Henkel has launched Technomelt Supra ECO, a new range of hot-melt adhesives that reportedly delivers greater sustainability and lower CO₂ emissions while maintaining the performance of the Supra range. The products are the result of a successful partnership with Dow, which developed the AFFINITY™ RE bio-based polyolefin elastomer that can effectively substitute fossil-based materials. The International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) process will guarantee traceable sourcing, so packaging manufacturers will have a dependable way to advance their sustainability goals.

Dow's AFFINITY RE is made with tall oil, a byproduct created by the paper-milling industry and ultimately sourced from sustainably managed forests, which enables the substitution of fossil fuel. As a result, Henkel's new ECO products deliver the same adhesion, set and open time, and heat resistance performance of the existing Technomelt Supra range while providing a sustainable and low-carbon alternative for consumer goods and packaging applications.

"Our new ECO range has been developed to enable our customers reaching their sustainability goals. The expectations of consumers, brand owners, regulators are changing, and with this also the industry demand changes. The use of bio-based material in consumer goods and packaging is an important driver for sustainable sourcing and a lever to reduce environmental footprint," said Jenna Koenneke, global head of Market Strategy for Consumer Good Adhesives at Henkel. "Through our commitment to pioneer industry change, we have worked with key partners such as Dow to identify and take on this challenge. The Technomelt Supra ECO range demonstrates the importance of collaboration across the value chain and is the product of the experience and innovative drive of both companies. Together, we have created a unique solution that helps our customers develop packaging with the lowest environmental impact."

The new high-performance hot-melt adhesive range includes two grades with up to 98% bio-based content and provides a way to optimize the carbon footprint of end products and packaging. As well as consuming fewer sustainable raw materials to produce, they enable more sustainable production processes and are compatible with paper recycling streams.

"Consumers expect more sustainability from the products they use, and packaging is no exception. We want to support the industry to not just meet consumer expectations but to proactively set ever higher sustainability ambitions," said Imran Munshi, Dow P&SP EMEA consumer marketing manager. "At Dow we're proud to be embarking on a journey towards greater sustainability alongside innovative partners such as Henkel."

Henkel reports that its ECO program is one of the key pillars for the company to drive sustainability in packaging and labelling adhesives. The concept revolves around improving the environmental footprint through carbon, water, and energy process optimization and through alternative material choices, for example, bio-based materials and recycled substrates. Technomelt Supra ECO brings to life the concept of how adhesives can enable sustainability by optimizing the footprint of the total packaging.

For more information about the Technomelt Supra ECO range, visit www.henkel.com. Learn more about Dow's AFFINITY RE at www.dowpackaging.com.