Why Adhesives are Important for Recycling

“With this double role, we are able to leverage our vast experience and know how. We can actively shape the future of a circular economy by evolving the recycling processes together with various partners across the value chain. We are able to test new adhesive solutions directly with our own consumer products to show what they are capable of,” says Marcin Lapaj, Global Business Development Manager for Circular Economy at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “Therefore, Henkel RE adhesives and coatings are designed particularly with recycling in mind, as they are able to effectively bond multiple compatible layers and have excellent mechanical recycling properties.”

This material compatibility is central to achieve the optimal result in the mechanical recycling process. The new Henkel RE adhesive range can even be used in a closed loop recycling process for flexible packaging.

The solvent-free adhesives and coatings of the RE range are highly suitable for recycling and bonding of recycled plastic films. At the same time, they give excellent results at efficient machine speed, optimal ink compatibility for high-quality printing, high initial tack and room temperature curing. This range of adhesives also improves the quality of recycling of materials in every step of the value chain. 

Partnering with raw-material supplier ExxonMobil, Henkel has developed a full PE laminated stand-up pouches (SUP) that can be recycled and reused to create new SUPs. The new SUP packages contain up to 30 percent recycled SUP content themselves, including recycled adhesive, and offer performance that is on par with existing packaging. This solution particularly addresses the issues of the recyclability of conventional mono-material laminates, especially when it comes to maintaining the quality of the product partly made out of post-industrial recyclate.

Another promising project is presented together with Borealis. The project features a mono-material pouch with high recycling compatibility and up to 35 percent post-consumer recyclate content. Borealis and Henkel worked closely together to specifically design this packaging with recyclate as raw material and a high suitability for the recycling process after usage. This pouch is planned for use in Henkel’s range of Persil detergent powders in selected regions.

Borealis and Henkel are also working on a pilot for a full PE laminate stand-up pouch that contains both virgin and recycled ingredients with 35 percent post-consumer recycled low density polyethylene (r-LDPE). The prototype is currently being developed and tested by a value chain consortium, with each partner contributing their respective expertise and experience to ensure joint success.