Is Glue Vegan? Are Adhesives Still Made From Horses?
There has been a swirling debate in the vegan community about whether or not glue, and adhesive products, are indeed vegan-friendly. With a huge demand for vegan products, it is important to have a clear understanding of what is and what is not in order to make informed decisions when shopping. In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about the animal origins of glue, as well as the vegan alternatives that are available.
What Is Glue?
Glue is a type of adhesive material used to stick one item to another. It is a water-based solution that acts as a bonding agent, meaning it makes a strong bond between two different materials. Glue is a common household item, used for a variety of everyday applications. It is important to note, however, that there is a huge variety of glues and different adhesive products, each with their own properties and uses.
History of Glue
Glue has been used for more than 4,000 years and was, for a very long time, made from various animal by-products. Historical records showing the use of animal-based glues date back to the ancient Egyptians. Animal-based glue would usually be made from the bones and hooves of horses, cows, and pigs. This animal glue was primarily used for woodwork and for crafts, for example paper mache.
Types of Glue
Glue is not a single substance but comes in a variety of different types. Generally, glue is either classified as synthetic or natural glue. Natural glue is made from organic sources, such as animal by-products and plant-based materials. Synthetic glue is made from petroleum, while some types may even be made from renewable sources. A few of the most common types of glue are:
• PVA Glue: This is the most common type of glue used in everyday applications. It is water-soluble and non-toxic, making it safe to use in a variety of projects. It is made from polyvinyl acetate and is white in color.
• Hide Glue: Hide glue is made from the boiled hides of cows, sheep, and horses. As it is made from animals, it is not vegan-friendly. It is however, one of the strongest bonding glues available.
• Hot Glue: Hot glue is made from synthetic polymers, so it is considered vegan. It is used for a variety of applications, and is one of the most popular options for crafting and DIY projects.
• Cyanoacrylate Glue: This type of glue is also known as “super glue” and is made from synthetic polymers. It is not vegan-friendly, however, as it is made from animal by-products.
Is Glue Vegan?
The short answer is, it depends. As we have discussed, there are different types of glues and adhesives available, all of which have different origins. In general, PVA and hot glue are considered vegan, as they are made from synthetic polymers. Hide glue and cyanoacrylate glue, however, are not vegan-friendly, as they are made from animal by-products.
Are Adhesives Still Made From Horses?
The use of animal-based glues has generally declined due to the development of synthetic polymers which offer a stronger and more consistent adhesive solution. This means that many modern adhesives are no longer made from horses. However, some hide glue is still made from boiled horse’s hooves, so it is still possible to find non-vegan hide glues on the market.
Vegan Glue Alternatives
Fortunately, there are a wide range of vegan-friendly alternatives for those who don’t wish to use animal-based glues and adhesives. Many vegan glues are made from plants, such as cornstarch and wheat proteins, or synthetic polymers such as PVA or hot glue.
Here are some of the best vegan glue alternatives:
• PVA Glue: As previously mentioned, PVA glue is made from polyvinyl acetate and is widely used in art and craft projects. It is water-soluble and non-toxic, making it a great vegan-friendly alternative.
• Gorilla Super Glue Gel: Gorilla glue is widely known for its strength, and the gel formulation is said to be the stronger of the two varieties. It is a great vegan-friendly alternative to cyanoacrylate glue.
• Aleene’s Glues: Aleene’s has a wide range of vegan-friendly adhesives, from fabric glues to tacky glues. Most of their products are vegan and they even have a certified vegan formula.
• E6000: An incredibly strong adhesive, E6000 is a great vegan-friendly alternative. It is made from synthetic polymers and bonds to a variety of surfaces, making it a versatile option.
Having a good understanding of the animal origins of glue is important for those needing to make more conscious and ethical purchases. While it is true that some glues are still made from horses, there are plenty of vegan-friendly alternatives available. As long as you choose a vegan option, you can rest assured that no animals were harmed in the making process.
