What Is PUR Binding and Why It’s the Best Choice for Premium Books

When planning your next book, catalogue, or brochure project, the binding method is a crucial choice, as it determines the long-term performance of the final print result.

While PUR binding and traditional perfect binding have many overlaps and appear similar at first glance, even at a technical level, there are key differences that affect their utility and ideal use cases. Here, we will help you understand why PUR binding is the best choice for premium books, as well as a range of other project types.

The Basics: What is PUR Binding?

Let’s start with the basic definition of PUR binding; it’s essentially a type of perfect binding that uses a polyurethane reactive adhesive instead of the standard EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) glue.

On a more scientific level, the adhesive used in PUR binding undergoes chemical bonding, and while it is the same mechanical process as EVA glue, the molecular-level adhesion is far superior. This is because the bonding takes place at the fibre level, resulting in page attachment that is much stronger.

While PUR binding may take longer to cure compared to traditional methods, it offers much stronger adhesion and flexibility. Overall, the presentation is elevated, the overall quality is much higher and it’s the go-to choice for many professional binding projects.

Although PUR falls under the so-called “perfect binding” umbrella, it does have several
significant differences:

• Glue strength. As mentioned earlier, PUR uses a type of glue that is far stronger and more durable than the EVA glue that is standard with perfect binding methods. For books that need to withstand repeated use (textbooks, for example), it’s very effective. In standardised tests, performance is 40-60% better vs. EVA.
• Flexibility. When you open a book, it can be difficult to do so fully without damaging the spine. With PUR-bound books, you have more flexibility and strength, making it ideal for manuals and workbooks.
• Temperature resistance. Traditional glue becomes very brittle over time, which is mostly caused due to environmental factors. PUR can handle both high and low temperatures, giving it a longer life.
• Paper compatibility. EVA glue causes a range of issues with paper that is coated or heavy, unlike PUR glue, which is highly compatible in such projects.

When to Choose PUR Binding?

Based on the advantages PUR binding offers, it may seem like the obvious choice for all binding projects. However, that is not always the case. While it does offer durability and a higher-end professional result, it does increase costs and timescales, as it will take longer due to the increased curing time.

PUR also requires specialised equipment, which is not always available on your standard printer. Quality control procedures also tend to be more involved due to the adhesive systems used in PUR binding.

However, PUR binding is ideal for the following use cases:

• Type of book, including catalogues, workbooks, textbooks, manuals or any other book that will be used very often. With traditional glue, books run the risk of coming apart and pages starting to separate and fall out.
• Frequent handling, such as being moved from location to location (e.g. classroom to library), or mailed frequently.
• Paper stock that is glossy, coated, or heavy works far better with PUR binding over traditional methods. It also works with heavy ink coverage and other specialty papers, often used in high-end catalogues or coffee table art books, for example.
• Storage affects longevity. If books are stored in warehouses, vehicles or other climates that tend to see a change in climate, PUR will perform without breaking.
• Flatter placement, such as cookbooks, for example, where the book will need to sit flat for a long time while the reader refers to it.
• Perceived value is higher with PUR. It just looks and feels more expensive. This may not be important for some projects, but in marketing materials, PUR may be a better choice.

When Perfect Binding is a Better Choice

Traditional EVA binding is still a very good choice for many projects; indeed, it is often
preferable depending on the use case:

• Magazines and periodicals that are published on a weekly or even monthly basis do not need to last a long time, with EVA’s quick-setting properties also allowing for a quick turnaround. This is because, by definition, these projects have a short lifespan and have high-volume production runs. Also, standard uncoated paper, which is what is used in magazines of this type, works incredibly well with EVA adhesion.
• Corporate reports and annual publications are intended for single-use or very short-term references. Without investing in premium PUR binding, you can still achieve an adequate professional appearance with EVA.
• Marketing brochures and catalogues for a specific campaign or seasonal releases have what’s called planned obsolescence. These are not designed to last for years, but months (or even shorter). For average handling and a short duration, EVA is perfect.

Further, EVA is a little more flexible than PUR due to its simpler technical requirements and wide availability. Virtually every commercial printing company will offer traditional perfect binding, and it’s usually not very expensive.

EVA also requires the basic minimum spine thickness of 1/8”, and generally, fewer pages will work just fine, whereas most will recommend a slightly higher page count for PUR.

The Bottom Line: Budget vs. Quality

Choosing between PUR and other binding methods ultimately depends on balancing performance requirements against budget constraints. But if you do require a premium finish for a book release, PUR does offer a superior result.

It not only gives higher durability, but it also feels expensive to the touch and gives a more professional appearance overall. As such, it’s also longer-lasting.

However, that is not to say that perfect binding alternatives are not viable, especially for cost-sensitive projects. Consider the intended use and target audience to make your final binding method choice.