The modern office runs on efficiency, organization, and—surprisingly—adhesives. From sealing envelopes to mounting documents on walls, you interact with specialized bonding agents dozens of times each day. But what are adhesives used for in professional environments, and why does it matter? An adhesive is any substance that binds two surfaces together and resists their separation. In the workplace, these aren’t just simple glues—they’re highly engineered materials designed for specific applications: permanent bonding, temporary attachment, labeling, packaging, and structural repair. Understanding what adhesives are used for helps you select the right solution for any task, ensuring your projects are secure, organized, and professional.

This guide explores common office adhesive products and explains the technology that makes them indispensable to modern work.

Common Office Products That Use Adhesives

The vast majority of office products rely on some form of adhesive technology. What does adhesive do in these common supplies? It provides quick, clean, and reliable fastening without the need for mechanical solutions like staples or clips.

I. Tapes: The Versatile Adhesive List

Tapes are perhaps the most common application of adhesives in the office. Each type uses a unique formula to deliver a specific strength and function:

Invisible Office Tape (Magic Tape)
This tape uses a transparent, semi-matte adhesive material that is ideal for mending ripped documents or gift-wrapping. The glue is strong enough for permanent fixes but clear enough to disappear on paper.
Double-Sided Tapes: Featuring adhesive on both sides of a carrier film, these tapes are used for mounting photos, crafting, or securing two materials where the fastener must be hidden.
Packaging and Shipping Tapes: These require a high-tack, durable adhesive substance to withstand temperature changes and physical stress during transit. They use more robust synthetic rubber or acrylic adhesives for a permanent, secure seal.

II. Removable Notes and Mounting Supplies (Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives)

The technology behind sticky notes is a fascinating answer to the question, “What is adhesive made of?”

Sticky Notes (Post-it Notes): These iconic products rely on pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). The key adhesive material is an acrylate copolymer formulated into microscopic spheres. These microspheres create a low-tack, pebbled surface, which limits the contact area between the note and the surface. This unique structure is what does adhesive do to allow the note to be attached, removed, and repositioned without leaving any sticky residue or damaging the paper underneath.
Mounting Putty and Hanging Strips: These fall under the umbrella of PSAs but are designed for heavier use. They employ powerful synthetic adhesives that allow for temporary wall mounting of pictures or posters without tools, yet can be removed cleanly with a specific technique (like stretching the strip).

III. Labels, Envelopes, and Repair Glues (Permanent and Specialty Adhesives)

Beyond tape and notes, countless other supplies rely on specialized types of adhesives:

Mailing Labels and Stickers: These use a permanent adhesive substance, often a solvent- or water-based polymer, that is designed to bond instantly and permanently to paper, cardboard, or plastic for mailing or labeling files.
Envelopes: The glue on the flap of a standard envelope is usually a remoistenable adhesive material (such as a PVA-based gum) activated by moisture (licking or using a moistener).

Understanding the Different Types of Adhesives in Your Office

Selecting the right adhesive material depends entirely on the job. Knowing the different types of adhesives helps prevent mistakes like using permanent glue on a delicate photo.

IV. PVA Glues (Polyvinyl Acetate): The Everyday Adhesive

What is adhesive most commonly found in liquid form? PVA, or polyvinyl acetate.

Description: Known as “white glue” or “school glue,” PVA is a water-based polymer adhesive.
Uses in the Office: Gluing paper, cardboard, and light crafts. It provides a strong, non-toxic bond that is highly versatile.
Why it Matters: PVA is often the base adhesive material for glue sticks, which are convenient, portable, and mess-free.

V. Cyanoacrylate Adhesives: The Quick Fix (Super Glue)

When a permanent, high-strength fix is required, this is the answer to what adhesive to use.

Description: Commonly known as “Super Glue” or “Krazy Glue,” this is a fast-curing, single-component adhesive substance that reacts with trace moisture to form a strong bond in seconds.
Uses in the Office: Repairing broken plastic office equipment, ceramics, or small metal parts. It offers powerful, durable bonds for heavier repairs.
Why it Matters: This is reserved for structural repairs, demonstrating that what does adhesive do is not always just “sticking paper.”

VI. Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs): The Re-stickable Adhesive

Description: As covered with sticky notes, PSAs require only light pressure to form a bond. What is an adhesive that can be repositioned? A PSA.
Uses in the Office: Any product that needs to be temporarily attached and cleanly removed—sticky notes, repositionable tabs, masking tape (for holding items while they dry).
Why it Matters: PSAs offer flexibility and are essential for drafting, collaboration, and organization without damaging documents or surfaces.

Adhesives are the Unsung Heroes of Office Life

The next time you reach for a piece of tape or a glue stick, take a moment to appreciate the complex chemistry behind that sticky solution. The world of adhesives is rich with different types of adhesive formulas, each perfectly engineered to serve a unique purpose in the workplace.

From the removable adhesive material on sticky notes to the permanent adhesive substance in packaging tape, knowing this adhesive list allows you to make informed choices. By correctly matching the types of adhesives to your task, you ensure efficiency, durability, and organization, proving that the invisible bond is truly an indispensable part of office life.

About UniKeep

UniKeep binders surpass traditional binders in virtually every aspect. UniKeep binders are ergonomically superior as well. The snap-locking poly rings will never pinch your fingers, misalign, or rust, and the fully enclosed case design holds even loose materials in place and allows for neat storage anywhere.

From disc-sized wallets to large-format presentation binders and several sizes in between, and with design possibilities including clear overlays and digital printing, UniKeep products feature outstanding customization potential.

Contact Unikeep at 2545 Farmers Drive, Suite 370 Columbus, Ohio 43235
Email: co*****@*****ep.com; or phone 937.645.4600