1.800.883.6199

1.800.883.6199

Gelatin Glues

Recycled, Biodegradable Glue

LD Davis is one of the world’s oldest and largest manufacturers and compounders of gelatin glue, a 100% non-toxic, recyclable, and biodegradable adhesive. Our glues are environmentally friendly without compromising performance.

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What Is Gelatin Glue?

Also known as jelly glue or protein-based adhesive, gelatin glue is made from collagen, a natural protein derived from animal byproducts. LD Davis repurposes recycled pharmaceutical and nutritional gelatin from soft and hard capsules, making our glue eco-conscious and highly effective.

What’s in Gelatin Glue?

Our gelatin glue formulas are made from a blend of recycled pharmaceutical and nutritional gelatin, water, Epsom salts, corn sugar, and glycerin. Each formula contains two key proteins: chondrin, which provides bonding strength, and glutin, which contributes to tackiness and hardness. This carefully balanced composition makes our adhesives strong, clean, and reliable for a wide range of industrial applications.

How Is It Made?

We begin by sourcing and screening raw materials for quality, then heat and mix them in large kettles. The resulting jelly glue is poured into trays to gel overnight before being removed as solid cakes. Each batch is graded by strength, or bloom, with higher blooms indicating higher quality. Our 12-point quality control system includes testing for color, viscosity, and odor, and we retain samples of every batch for ongoing performance assurance.

Benefits of LD Davis Gelatin Glue

  • 100% non-toxic, recyclable, and biodegradable
  • Excellent adhesion on a wide range of substrates
  • Customizable open and set times
  • Nearly tasteless and odorless
  • Light yellow color
  • Easy water cleanup
  • Budget-friendly
Discover Glue Applications

  • Common Uses
  • Rigid box manufacturing
  • Bookbinding and publishing
  • Woodworking
  • Laminating
  • Abrasives and match heads
  • Paper crimping and converting

Why Use Recycled Gelatin?

Many pharma and nutrition companies produce excess gelatin that would otherwise go to landfills. We recycle this high-quality material to:

  • Reduce waste
  • Manufacture eco-friendly adhesives
  • Help companies eliminate a costly waste stream.


LD Davis is now the largest purchaser of recycled gelatin in the U.S., turning waste into value.

Explore Sustainable Glue Solutions

Recommended Equipment Compatibility

Our gelatin glue works seamlessly with popular machinery:

  • Perfect binders
  • Emmeci automatic box machines
  • Crathern and S&S equipment
  • Potdevin machines
  • Sheridan Roll Feed Casemakers
  • Hörauf BDM Universal
  • Kolbus & Stahl Casemakers

What Our Customers Say

“For more than 30 years LD Davis has supported our company. From product testing to overcoming challenges, the entire team at LD Davis has put our best interests first. LD Davis and Reindl Bindery have grown to be more than just business partners, we have become friends. I never think twice about recommending them to colleagues in the printing industry. Cheers to 100 years!”
David C. ReindlPresident, Reindl Bindery
“Since 1999, LD Davis has worked closely with us to ensure the best adhesives for our casemakers. As an OEM of semi/fully automated casemakers for POD hardcover books, our machines have, and will continue to be, designed with unique and groundbreaking technology. Their support and reliable products have been invaluable to our success. Congratulations on your 100th anniversary and thank you for your reliable and highly professional support!”
Ted GreeneGP2 Technologies
“Happy Anniversary! The team at LD Davis is much more than an adhesive supplier for Buffalo Games. Whether it's developing innovative formulations or providing technical resources to enhance our plant's efficiency, LD Davis exemplifies true partnership in every sense of the word."
Phil GaetaVice President of Operations, Buffalo Games
“KOLBUS has partnered with LD Davis for nearly 98 years. Their adhesives have been essential to the performance of our casemaker systems, and their commitment to quality and innovation matches our own. Congratulations on your centennial anniversary, and here's to many more years of mutual success!”
Art CrawleyVP of Sales, KOLBUS America
“After 40 years in printing and binding, I can say LD Davis has been one of my best partners. From supply to troubleshooting, they were always responsive, reliable, and passionate. Congratulations on 100 years of going above and beyond.”
Mark BoneRetired, BPG USA
“When Versa Press began bringing hardback books in house, it was a new experience for the company. Fortunately, LD Davis sent Bill McCalla to provide Versa with the correct knowledge and glue for making case covers. Over the years the glue has been consistent and never let us down.  Bill has always been available answering any questions that could arise. His knowledge and friendliness have made working with LD Davis a no-brainer.”
Michael P. ButlerVERSA PRESS
“Over 13 years with LD Davis, our experience has been nothing short of excellent. Their products meet our highest standards, their team is professional and dependable, and we’ve built genuine friendships along the way. We’re proud to be part of their 100-year history.”
Jerry MinettPlant Director, BPG USA
"We purchase over 100,000 lbs. of liquid glue annually from LD Davis. Jeff Palmiter has been with us every step of the way, and they just received an 'Excellent' rating for performance, quality, and responsiveness on our annual supplier scorecard. We truly value LD Davis as our supplier."
JimPSI

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