Henkel and Sekab scale bio-based adhesives
Key takeaways
- Henkel Adhesive Technologies has joined forces with Sekab to replace fossil-based ethyl acetate with a bio-based alternative.
- The solution is said to support lower-carbon adhesive production without compromising performance.
- The collaboration aligns with Henkel’s broader strategy, helping both Henkel and its customers reduce emissions.
Henkel Adhesive Technologies has collaborated with Swedish chemical company Sekab to accelerate the transition from fossil-based to bio-based raw materials in adhesive production. The partnership aims to replace conventional ethyl acetate with a bio-based alternative.
By integrating renewable raw materials into product formulations as a drop-in solution, Henkel aims to support customers in achieving their climate goals and reduce its own environmental footprint.
Adam Lindholm, head of sales and business development at Sekab, says: “Our collaboration with Henkel demonstrates how fossil-free, bio-based chemicals can be integrated into existing value chains without compromising performance.”
“This accelerates the transition toward a fossil-independent chemical industry. By working together along the value chain, we can bring scalable, sustainable raw materials to market and create tangible climate benefits.”
Latest adhesive innovations
Henkel’s corporate sustainability strategy aims to reduce carbon emissions and support customers to meet their own sustainability targets via adhesive technologies. The announcement is part of a broader series of activities from Henkel and its partners.
Elodie Picard, head of sustainability for the packaging division at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, says: “We are proud to collaborate with Sekab on this important journey toward more sustainable raw materials. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation with impact — delivering high-performance solutions that offer benefits for our customers and the environment.”
Last year, Henkel equipped Ravenwood Packaging with its hotmelt pressure-sensitive adhesives for Ravenwood’s linerless labelling system.
The company also recently partnered with Packsize to launch Eco-Pax, a bio-based hot melt adhesive designed to lower carbon footprints. The solution utilizes bio-based raw materials, forgoing traditional fossil-based ingredients.
This month, Henkel purchased the Dutch Stahl Group for €2.1 billion (US$2.5 billion) from Wendel SE. The acquisition enables Henkel to gain access to Stahl’s high-performance specialty coatings for flexible materials used in packaging.
