disclosed is a water - dissipatable or dispersible adhesive composition that is useful in forming paper articles and other products that can be recycled through repulping in both neutral and alkaline media . the water - dispersible adhesive composition is preferably a hot melt adhesive that is a low molecular weight , branched copolyester containing a sulfomonomer . additional utility for the invention resides in the manufacture of recyclable articles where insolubility in body fluids combined with solubility in tap water are required .