Glue Matters: Exploring the environmental trade-offs of animal hide and polymer glues.
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
As artists, the materials we use are just as important as the techniques we use to create our work. One such material that has been used for centuries is animal hide glue. However, in recent years, polymer-based glues have become the go-to choice for many artists. But what are the environmental and ethical trade-offs between the two glues, and why do we use animal hide glue at Estúdio Morto Vivo?
Hide glue is the original glue. Used for centuries as an adhesive and a way to utilize the entire animal, it is a byproduct of livestock farming and leather production. The glue is reliable and allows for reversibility for better repair without causing damage to the materials. The process of extracting hide glue is by boiling down the hides and connective tissue of animals, most stereotypically horses but also cattle, rabbits and fish.
The process of creating hide glue is to produce “stock” by soaking animal hides in water. The stock is treated with lime to break down the hides which are then rinsed to remove the lime and residue. The hides are then heated in water at 70 degrees celsius (158 F). The remaining “glue liquor” is drawn off and more water is added and the process is repeated at increasing temperatures, dried and chipped into pellets.
By utilizing animal hides that would otherwise go to waste, the production of animal hide glue contributes to a more sustainable and efficient use of resources. However, we understand the raising and killing of livestock for human consumption is harmful to cattle and the environment. It generates 14.5% of total global greenhouse gas emissions and requires substantial amounts of land, water and energy. The impact is clear, and livestock raising under capitalism is getting us nowhere fast.
We use a glue called Old Brown Hide Glue. It is an animal based glue used for furniture making. This specific brand uses a made-to-order system as the glue has a shelf life of 18 months. We use this glue because we believe it to be the least impactful on planet and animals (lest we forget we are animals too). Utilizing a byproduct of a harmful industry is clearly not the final answer, but we see it as having a lesser impact than the alternative as we push for a world that steers from capitalist consumption to reciprocal creation.
The harm to animals cannot be ignored either. The ethical treatment of animals is not something we take lightly, and at the same time, we just as strongly apply the same compassion to human animals too. The effects of the petroleum and polymer industries on wildlife and humans make an arguable case against the true veganism of polymer glues and products.
The alternative in woodworking is a Polyvinyl (PVC) based glue. While these glues provide strong durable bonds, PVCs are made from petroleum. Let’s take a look at the impact of the petroleum industry on animals and people. The main process by which petroleum is extracted is called fracking. Fracking, also called hydraulic fracturing among other things, is the process of oil and gas extraction from impermeable rock formations like shale. Large quantities of chemicals, sand and water are blasted into the formations at high pressures, cracking the rock and release the oil and gas to the surface.
Fracking requires extreme water usage, more often drawing from local water sources and depleting valuable freshwater. The chemicals used in the fracking fluid can contaminate groundwater and pose risks to human and other animals’ health. Furthermore, the extraction process disrupts ecosystems and can lead to habitat fragmentation, endangering wildlife populations. Land clearing for well pads (areas where land is cleared for removing large quantities of water; anywhere from 1.5 to 16 million gallons per well) has a footprint of 30 acres per one pad. There are anywhere from hundreds to thousands of wells in any given fracking landscape. Contributing to the degradation of habitat and interference with migration and reproduction.
At Morto Vivo we adhere to a strict minimal harm ethos. As stated earlier, we care about the treatment of animals and that must include humans. The extraction of oil for polymer glues has serious effects on both human and wildlife. Human communities, particularly those residing near drilling sites— who are disproportionately Black and Indigenous and communities of color—face health risks like asthma, water contamination, and reduced access to clean water. The proximity to fracking can also result in increased noise pollution and disturbances to daily life.
Wildlife populations are also impacted through habitat destruction, water pollution and disturbances to their natural ecosystems. Fracking activities disrupt wildlife habitats, fragmenting landscapes and displacing species. The contamination of water sources can harm aquatic ecosystems, affecting fish populations and other aquatic organisms. Additionally, the increase in infrastructure associated with oil extraction can lead to habitat loss, further threatening biodiversity.
