This invention relates to an improvement in a process for forming a carton from paperboard stock comprising the steps: applying an aqueous based adhesive to select parts of a paperboard carton blank obtained from a paperboard feedstock; drying the aqueous based adhesive; folding the select parts of the adhesive coated carton blank onto cooperating parts of the paperboard blank; and, heat sealing the select and cooperating parts thereby forming the carton; wherein the aqueous based adhesive is comprised of a vinyl acetate/ethylene polymer formed by emulsion polymerization and having (a) a crystalline melting point (T.sub.m) ranging from 35 to 110.degree. C., preferably 50 to 90.degree. C.; measured at a heat rate of 20.degree. C./minute and, (b) a tensile storage modulus of at least 1.times.10.sup.4 dynes/cm.sup.2 at 115.degree. C. measured at 6.28 rad/sec.