Henkel Opens Inspiration Center Shanghai for Adhesive Technologies in China

Located in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, the 33,000-square-meter site brings together more than 500 scientists and technical experts from the fields of product development, application technology and technical services. It supports customers across a broad range of industries with leading solutions in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings.

“The new Inspiration Center Shanghai reinforces our commitment to advancing innovation in the Asia-Pacific region by capturing the trends and needs of the region,” said Mark Dorn, Executive Vice President Adhesive Technologies at Henkel. “The concept leverages our advanced global innovation center approach that we introduced at our headquarters in Düsseldorf in 2022 and which is designed to transform technological know-how into impactful, sustainable innovations. The Inspiration Center Shanghai brings our portfolio to life for our customers and enables close collaboration internally and externally to increase the speed of innovation. This lays the foundation for Henkel´s future growth in the region.”

Built on a technology platform-based setup, the new site enables cross-industry collaboration and knowledge exchange. Advanced digital tools connect Henkel experts to the company’s broader global innovation ecosystem, supporting agile workflows and data-driven decision-making. The facility also houses a modern customer experience center that offers immersive interactions, welcoming partners from industry and academia to explore new ideas and discover opportunities for growth.

“The new center creates an inspiring working environment that fosters a culture of innovation,” said Nigel Fay, Corporate Vice President Innovation and Chief Technology Officer at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “Through collaboration and co-creation, here we turn local insights into scalable solutions, deliver meaningful impact to our customers, and contribute to our global research network.”

As one of the most dynamic and diverse regions globally, Asia-Pacific plays a vital role in driving innovation and growth for Henkel. China, as a key market in the region, is at the forefront of emerging trends, fast-evolving customer needs, and sustainable development. The new facility enables Henkel to deepen its understanding of industrial shifts, address unique market demands, and deliver greater value to customers across the region.

“Asia-Pacific is a region of tremendous potential, and China stands out as a key engine of innovation and growth,” said Carmen Chua, President of Henkel Asia-Pacific. “With the new center, we are staying closer to our customers and responding to their needs more quickly and effectively. This also marks an important milestone in Henkel’s continued investment in China, strengthening local innovation and achieving shared success with our partners.”