FAQs

UHU stic ReNATURE is a new glue stick with a container mainly made from plant-based raw materials. 58% of the material is made from bioplastics. This is part of UHU’s effort to protect the environment and our planet’s resources.

UHU stic ReNATURE is the world’s first glue stick with a container made from a significant proportion of bioplastics. Instead of the conventional fossil materials, the main material used is polyethylene from plant-based resources (“bio PE”). UHU stic ReNATURE is the result of many years of research and development. The replacement of fossil materials with renewable ones reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of fossil resources. However, UHU does not compromise on quality, functionality or durability.

The container of UHU stic ReNATURE contains approximately 58% plant-based raw materials in the form of polyethylene from sugar cane. Growing and processing takes place in Sao Paulo State in Brazil. Sugar cane is considered to be the most efficient raw material of all agricultural crops in terms of yield and energy usage. Genetically modified crops are not used for the manufacturing of UHU stic ReNATURE.

The quality of products and packaging takes priority at UHU. It is also important that sufficient quantities of raw material are available at reasonable cost. The bioplastics available today do not yet consistently meet our high requirements. Research efforts in recent years have allowed us to achieve a proportion of approximately 58% plant-based raw material. To further increase the percentage, UHU regularly checks whether the use of plant-based raw materials meets the high product requirements and in what proportion.

More than 90% of the plastic produced today is made from crude oil, with an annual consumption of more than 250 million tonnes worldwide. Bioplastics are products partially or even completely made from plant-based raw material. Replacing fossil with plant-based raw material reduces the consumption of fossil resources and considerably reduces carbon emissions.

When plastic made from crude oil is incinerated at the end of its life, this releases vast quantities of CO₂ into the atmosphere. This aggravates the greenhouse effect and represents a risk for our climate. In contrast, the combustion of 100% biobased plastic materials releases only as much CO₂ as was stored in the plant while it was growing. UHU recently commissioned the institute denkstatt to calculate the carbon footprint and the consumption of fossil resources of the container of UHU stic ReNATURE compared with conventional plastic packaging based on a life cycle assessment in accordance with DIN EN-ISO 14044. The reduction in CO₂ emissions was calculated as 46% and the consumption of fossil resources is reduced by 48%. Our new plant-based container is therefore contributing to the protection of climate and fossil resources.

Bioplastics are of key importance in the European Commission’s BioEconomy Strategy 2020 because they reduce climate impact and the consumption of fossil fuels and have untapped potential. Institutes and organizations at national level agree that the use of plant-based raw materials is the only long-term alternative to the current crude oil-based economy. Using renewable resources is the only way to achieve a fully closed-loop economy. We strongly support recycling, but a recyclable product made from renewable resources is best! UHU is working intensively to find the most ecologically efficient processes and make products more environmentally friendly. We already use recycled cardboard and blister packs wherever possible.

The new container does not have any influence on the performance of the glue stick.

Yes, it is. The new UHU stic ReNATURE can be recycled as usual, as bio PE has the same characteristics as conventional PE. Empty the container and take it to an appropriate collection site according to national or local regulations. Depending on available amenities the stick may be recycled or incinerated.

Empty the container and put it into the appropriate disposal system. Packaging made from cardboard should be recycled as waste paper. Because the new container, like the conventional one, is mostly made of polyethylene, it is easy to recycle.

The container is not biodegradable or compostable. This is because biodegradable materials have limited durability, and durability is a basic user requirement for UHU products. Our research has shown that we meet our high product requirements best with respect to durability and recyclability with a container based on bio PE.

Ethanol derived from Brazilian sugar cane is the starting material in the production of bio PE. It is unquestionably one of the most efficient crops to produce, with excellent environmental credentials. Brazil has been promoting its development for decades and has established high social and environmental standards in sugar cane production which also satisfy the corresponding EU standards.

There is no indication that the cultivation of sugar cane affects the rainforest. More than 99% of the Brazilian sugar cane plantations are more than 2000 km away from the Amazon rainforest. Due to comprehensive government measures the cultivation area is restricted to 7.5% of Brazilian territory and the cultivation of sugar crops is prohibited in most of the country.

For the cultivation of crops used for the production of 1.2 million tonnes of bioplastics in 2011, 300 000 hectares of land were required worldwide. This only represents 0.006% of the global potential of approximately 5 billion hectares, according to calculations done by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (IfBB). In the same year the demand for bioplastics was about 250 million tonnes. To cover the current global demand for plastics entirely with bioplastics would require only 1.5% of the available agricultural land.

Being a medium-sized company, acting in an environmentally aware and cross-generational manner is an inherent part of UHU’s corporate policy, in which sustainability plays a fundamental role. Environmental awareness is at the core of UHU’s business, and measures are applied in all areas – from product development and production processes to usage and disposal by consumers. UHU constantly finds ways to protect and improve conditions for the health of our employees, the environment and for our millions of consumers worldwide. As an example of this strategy, our efforts in the production process far surpass strict legal requirements in the majority of cases. Additionally, many UHU products are already solvent-free and the production generates hardly any waste. UHU will continue to make great efforts in sustainability in four fields - quality products, innovative packaging, clean factory and inspiring people.

No, most types of adhesive need to be applied at a temperature above 5 degrees Celsius and some adhesives only harden at even higher temperatures.

