September 17, 2020
Redefining industry standards for paper coatings in packaging, driving the circular economy
Henkel enables recyclable paper packaging with innovative coating solutions

Düsseldorf – As a leading supplier of adhesives and coatings for packaging applications, Henkel is working closely with its partners to support a circular economy by rethinking packaging solutions in a sustainable yet functional approach. Following last year’s launch of the RE range which is “designed for recycling”, the company has since expanded the line-up to include both hot- and cold-sealable coatings for paper. Those products are certified as paper-recycling compatible and allow a whole new range of packaging designs.

Sustainability is one of the most important factors when it comes to packaging of goods across the board. The first step when designing packaging in a recycling-friendly way that is also compatible with a circular economy starts by ensuring adhesives and coatings can accommodate alternative materials like paper for various food and nonfood applications. “The main purpose of packaging is protection – and this is still what underpins our strategy. The scope also includes developing adhesives and coatings that help improve recyclability and allow new packaging designs,” explains Alexander Bockisch, Head of Global Market Strategy for Flexible Packaging at Henkel. “Our two latest developments are certified recyclable and can replace plastic packaging. Both sealable coatings enable full recyclability of paper packaging in food and nonfood applications.” According to Euromonitor, the use of flexible paper in snack bars is expected to grow by 20% in Western Europe between 2019 and 2024, to reach 41 million units. In chocolate confectionery, meanwhile, flexible paper remains a niche market, comprising less than 2% of secondary packaging globally. “We see this area as having significant potential for growth if we collaborate closely with our partners along the value chain to design the right packaging solutions, i.e. by providing full recyclability with our latest sealable paper coatings.”

One range of paper coatings, many applications

The coatings seal to both paper and themselves and break new ground in terms of repulpability, food safety and paper flexibility. Their production performance, meanwhile, raises the bar even higher, given the ability to maintain consistent sealing properties, even at high machine speeds. “We worked closely with our partners to design solutions that would be both recyclable and meet industry performance requirements” explains Davide Coppola, European Business Development Manager Coatings. “Loctite Liofol HS 2809-22 RE and CS 22-422 RE have been extensively tested and certified in terms of recyclability and food safety characteristics. We can offer coatings and adhesives for use on paper packaging in wide-ranging applications without cutting corners on performance or safety.” 

Loctite Liofol HS 2809-22 RE is a versatile coating covering a large variety of applications – from hygiene products and tea bags to industrial hardware pouches and chocolate overwraps. Loctite Liofol CS 22-422 RE also covers applications such as collection cards, cereal bars, biscuit packaging, frozen foods and ice-cream. Both innovations provide excellent block resistance for better release in the reel, while eliminating the need for release lacquer and are compatible with all types of ink. Repulpability verified by independent institutes reaffirms how ideal this product is for paper recycling. 

When recyclability alongside high-level performance is considered, both products are a natural fit for Henkel’s RE range and support the entire value chain when making the transition from plastic packages to paper-based alternatives. 

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2019, Henkel reported sales of more than 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of more than 3.2 billion euros. Henkel employs more than 52,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press

Contact:	 Oliver Jüntgen	
E-mail:	 oliver.juentgen@henkel.com	

Press office:  Rashid Elshahed
Telephone:   +49 89 12 44 51 98 
E-Mail:	  henkel.adhesive-technologies@emanatepr.com

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

The following photo material is available: 
Henkel’s sealable coatings enable paper packaging that is fully recyclable for food and nonfood applications, such as hygiene products (heat seal). 

Henkel’s sealable coatings enable paper packaging that is fully recyclable for food and nonfood applications, such as confectionery (cold seal).