At Big Dog Adhesives, innovation has always been driven by a simple principle
Listen to our customers, address real pain points, and create solutions that perform better while being kinder to the environment. This commitment led us on a transformative path toward sustainable packaging for our high-performance methacrylate (MMA) and epoxy adhesives, culminating in the development of Reload, our revolutionary reusable foil pack system.
The journey began with SeamKing, our bulk knife-grade resin for countertop and solid surface fabrication. Initially, we packaged this thick material in traditional metal paint cans. While functional, the approach presented significant challenges on both sides. For our team, the cans were costly, prone to denting during handling, and cumbersome to fill and seal. For fabricators in the field, the problems were even more frustrating: once opened, the cans could not be properly resealed due to the resin’s viscosity, leaving the bottom portion difficult to access and often wasted. Additionally, the metal construction tended to accelerate resin degradation through heat buildup, shortening shelf life and compromising performance.
We knew there had to be a better way.
After extensive research and testing, we transitioned to innovative foil pouches, resembling large, resealable pouches that allow the resin to be squeezed out like toothpaste. This shift proved to be a genuine breakthrough. The flexible packaging eliminated denting issues, improved ease of use, extended shelf life by reducing heat exposure, and minimized waste for end users. It was a pivotal “eureka” moment that confirmed our direction: flexible, efficient foil-based systems could deliver superior results compared to rigid traditional formats.
Encouraged by this success, we turned our attention to structural MMA and epoxy adhesives, seeking to bring the advantages of bulk drum dispensing—such as cost efficiency and reduced waste—to a wider audience without sacrificing mobility. Drum systems offer excellent value for high-volume users but require fixed setups and specialized equipment, limiting their appeal for shops that value flexibility. Our goal was to create a portable solution that retained drum-like benefits while allowing users to move freely throughout the workspace.
This phase demanded significant advancements in packaging materials, foil lamination techniques, and dispensing technology, including battery-powered guns capable of handling two-part systems reliably. Over approximately eighteen months of rigorous prototyping, testing, and refinement, we successfully developed a complete foil-based system. Fabricators could now enjoy the economic and environmental advantages of bulk packaging in a compact, mobile format compatible with existing tools.
With this foundation established, the final challenge emerged: how to extend these sustainability benefits to the mainstream market, where the vast majority of professionals rely on standard cartridge guns. We recognized that any truly disruptive innovation must minimize adoption barriers. Forcing shops to invest in new equipment would hinder widespread acceptance, so we focused on compatibility.
This insight gave birth to Reload, our breakthrough reusable cartridge platform.
The system features a durable, precision-engineered outer housing that works seamlessly with standard manual and pneumatic dispensers already in use across the industry. Inside, fresh adhesive components are supplied in laminated foil foil packs that load quickly and maintain precise 1:1 or 10:1 ratios for consistent performance. Once the foil pack is spent, it is easily removed and replaced, allowing the outer cartridge to be reused dozens of times. The result is a dramatic reduction in plastic waste—up to 99 percent—combined with lower costs, faster changeovers, and no compromise on bond strength or reliability.
Reload represents more than a product; it embodies our ongoing dedication to a greener adhesives industry. By eliminating single-use plastic cartridges without disrupting workflows, we help fabricators, manufacturers, and installers achieve superior results while significantly reducing environmental impact. This evolution—from challenging paint cans to innovative foil pouches, mobile foil systems, and now fully reloadable cartridges—demonstrates what is possible when a team is committed to continuous improvement and genuine sustainability.
We are proud of this journey and excited for the future. As we continue to refine and expand these technologies, our focus remains clear: deliver the highest-quality adhesives in the most responsible way possible. Thank you for being part of it. Together, we are building stronger bonds and a more sustainable industry.