Yes it is.  Because adhesive does not cure at temperatures below 5 degrees we advise that it is kept in small tubes and bottles in a (plastic) bag in the refrigerator. We do not advise using a freezer because some types of adhesive contain water.

No, these types of synthetic materials do not join together. Generally, they are joined at high temperature in industrial processes.

PP = Polypropylene
PE = Polyethylene
PA = Polyamide=Nylon
PTFE = Polytetrafluorethylene

Porous materials can absorb moisture. Some adhesives or sealants contain moisture. If these glues or sealants are used then one of the materials to be joined must always be porous.

Examples of porous materials include: gypsum board, untreated wood, concrete and brick, paper, cardboard, cement, etc.

Examples of non-porous materials include: Treated (primed or painted) wood, concrete and brick, construction boards such as MDF, multiplex and triplex plywood, hard and soft synthetics, polystyrene foam (tempex, EPS, XPS), metal, glass, etc.

The best is a two component epoxy adhesive such as Epoxy 5 minutes. If the pieces fit perfectly then superglue (gel) can also be used. However, epoxy adhesive produces the best adherence and is water and dish-washer proof.

If still wet, most types of adhesive can be removed with acetone. Remove white wood adhesive and wallpaper paste with water.

In general, once adhesive residues have hardened, they can only be removed ‘mechanically’ – in other words, cut away, scrapped off, sanded off, etc.

Go to the themepage.

Montagekit is a universal and elastic adhesive for securing materials to walls, floors and ceilings. The adhesive is also a filler and thus fills in any irregularities in the materials so that joints that do not fit precisely are also fixed securely. The adhesive supports the material that is glued and absorbs the settling of the materials so that they do not come apart.

When fixing a skirting board to a wall it can happen, for example, that the wall or skirting board is not totally straight. A light pressure is exerted on the skirting board. With Montagekit professional you can still fix the skirting board if you use the power bonding method. Apply the Montagekit professional to the skirting board and press the skirting board against the wall. It may sound somewhat strange but, after this, pull the skirting board away from the wall once again and allow the adhesive to dry for 5 minutes. After you have done this, if you once again press the skirting board firmly against the wall then you can be guaranteed that it will remain fastened.

This depends on the type of Montagekit. Firstly, you need a sealant gun in order to be able to discharge the sealant from the cartridge. As well as for Montagekits, you can also use this sealant gun for other products such as Siliconenkits and Acrylaatkits. In general, the adhesive should be applied in dots or strips on one of the materials to be glued together. Next, both materials are brought into contact with each other and perhaps pressed together. For Montagekit Universal, the power bonding method can be used as well as this method.

Apply adhesive to the material to be bonded and press the material against the substrate. It may sound strange, but now pull the material free once again. The result of this is that there is now adhesive on both the material and the substrate. Allow the adhesive to dry for 5 minutes and then once again press the material firmly against the substrate. This method guarantees high initial bond strength. This is important if, for example, you cannot clamp or if you are bonding under slight pressure.

Note: the power bonding method can only be applied with Montagekit Professional.

All adhesives have a limited shelf life. You achieve the optimum shelf life by keeping the packaging in a cool, dry and enclosed space. Montagekit Professional and Universal have a shelf life of at least 24 months.

The amount of adhesive required depends to a large extent on the sort of job and the type of Montagekit. In general, joining larger boards requires less adhesive than, for example, timber frameworks or laths. In addition, the space between the material and the substrate that needs to be filled also plays a role.

As a guideline: for boards, 2 to 2.5 m² per cartridge and for timber framework and lathing, 1.5 to 2 m² per cartridge. Montagekit Professional and Universal are also available in tubes and cartridges.

Yes. You should however bear a few points in mind. The material to be glued and the substrate must be clean, dry and grease-free before starting the joining.

It is important to close the cartridge as best you can. After use, you should unscrew the nozzle from the cartridge, place a piece of plastic or aluminium foil over the cartridge and then screw the nozzle back on again. The nozzle also has a cap. You can also place some foil between the nozzle and the cap. Furthermore, it is important to store the adhesive in a cool and dry place.

Yes, all Poly Max® variants are acid free.

We have collected all kinds of information about sealing. Please visit our themepage.

This regulation (CPR) took effect on 1 July 2013 and lays down the minimum requirements for construction products in the areas of safety, fire resistance and mechanical strength, among others. If a harmonised European standard has been established for a specific product group, the manufacturer has an obligation to demonstrate compliance with the relevant CE requirements and to label the product with the CE logo. In addition, a Declaration of Performance (DoP) must be available, describing the way in which the products have been tested and indicating the level of performance achieved by the product.  PVC Adhesives, Tile Adhesives, and Chemical Anchors are subject to this European Construction Products Regulation. Sealant will be covered by the regulation as of 2014.  The corresponding Declarations of Performance (DoPs) are available upon request.

Sealants will be covered by this CPR as of July 2014.

Will be covered by this CPR as of 1 July 2014.

A DoP is a Declaration of Performance. It describes the way in which the products have been tested and indicates the level of performance achieved by a product.

A DoP is digitally available on the product information page of each product to which it applies. At this moment, we are still in the process of doing so. You can request a missing DoP by sending a contact form, accompanied by your request.

If you have a question or a comment, you can ask us by sending the contact form.