Our commitment to sustainability: developing biodegradable tape
Quick overview
- Biodegradable tapes are adhesive solutions developed from bio-based materials, natural polymers, or compostable carrier systems that break down naturally through biological processes.
- They are being developed to support circular material strategies, reduce long-term waste, and help advance sustainability goals across industries.
- Future biodegradable tape solutions are intended to support applications in packaging, automotive, and electronics industries while contributing to zero-waste initiatives.
- Biodegradable tape development is part of ongoing efforts to increase the use of recycled and bio-based materials and reduce environmental impact.
Seemingly small changes can be drivers of huge impact. Our commitment to sustainability is just this. Through engineering our tapes made with recycled and bio-based materials, as well as our reduction in emissions and use of renewable energy, we're helping you improve your sustainability scores. Part of our sustainability agenda is to develop biodegradable tape.
As part of our roadmap we are actively researching possibilities to develop compostable and biodegradable tapes. While we’re still in the research phase of this, we’d like to bring you up to speed on our approach and our vision for the future.
Read on to find out about our process and plan to accelerate sustainability in industrial and consumer markets.
What is biodegradable tape?
Biodegradable tape is developed using bio-based materials, natural polymers, or compostable carrier systems. The materials break down naturally through biological processes. They are engineered to reduce long-term waste, feeding into our circular material strategies.
Through developing biodegradable tape, we will pass on our sustainability efforts to you. Whether you're in packaging, automotive or electronics, we want to support your zero-waste goals.
Using biomass balance materials for tesa 4965® Original Next Gen saved 1,400 tons of CO₂ in 2024 – equal to the emissions of 880 cars.
Biodegradable tape and adhesives: our future vision
Although biodegradable tape is not yet in our portfolio, it is very much on our R&D radar for the future. Our sustainability commitments encourage continuous innovation in developing materials with a lower environmental impact.
Our long-term strategic goal is to use 100% sustainable raw materials. This is something we are keen to monitor and share details on for transparency. As it stands, in 2024, 25% of the materials we used in our products and packaging were either recycled or biobased, with a goal of 70% by 2030.
How sustainable adhesives are setting the foundation for industrial biodegradable tape
GOEPEL+WARNECKE
Through adapting our production methods as well as the materials we use, we’re significantly reducing our CO₂ emissions. We perform many different quality assurance tests on all of our products. Testing strength and durability is just one area we look at to make sure that our sustainable methods and materials do not impact our quality or usage.
We ramped up our efforts to increase our use of recycled materials in 2024. In particular, our more sustainable duct tapes like tesa® 60462 are a brilliant example of how a few small changes our end can impact wider industries. More than 60% of the backing material is made from recycled household waste! These are the kinds of changes that will, in turn, impact your sustainability rankings.
Products such as tesa® Bond & Detach can be easily removed without leaving residue behind. This means our customers in the electronics industry are able to recycle components that would otherwise go into landfills.
Find out more about how we support our customers' sustainability efforts.
Advancing biodegradable tape innovation for a more sustainable future
Best for: Biodegradable tapes are being developed for applications that support waste reduction and circular material strategies. They are intended for organizations seeking adhesive solutions based on bio-based materials that can break down through natural biological processes while supporting sustainability goals.
Why they perform
- Designed around bio-based and compostable materials
- Support circular material strategies
- Aim to reduce long-term waste generation
- Contribute to lower environmental impact
- Built on ongoing sustainability research and innovation
- Aligned with long-term sustainable raw material goals
Typical applications
- Packaging applications
- Automotive industry solutions
- Electronics industry solutions
- Zero-waste initiatives
- Sustainability-focused product development
Performance takeaway: Biodegradable tape development is a key part of tesa’s long-term strategy to advance more sustainable adhesive solutions and support circular economy goals.
Let’s develop more sustainable tape technologies together!
User input is crucial in product development. We actively encourage our clients to work with us to help create useful solutions to industrial challenges. After all, no one understands your industry and its pitfalls quite as well as you do.
If you’d like to get involved in our tesa® Alliance Partner program, we’d love to hear from you. Here are just a few of the benefits of joining:
Working towards biodegradable tape and adhesive innovation
We’ve only got one planet, so it’s crucial that we all do our bit and work together to protect it. As an international company serving many brilliant firms across industries, we are committed to driving change for the benefit of all. You can rest easy knowing that when you choose our products with the sustainability marker on, you are making a conscious choice that is backed by science. While biodegradable tape isn’t yet part of our offering, it is something we’re passionate about bringing to market.
Chemistry will be one of the solutions for sustainability… We have a big challenge and a huge opportunity to develop something smarter, with a better carbon footprint, high performance solutions that have improved recyclability and circularity. We turn challenges into opportunities.
Dr. Ingrid Sebald, Board Member Technology, tesa
Finding the right fit for your projects
Regardless of where you are in your sustainability journey, we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your operations and processes, or replace existing solutions with like-for-like but more sustainable, our team is on hand to assist you
Biodegradable tapes FAQs
What should manufacturers consider before switching to biodegradable tape solutions?
Before switching to biodegradable tape solutions, manufacturers should evaluate application requirements, performance expectations, and sustainability targets. This helps ensure the selected tape provides the right balance between functionality and environmental considerations.
How can businesses evaluate whether biodegradable tape is suitable for their application?
When evaluating biodegradable tape, businesses should consider the requirements of their specific application, including the materials involved, required adhesion performance, and sustainability objectives. Selecting the right tape helps ensure both operational needs and environmental considerations are addressed.
What makes biodegradable adhesive tape a suitable option for sustainable packaging needs?
Biodegradable adhesive tape provides businesses with a more sustainable tape solution while maintaining the reliable adhesion needed for packaging and industrial applications. tesa offers different biodegradable tape options, including paper-based and double-sided solutions, allowing companies to select a tape that matches their application requirements and sustainability goals.
Last updated on 28 Aug 2026