Polymer glues pose several environmental concerns that also affect people and animals. The extraction and refining processes associated with petroleum production emit greenhouse gases. The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, a significant contributor to the greenhouse effect. Additionally, the extraction of petroleum involves the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that further exacerbates the climate crisis.
Furthermore, polymer glues are non-biodegradable, meaning they do not break down naturally over time. Once these glues enter the environment, they persist and contribute to long-lasting waste. Improper disposal of polymer glues can lead to accumulation in oceans, posing risks to ecosystems and wildlife.
Let’s break down the benefits and the trade-offs of animal hide and polymer glues.
Animal Hide Glue:
Sustainability: Animal hide glue is a sustainable option for glue because it's made from collagen found in animal hides which is a byproduct of the meat and leather industries. This reduces waste and maximizes resource efficiency, making it a more eco-friendly choice compared to polymer glues which are not derived from natural or renewable resources.
Biodegradability: Animal hide glue has a significant advantage in terms of biodegradability. It naturally breaks down over time, reducing its impact on the environment. This is especially important when disposing of glued items or making repairs, as the glue won't persist in ecosystems.
Repairability: The use of animal hide glue in bonding allows for easy reversal and repair of glued objects, promoting the durability and longevity of products. Consequently, the need for frequent replacements is reduced, and waste generation is minimized.
It is still important to consider the following trade-offs associated with animal hide glue:
Animal Agriculture Impact: Animal hide glue is derived from animal byproducts, primarily sourced from the meat and leather industries. The extraction of these byproducts contributes to the environmental impact associated with animal agriculture, including greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and land use.
Byproduct of Animal Mistreatment and Slaughtering: While hide glue is providing a use for hides and minimizing waste in a wasteful industry, the treatment and killing of animals for human consumption under capitalism is a serious downside.
Polymer Glues:
Versatility and Strength: Polymer glues, including those based on synthetic resins or PVC, offer a wide range of adhesive properties and are capable of bonding various materials effectively. They provide strong and durable bonds, making them suitable for a range of applications.
Long Shelf Life: Polymer glues generally have a longer shelf life compared to animal hide glue. They can be stored for extended periods without deteriorating, which enhances their usability and reduces waste due to expired products.
It’s important for us to state here that in our opinion, longevity is often a positive side affect of a sustainably made product, but does not equate to sustainability. As we have all learned over the past decades, the impact of plastics is a serious situation in and of itself.
The polymer glue trade-offs:
Environmental Impact: The production of polymer glues relies on petroleum extraction and refining processes, which have significant environmental and ethical consequences. The extraction of oil contributes to habitat destruction, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the manufacturing of synthetic resins and PVC involves energy-intensive processes and the release of hazardous chemicals.
Non-Biodegradable: Polymer glues are typically non-biodegradable, meaning they do not break down naturally over time. Once discarded, they stay in the environment for extended periods, contributing to waste and ecological harm.
Limited Repairability: Unlike animal hide glue, polymer glues create irreversible bonds, making it challenging to repair or disassemble glued objects. This lack of reversibility can lead to increased waste generation when products reach the end of their lifespan or require repairs.
At Estúdio Morto Vivo, we opt for animal hide glue because of its lesser impact and biodegradability. We are firm believers in the importance of minimizing our environmental impact and strive to create products that adhere to a minimal harm ethos. With animal hide glue, we can support sustainability while still creating strong and durable bonds that last. Using a material that causes harm in anyway is not ideal, but we can see the issue here as animal consumption under capitalism contributing to the Colonial Climate Crisis (term coined by Dominique Drakeford).
As artists, it is our responsibility to consider not only the materials we use but also their impact on the environment. Animal hide glue provides an effective way to reduce waste without compromising product quality or performance, making it a more ethical option than polymer-based glues. Ultimately, it is up to us to make the best decision for our art and the planet. We hope this article provides insight into our choices as a studio and encourages you to consider the environmental trade-offs of the materials you use in your own art and the art you purchase.
If you would like to learn more about Morto Vivo’s process and commitment to sustainable practices, please check out our website or follow us on Instagram.