February 18, 2026

New low-temperature surfactant reduces energy consumption by up to 35 degrees Celsius

Henkel launches Bonderite C-AD 20202: energy-efficient dip degreasing for the most demanding cleaning requirements

Düsseldorf – Henkel is launching Bonderite C-AD 20202, a new low-temperature surfactant for industrial dip degreasing that cleans reliably at temperatures as low as 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. Compared to conventional processes, which usually operate at 60 to 65 degrees, the process temperature can be reduced by up to 35 degrees. With significant savings in energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, the product combines cost efficiency with sustainability without compromising cleaning performance.

This development fills a gap in the portfolio: efficient low-temperature products have been available for spray degreasing for some time, but not for the dip cleaning process. This is indispensable when complex geometries, concealed cavities or hard-to-reach surfaces need to be cleaned. As mechanical support is less effective here, powerful chemicals are crucial to ensure consistently high quality even at reduced temperatures.

Bonderite C-AD 20202 can be integrated into existing systems without investment by replacing the previous dip surfactant. Tests such as the water break test prove complete surface wetting and thus optimal conditions for subsequent conversion treatment such as phosphating or nano conversion layer. Even under demanding conditions, such as with non-water-miscible deep-drawing agents or components with complex structures, the new low-temperature dip surfactant achieves stable results. In addition to its technical performance, it offers clear economic advantages: the reduced bath temperature significantly lowers energy consumption and has an immediate impact on operating costs. If warm spray degreasing is used upstream, there is no need to heat the dip degreasing process at all. Chemical consumption is roughly the same as with the surfactant used previously, so procurement and storage remain unchanged. There are no investment costs, as savings are achieved from the very first day of use.
Initial practical applications confirm the broad range of uses, from the automotive industry to agricultural and construction machinery manufacturers to metalworking companies. Before implementation, Henkel recommends checking the oil and grease characteristics of the respective processes to ensure optimum performance. “With Bonderite C-AD 20202, we combine the highest cleaning quality with measurable savings in energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. For our customers, this is an immediately effective measure for saving costs and resources without additional investments or technical adjustments,” explains Andy Bender, Field Technical Service at Henkel. The market launch underscores Henkel's commitment to developing solutions that meet both economic and environmental requirements and support the transition to more sustainable production processes.

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 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 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 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 47,000 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	Caroline Sach 	Svenja Meurer
Phone	+49 211 797-3479	+49 2602 950 99-15
E-mail	caroline.sach@henkel.com	svm@additiv.de

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

Bonderite C-AD 20202 is a new low-temperature surfactant for industrial dip degreasing that cleans reliably at temperatures as low as 35 to 40 degrees Celsius.