Animal glue

Animal glue, also referred to as hot glue, can be found in various types. Most common are hide glue, rabbit skin glue, bone glue and fish glue. They are a by-product of the meat industry.
Glue must be applied to wood while hot, and forms a strong bond as it cools and loses moisture.

Animal glue is medium strong and keeps a certain flexibility. It has a very low moisture resistance, and the bond will weaken considerably when exposed to high humidity. Other downsides are the strong smell, and staining.

There are many positive features too. When heated, the glue is easily reversible. This is why old furniture and instruments made with animal glue can easily be repaired or restored. Furthermore the glue is easy to sand, and non-toxic.

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The life cycle	Pro	Con
	Low Energy Animal glue has the lowest embodied energy of all glues. Low footprint Animal glue is made with natural ingredients that do not require much additional processing. The main ingredient, gelatine, is often a byproduct of the animal or pharmaceutical industry.

	Non toxic Animal glues consist of solely natural components that are non toxic. Low cost The price of animal glue varies between the different types, but is in general not more expensive then PVA glue. When stored in a cool, dry place, animal glue granules can be kept for many years.	Time consuming Athoug the glue cures fast, the preparation takes a bit of time. Dried granules need to be heated and dissolved in water. The mixture needs to be applied while it is kept hot. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Quick Bolt and nut Contact glue Epoxy glue Natural fibre straps Plastic straps Polyurethane glue Screws – Brass Screws – Galvanized steel Screws – Stainless steel Staples Tie-wraps Wood glue (PVA based)
		Bulky Glued wooden constructions are non disassemblable so they take more space and this increases energy use in transportation. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections that are space saving in transport Bolt and nut Dowels, biscuits and lamellos Natural fibre straps Plastic straps Screws – Brass Screws – Galvanized steel Screws – Stainless steel
	Non toxic There is no offgassing of any toxic gas that could be harmful for the user.	Short lifespan Animal glue is less durable than its synthetic brothers. Especially under pressure or in humid air conditions, wooden constructions will wear faster. Show Alternatives » Alternatives connections Long lifespan Bolt and nut Casein glue Classic joinery Contact glue Epoxy glue Nails – Brass Nails – Stainless steel Plastic straps Polyurethane glue Screws – Brass Screws – Stainless steel Soy glue Wood glue (PVA based)

	Easy recycling Animal glue is safe to be incinerated. Easy reuse The unique property of animal glue is that a bond can easily be reversed when the object is gently heated (for example with an air gun)