At Oregon State University, two researchers discovered an adhesive that could lead to pressure–sensitive labels and packaging tape made from renewable crops such as soy beans, corn or canola oil, instead of petroleum-based polymers. The inexpensive, environmentally-friendly adhesive was a by–product of research into wood–based composite products, and is "incredibly simple to make," according to one of the researchers. He added: "It should be about half the cost of existing technologies and appears to work just as well." A spokesperson for the OSU Office of Technology Transfer says, "We believe this innovation has the potential to replace current pressure–sensitive adhesives." OSU has applied for a patent on the technology.
Source: whattheythink.com
