a packing team can make in minutes, and how to match a water-based cold glue to your paper or board, using the Tiger Glue range made by Thika Wax Works as the example.
Why cartons pop open
Board and paper are porous. A good cold glue soaks in a little, grips the fibres and dries clear. When a carton opens, the usual causes are too little glue, a glue line that dried before the flap was closed, no press time, or a glue that does not suit the surface.
Check the glue line
Look at the line, not just the carton.
- Thickness: a thin, even line applied fresh beats a heavy, rushed one.
- Too much glue: it wets the board and can wrinkle it.
- Too little glue: it leaves gaps where the flap can lift.
- Timing: close the flap while the glue is still wet.
Match the glue to the board
Different papers need different glues. These are the Tiger Glue cold glues and what each is made for.
- Hand packing of kraft and recycled paper: Tiger Glue CG09 and Tiger Glue Gundi Baridi No. 5.
- Fast carton and box lines, labels, envelopes and folders: Tiger Glue MR50 and MR60PL.
- Folding cartons for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, wrap-around labels and trays: Tiger Glue MR982.
- Paper labels on glass bottles and jars: Tiger Glue PTG97.
Open time and press time
Open time is how long you have to close the flap after the glue goes on. Press time is how long you hold it shut. Gundi Baridi No. 5 has a long open time, so you can reposition paper. MR50 and MR60PL have a fast initial tack, so they grab quickly.
- Clean and dry the surfaces.
- Apply a thin, even line.
- Close the flap while the glue is wet.
- Press firmly and hold for a few seconds.
- Let stacked cartons set before moving or loading them.
The pull-apart bond test
Glue a sample, let it set, then pull it apart. If the cardboard fibres tear and the glue holds, the bond is doing its job. If the glue peels off clean, change the glue, the amount or the press time. Do this test on your own board before a full run.
Fast line or hand packing?
Hand packing and small batches need time to position the paper, so a long open time helps. Fast lines need a quick grab. MR50 and MR60PL suit manual and automatic gluing systems. Drying time depends on the glue, the amount applied and the room, so test it on your own line.
What to check before you order
Know your job. Note your board or paper, your packing speed and the pack size you need.
- Pack sizes: CG09 comes in 20 kg and 150 kg. Gundi Baridi No. 5, MR982 and PTG97 come in 20 kg. MR50 and MR60PL come in 20 litres.
- Storage: keep the glue in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated place. The glues are listed with a 2-year shelf life.
- Sample: ask for a sample to test on your own board.
Frequently asked questions
Which glue is best for cardboard boxes?
A water-based cold glue that suits your board and your packing speed. Fast carton lines use MR50 or MR60PL. Folding cartons with coated board use MR982.
How do you stick two pieces of cardboard together?
Apply a thin, even line, join the pieces while the glue is wet, then press and hold until it grabs.
How long does glue take to dry on cardboard?
It depends on the glue, the amount and the room. Fast-setting cold glues grab quickly, but test on your own board before a full run.
What is gundi baridi?
Gundi baridi is Kiswahili for cold glue. Tiger Glue Gundi Baridi No. 5 is a water-based cold glue for hand packing of porous and recycled paper.
See the product
Ask about Tiger Glue liquid cold glues, pack sizes or bulk orders. WhatsApp or call 0722 206902, or send an enquiry. See the range: Tiger Glue liquid cold glues.
