Small Component, Enormous Impact
How Custom Adhesives Power Coopers Brewery
In the high-speed world of manufacturing, the smallest components often dictate the biggest results. As Nick Sterenberg, Operations Manager at Coopers Brewery, famously notes, "The cost of glue in the overall manufacturing cost of a carton of beer is almost nothing."
"The effect of glue on the performance of the line is enormous."
Running a packaging line at a blistering 1,200 bottles per minute
Coopers needed more than just a standard adhesive; they needed a solution that could keep pace with their passion for brewing without causing costly downtime.
Since partnering with Siegel Adhesives in 2014, Coopers has moved beyond off-the-shelf products to develop custom adhesive formulations tailored specifically for their equipment. The most significant challenge was the wet glue labeling process—applying labels to cold, wet bottles at high speeds.Through a collaborative R&D process,
Siegel and Coopers introduced three generations of gel synthetic label glue.
This innovation not only improved "wet tack" to ensure labels stick instantly but also enhanced runability, eliminating the messy splattering that often plagues high-speed lines.
The efficiency gains didn't stop at labeling. The partnership also addressed end-of-line packaging challenges with specialized solutions like Pete’s Base and Clean Spec. Pete's Base ensured that carton flaps stayed sealed post-packer, while Clean Spec revolutionized pallet stabilization. By switching to this specialized adhesive for stacking,
Coopers eliminated cardboard tearing and prevented glue transfer onto distribution equipment.
The result? A carton of beer produced every single second, with line efficiencies that would be the "envy of any brewer."
Beyond the chemistry, the success of this partnership lies in the operational support. Siegel doesn't just supply drums of glue;
We audit the lines, train operators, and optimise application processes.
This comprehensive approach has led to easier machine cleanup—using just warm water—and a smoother, more reliable production flow. At Siegel Adhesives, we understand that while glue might be a minor line item on a budget sheet, it is the invisible force that holds your entire production line together.
