The European Union’s MDR ‏(Medical Device Regulation) is ushering in a new era of supply chain transparency and higher standards of safety for products used in the healthcare sector. While welcome, the introduction of MDR presents challenges for hygiene product manufacturers whose products are now classified as medical devices. From end of May 2021, all incontinence products have been classified as “class 1 medical devices”, with products currently on the market requiring recertification by 2024. For many manufacturers, this process may require more stringent quality management and traceability for products and their component materials than previously. Yet, this transition needs not be burdensome: As a leading supplier to the healthcare and hygiene sectors, Henkel is helping its customers ensure their products are ready for MDR. This is particularly important, as adhesives are key components of hygiene products and highly relevant regarding this compliance.

Henkel Korea has announced the completion of its state-of-the-art Songdo Plant within the Songdo High-tech Industrial Cluster in Incheon, which will become the Asia-Pacific production hub for high-impact electronics solutions of the Adhesive Technologies business unit.

Two more German Henkel sites have achieved significant milestones in the area of sustainability: The Laundry & Home Care production in Düsseldorf and the Beauty Care production site in Wassertrüdingen, Bavaria, have been converted to operate with 100 percent CO₂-neutral energy. Henkel aims to make its entire production worldwide climate-positive by 2030.