The personal care industry faces a balancing act: sustainability and transparent supply chains are becoming increasingly important, while expectations regarding process reliability, product quality and cost efficiency continue to rise. To reconcile these objectives, more and more manufacturers are turning to smart factory concepts and automation, which can stabilize operations and reduce downtime. For such approaches to succeed, coordinated solutions and close collaboration across all stages of the value chain are essential.
Mar 24, 2026 Düsseldorf / Germany
Henkel at INDEX 2026: automation and sustainable adhesive solutions for the hygiene industry
At INDEX 2026, the world’s leading nonwovens exhibition, held from May 19 to 22, 2026 in Geneva, Henkel Adhesive Technologies will present solutions for the absorbent hygiene industry. Visitors can meet the team in Hall 2, Booth 2255. The focus lies on approaches that enable manufacturers to increase efficiency and support sustainability goals without compromising quality, safety, or process stability.
At INDEX 2026, under the theme “Automation Driving Efficiency. Less Handling, More Output,” Henkel will demonstrate how adhesive application and material supply can be integrated into automated production environments. With Easyflow®, the company combines advanced hot melt adhesives with an automated feeding system that ensures safe and efficient supply. The goal is to keep production lines running continuously, minimize downtime, and maintain a clean and safe working environment. Easyflow® is delivered in small, non-sticky and easy-to-handle mini-chubs that simplify daily operations.
A second major focus for Henkel is sustainability. Under the guiding principle “Cutting CO₂, not performance,” the company is introducing a high-performance poyolefin hot melt adhesive developed for the absorbent hygiene industry. Technomelt DM Advance provides excellent bonding performance even at low application weights, helping to increase coverage per unit. In addition, the adhesive features a very low VOC content (volatile organic compounds) and is both odorless and colorless.
“Manufacturers are looking for solutions that make processes more stable and efficient while supporting their sustainability goals – without compromising performance,” says Ricardo Serrano, Head of Key Account Management Nonwovens EIMEA at Henkel. “At INDEX 2026, we will show how automation-ready supply concepts and advanced adhesive solutions can help simplify workflows, increase safety and unlock efficiency potential.”
In addition to these two core topics, Henkel will showcase further solutions for specific requirements in the nonwovens industry. For positioning applications – such as securing absorbent pads to underwear – Henkel will present Technomelt DF 7000, a pressure-sensitive adhesive offering strong adhesion and high peel performance on standard and specialty substrates. Comparable peel results can be achieved with lower adhesive usage, enabling more efficient applications. For versatile nonwoven applications, Henkel will also introduce Technomelt DM 4106 UV. This adhesive is suitable for elastic fixation and construction applications, supports procurement simplification through its broad range of uses, and delivers high bonding strength and flexibility with consistent quality.
Henkel invites customers, partners and industry representatives to visit INDEX 2026 in Hall 2, Booth 2255 to exchange views on current challenges and solution approaches for future-ready hygiene production.
The personal care industry faces a balancing act: sustainability and transparent supply chains are becoming increasingly important, while expectations regarding process reliability, product quality and cost efficiency continue to rise.
