June 10, 2024

Fostering resource preservation and emission reduction in the agricultural and construction machines sector

Henkel launches new program to enhance sustainability in the heavy vehicle and equipment sector

Düsseldorf – Henkel is committed to elevating awareness among agriculture and construction vehicle and equipment (heavy vehicle and equipment) designers, manufacturers, and tier suppliers about the role advanced materials can play in enabling sustainability across the value chain – from R&D to manufacturing to use in the field. The company today announced its ‘Respect the Planet, Rethink Design’ program, which prioritizes four pillars of sustainability – Climate, Circularity, Safety, and Nature – and demonstrates Henkel’s enablement of them all through its cutting-edge adhesive, surface treatment, and electronic materials portfolios. 

Henkel Global Market Segment Manager, Heavy Equipment, Eric Zhai explains the inspiration behind the effort, which is designed to deliver results that amplify its customers’ commitment to sustainability. “As many in our industry are aware, sustainability is a central value at Henkel; it’s in our DNA,” he shares. “Our heavy vehicle and equipment customers are aligned on these practices, too, and we think there are opportunities to collaborate for even more impactful results. Our effort aims to show manufacturers that building tough, long-lasting equipment does not have to come at the expense of responsible environmental and human safety protocols. These are not mutually exclusive ambitions, and Henkel has proven solutions that help achieve these objectives simultaneously.” 

Focusing on four defined sustainability pillars, Henkel’s ‘Respect the Planet, Rethink Design’ program leverages the technology advantages of its product line to facilitate the design, build, and use of vehicles and equipment that prioritize people and the environment, while enabling robust, reliable performance. Examples include:

•	Climate – Formulas for metal cleaning processes that reduce required bath temperatures, lower chemical consumption, and decrease energy use. Structural adhesives enable lightweighting, allowing reliable bonding strength and the integration of lighter, alternative substrates for improved fuel efficiency. 
 
•	Circularity – Henkel solutions include bio-based low pressure molding hot melts and certain Henkel processes enable automated dosing and material reusability. Additionally, the company is exploring debonding solutions that can facilitate recycling and reuse.  

•	Safety – Materials formulated without substances under discussion, and compliance with safety agency ratings and environmental compatibility standards protect health and well-being. 

•	Nature – Natural resources like water are preserved through products and processes that reduce consumption and allow wastewater recycling.

As a key material supplier to the agriculture and construction equipment sector, Henkel helps customers overcome barriers to sustainable design through innovative product development and consultative sustainability programs. The company has consistently shown that deep engagement with its team can deliver measurable results.

“Time and time again, we have demonstrated how our involvement at the R&D phase can drive sustainable outcomes from end to end,” says Zhai. “Examples include cleaning and metal pretreatment innovations that have enabled low-temperature cleaning to operate at 38°C instead of 60°C achieving significant energy reduction; using structural adhesives to replace welding that can provide a carbon footprint reduction up to 15%; as well as tin-free and solvent-free adhesive sealant innovations used for bonding and sealing applications”.

As part of its ‘Respect the Planet, Rethink Design’ campaign, Henkel will share application case studies, conduct technical presentations at industry conferences, and host sustainability innovation workshops with customers at global Inspiration and Technical Centers. To learn more, visit the company’s website. To schedule a sustainability workshop with Henkel, contact the team.  

About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2023, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 2.6 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 48,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com 

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

Contact	Chantal Fisher	Svenja Meurer
Phone	+1 905-317-6276	+49 2602 950 99-15
Email	chantal.fisher@henkel.com 	svm@additiv.de

	Henkel AG & Co. KGaA	additiv • A brand of additiv pr GmbH & Co. KG.

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Henkel cleaning and metal pretreatment innovations can enable low-temperature cleaning to operate at 38°C instead of 60°C achieving significant energy reduction. 

Henkel structural adhesives to replace welding, such as in cabin assembly, can enable lightweighting, reduced material consumption and a carbon footprint reduction up to 15%.