The Company
A global pharmaceutical packaging manufacturer, specializing in high-volume folding cartons for drug supply chains. In the U.S., operations are overseen by a Vice President of Operations with 25+ years of experience in pharmaceutical and cosmetics packaging.
Their role spans efficiency, cost control, and workforce development. They focus on giving operators the tools to meet strict quality standards while keeping production running smoothly.
“It’s hard enough to operate the equipment and get good output. You shouldn’t also have to worry about whether the adhesive is going to hold.”
The Challenge
When the COVID pandemic hit, global supply chains unraveled. Existing adhesive vendors couldn’t keep up. Some rationed supply; others stopped shipping altogether.
Adhesives play a crucial role in the finishing process. Around 70–80% of their folding cartons require glue in the final production phase. Without adhesive, cartons don’t ship, and customers don’t get the product.
“We had contracts with the government. We were running COVID cartons. If we didn’t find a new supplier, our business could have shut down.”
Having worked with Capital Adhesives at two previous companies—including one where the same adhesive performed reliably for 17 years—this operations leader had the confidence to act fast. They made the call.
The Solution
Capital responded immediately, supplying both hot melt and water-based adhesives that matched production needs and regulatory requirements.
Water-based adhesives were shipped in sealed drums with freeze indicators to ensure cold-chain compliance. For hot melts, pillow-shaped blocks melted quickly in small-capacity tanks, allowing operators to maintain line speed without delays.
The plant also needed adhesives for a range of carton types: some requiring permanent bonds, others needing peelable or resealable performance. Capital supported testing for each requirement with targeted product recommendations and lab-backed adjustments.
Unlike off-the-shelf suppliers, Capital worked directly with the plant to develop and fine-tune adhesive performance through collaborative trials and technical input.
The adhesives ran clean, and operators noticed immediately: fewer issues with stringing or tailing, no stoppages to clear problems. Teams across the plant began requesting the switch.
“Operators saw fewer issues. Other departments even asked if they could switch.”
The Results
Capital helped the plant avoid a production shutdown and keep critical orders moving. Government cartons shipped on time, and production continued uninterrupted even when other suppliers couldn’t deliver.
Glue-related issues dropped. The adhesives kept pace with production speeds without requiring adjustments—the adhesive just worked.
“If I hadn’t reached out to Capital, I don’t think we’d be talking today. I might not even have a business to run.”
Capital has remained their primary adhesive supplier ever since. Reliability, responsive service, and performance earned the trust.
“We trust them because they’ve earned it. I know I can pick up the phone, talk to someone, and get what I need. That’s rare.”
In a regulated industry where every detail matters, this operations leader counts on Capital to keep production running without creating more work for their team.