Henkel and DaniMer Scientific to create bio-based hot melt adhesives

16-Jan-2013 - Last updated on 16-Jan-2013 at 13:35 GMT

Photo courtesy of Henkel

Henkel and DaniMer Scientific have partnered to develop hot melt adhesives that use bio-based raw materials with products expected to launch in the first half of 2013.

The initial target for the adhesives will be the consumer packaging market including applications of end of line and labeling.

The alliance will combine Henkel’s hot melt adhesive formulation and application specialisms with DaniMer’s biopolymer science, production capabilities and bio-based technology platform.

Adhesive source

DaniMer Scientific said the feedstock to produce the adhesives is not derived from any direct food chain resource.

“A large number of our customers in the consumer packaging industry have publicized projects to drive sustainability initiatives such as reducing carbon footprint of packaging materials, delivering on consumer driven environmental initiatives, and diversifying supply chains for packaging materials,” said Gary Raykovitz, senior vice-president product development, Henkel Adhesive Technologies.

The alliance includes the development of a full family of bio-based hot melt adhesives that can be applied to a wide range of customer operating needs, including general purpose end of line, high performance end of line, labeling, and specialized applications such as frozen food packaging.

Technology challenge

“Given the technology challenge for the use of renewable materials in adhesive formulations, we chose to partner with DaniMer who has consistently demonstrated leadership in bio-based material innovation by providing both performance and value,” said John Rye, vice-president, consumer packaging group, Henkel Adhesive Technologies.

“We believe this technology, along with a range of other technologies Henkel is working on, will also play a role in assisting customers in reducing their dependence on petroleum based materials in their packaging operations.”

DaniMer’s technology platform for bio-based hot melt adhesives meets consumer demand for renewably sourced materials while supporting health and safety requirements for use of the materials in packaging applications, the firms said.

DaniMer first announced it would commercially release hot melt adhesives based on biodegradable polymers rather than traditional petroleum based materials in 2009.

Evonik has six development products containing between >30 and 100% monomers derived from renewable resources.