Henkel, Synthomer partner to cut carbon emissions in adhesives

Source | Henkel Corp.

Henkel Corp. (Madison Heights, Mich., U.S.) a global adhesives, sealants and functional coatings supplier, and highly specialized polymers and ingredients supplier Synthomer (Roebuck, S.C., U.S.) have formed a strategic partnership and supply agreement focused on enabling carbon emission reductions in Henkel’s Technomelt hot melt adhesive product portfolio for the European, Indian, Middle Eastern and African markets. This collaboration highlights both companies’ leadership in advancing sustainable adhesives through innovative collaborations along the value chain.

The partnership follows Synthomer’s recent launch of Clima-branded products. Products with this designation, like the company’s Regalite line, deliver at least a 20% reduction cradle-to-gate in the product carbon footprint by using renewable energy in the production process. Henkel and Synthomer have jointly developed a framework that links renewable energy use directly to specific adhesive products, enabling measurable reductions in carbon emissions.

Hot-melt adhesives are used in a variety of industries and applications from packaging and consumer goods to electronics and automotive. They can also be a suitable option for some composite applications, offering benefits like fast cure times and easy application, particularly for bonding porous substrates.

Technomelt adhesives are one of many solution options Henkel offers. Adhesives, sealants and surface treatment portfolios are available for composite applications, including those for repair, bonding and reinforcement.

Henkel and Synthomer’s partnership is built on a mutual commitment to sustainability. Henkel aims to reduce absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030 (base year 2021), with the goal of becoming net zero by 2045. To support this, it is incorporating raw materials with reduced process emissions footprint into adhesive formulations, lowering Scope 3 emissions while maintaining high-quality performance. Synthomer is contributing by reducing emissions from manufacturing operations, with a goal to cut absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 47% by 2030, using 2019 as the base year in line with its Science-Based Target goals

Synthomer’s improved manufacturing approach leverages renewable electricity, biogas and process optimization to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its products. These carbon reductions are measured through product carbon footprint (PCF) reporting, which follows ISO14067 standards and the Together for Sustainability (TfS) guidelines. The PCF methodology used in this collaboration is being externally validated by TÜV SÜD, adding a layer of verification and credibility.