Henkel is among the innovation leaders in adhesive technologies for aviation – and is already looking far beyond today’s aircraft toward the mobility of tomorrow. Emrah Ozturk, Global Market Segment Manager for Aviation at Henkel, offers insights into a rapidly evolving industry – and how Henkel is helping to shape it.
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Light, strong, sustainable: why modern aircraft can’t take off without adhesives
“Rotate!” – with this command, pilots pull the aircraft’s control column backward. The nose rises first, followed by the entire plane lifting off. Maximum performance – not just for the crew in the cockpit, but also for the aircraft itself. At the moment of takeoff, enormous forces are at play: Depending on the load, each wing can experience up to eight tons of lift. It’s a moment of extreme stress – on the structure, the materials, and every connection. So, what holds it all together? What ensures that the fuselage and wings remain securely intact, and that lightweight composite materials perform reliably under pressure? Often, it’s adhesives – developed by Henkel teams across the globe.
From the largest wing to the smallest wire – where adhesives work
Adhesives are revolutionizing aircraft design. One striking example can be found at the tips of wide-body aircraft wings. These complex, upward-curving shapes are engineered to optimize airflow – but traditional joining techniques quickly reach their limits here. Mechanical fasteners are often too heavy or too rigid to meet the demands of such aerodynamically effective geometries. Only the use of customized adhesives enables durable, lightweight, and high-performance bonding of a wide range of materials – even in thin-walled structures or hard-to-reach areas.
The use of customized adhesives enables the durable, lightweight, and high-performance bonding of a wide range of materials, even in hard-to-reach areas.
Once aircraft were made of metal completely, now it is being replaced with composites at an increasing rate and adhesives are critical materials to enable the use of composites. “Our adhesives are used virtually everywhere on the aircraft – from wings to cabin interiors to fine electronic components,” says Emrah. Volumes range from milliliters to barrels, depending on the application and component size.
In fact, the chemical requirements are as varied as the applications themselves. Structural bonding calls for high-strength systems that can withstand temperature and pressure. In the cabin, weight reduction is key. In electronics, precision and electrical insulation are crucial. Each challenge demands a unique formulation – often based on epoxy resins that harden into particularly durable materials when combined with a curing agent. Some cure with heat and pressure, others with moisture. Adhesives are high precision-engineered materials.
Have you ever noticed the upward curve at the tip of airplane wings?
That’s called a winglet, and it’s not just for looks! Winglets help reduce fuel consumption by up to six percent and cut down on in-flight noise. Behind this aerodynamic wingtip lies the power of material science. Thanks to our Loctite solutions, these lightweight designs are made possible and contribute to sustainability. Next time you’re flying, glance out the window and know that innovation is quite literally taking off.
Tailor-made adhesives evolving together with aviation
New adhesive solutions are typically developed in long-term, close partnerships with aircraft manufacturers. “This industry thinks in decades, not quarters,” explains Emrah. “If we obtain qualification for a material today, it may be used for 30 or even 40 years.” One development example illustrates how complex innovation in aviation can be. In a new design, a critical bonding area turned out to be extremely difficult to access. The initially chosen adhesive proved not fit for this new shape. In response, Henkel’s development team, working closely with the aircraft manufacturer, created a new formulation: with different viscosity and flow characteristics, but with the same performance and within the same processing parameters. The challenge was to adapt the chemical properties without changing the process altogether – a painstaking process that can take years due to stringent aviation safety and documentation standards. “It’s not enough for a material to work technically,” says Emrah. “It must also meet regulatory requirements – and in most cases, it has to remain viable for decades.”
We’re developing solutions today for aircraft that won’t be commercially available for another ten or fifteen years. And we do it with the goal that these solutions will be the right choice – not just technically, but ecologically as well.
Emrah Ozturk, Global Market Segment Manager for Aviation at Henkel
Specialized products for maintenance
Adhesives are just as essential beyond production – particularly in maintenance. As new aircraft become scarce and air travel rebounds, keeping existing fleets operational becomes a strategic priority. To meet this demand, Henkel offers adhesives for composite repair in small packaging sizes for quick and convenient repairs.
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Future-ready through partnerships: sustainability starts at the molecular level
“Sustainability runs through our entire portfolio – from production to maintenance,” says Emrah. At Henkel, sustainability is not a later-stage consideration – it’s built in from the start. Even in the earliest stages of product development, ecological criteria are central: Carbon footprint, energy use during curing, and the elimination of critical substances are all factored in. The goal is to create future-ready materials that are not just high-performing, but also environmentally responsible. This mindset has long been part of Henkel’s DNA. Henkel also participates in forums like IAEG, the International Aerospace Environmental Group, a platform where industry stakeholders discuss sustainability goals, materials, and production standards. The focus isn’t just on reducing emissions during use, but also on cleaner production processes and circular material cycles.
The aviation industry is pursuing an ambitious goal: net-zero emissions by 2050. According to industry estimates, 40% of the required reductions will have to come from new materials. That’s not just a challenge for the chemical industry – it’s an opportunity. Those who develop low-emission, energy-efficient, or recyclable adhesives today are actively shaping the mobility of tomorrow.
Sustainability runs through our entire portfolio – from production to maintenance.
Emrah Ozturk, Global Market Segment Manager for Aviation at Henkel
In aviation, innovation and sustainability don’t happen in isolation. They require collaboration, forward-thinking material development, and a deep understanding of future regulatory demands. To succeed in this environment, companies must plan long-term, work across disciplines, and remain agile in the face of technological and political change. “We’re developing solutions today for aircraft that won’t be commercially available for another ten or fifteen years,” says Emrah. “And we do it with the goal that these solutions will be the right choice – not just technically, but ecologically as well.”
INNOVATION
UNDERSTANDING CHANGE, SHAPING THE FUTURE
Every innovation starts with an extraordinary idea. But an idea is only the first step. A leap forward in innovation requires more. It takes an idea that excites – the market, consumers, or our customers. The key to sustainable growth and prosperity are innovative products and technologies that address challenges, bring about change and achieve visions.
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