Adhesives and coatings that enable circularity and CO₂ reduction: Henkel’s sustainable packaging solutions at Interpack

With a minimum 20 percent reduction in CO₂ footprint, Henkel demonstrates using Technomelt Supra 130 Cool how the sustainability of proven products can be significantly enhanced. This optimization of the hot melt adhesive – widely used in carton, tray, and folding box applications – is enabled through close collaboration with suppliers who gradually replace fossil raw materials with renewable alternatives, as well as through more energy-efficient manufacturing processes. Additional adhesives from the existing portfolio are currently being advanced to enable innovative and more sustainable product adaptations.

"With solutions like Technomelt Supra 130 Cool, we demonstrate in a tangible way how we can further improve the sustainability performance of established products while maintaining consistently high quality," says Dr. Kathrin Hein, Vice President Consumer Goods Adhesives EIMEA at Henkel. "Our ambition is clear: we aim to advance sustainability across all levels, from responsible raw‑material sourcing to technologies that help our customers achieve their own sustainability and efficiency targets.”

More performance, less carbon, ultimate safety: strengthening sustainable packaging laminates

In the area of flexible packaging, Henkel is presenting Loctite Liofol LA 7837 / LA 6265, a solvent‑free adhesive system designed for applications exposed to high thermal stress, such as pet food retort pouches, microwaveable products, or pharmaceutical packaging. Since the energy‑intensive drying step is eliminated, both energy consumption and associated emissions are significantly reduced. At the same time, Loctite Liofol LA 7837 / LA 6265 meets all requirements for safety, processing, and long‑term quality. Compatible with traditional structures as well as modern polyolefin‑based laminates, the adhesive system supports manufacturers in transitioning toward future‑ready material combinations.

From solution to certification: PPWR-compliant packaging

A central question is how packaging can be designed to be recyclable in line with the PPWR. Henkel presents coating technologies that enable fiber-based packaging to deliver the required barrier performance – such as resistance to water, humidity, oils, or fats – while also ensuring sealability and compatibility with established paper recycling processes. In this way, fiber-based solutions can become a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging.

In addition, the Henkel Packaging Recyclability Assessment Center ‏(“Packaging Recyclab”) in Düsseldorf offers testing according to the Cepi/4evergreen protocol as well as the CHI methodology – including certification by independent and sworn experts from the cyclos‑HTP Institute ‏(CHI). This enables manufacturers to obtain reliable results for PPWR‑compliant packaging already during development.

Strong bonds, smart shipping: when e-commerce automation accelerates

Beyond flexible and paper‑based applications, Henkel is also presenting solutions for the fast‑growing e‑commerce sector. As shipping packaging is increasingly processed through automated systems, high‑performance bonding becomes more important. With its Technomelt E‑COM portfolio, Henkel offers hot melt adhesive solutions tailored to custom‑sized boxes and mailers used in on‑demand packaging technologies. These systems significantly increase productivity – up to 1,000 boxes per hour can be processed automatically. At the same time, the adhesives support right‑sized packaging concepts that reduce material usage, transportation volume, and consequently CO₂ emissions.

“We are in a phase of fundamental transformation in the packaging industry,” says Dirk Martin, Head of Packaging Adhesives Europe at Henkel. “Our role is to holistically support our customers on their growth journeys – with products that have proven their performance in real-world applications while enabling more sustainable solutions, supported by science-based expertise across the entire value chain.” Visitors to Interpack in Düsseldorf can explore how this approach translates into concrete applications directly at the Henkel booth.