There is an increasing demand for safe, secure, and sustainable packaging driven by heightened awareness on food safety and health. Rising legislations are influencing food safe packaging development, design, and materials in use. Moreover, globalization of food networks further emphasizes the need for transparency and traceability along the food and packaging value chain.
We have often called adhesives “the forgotten layer” as they have been perceived as a relatively small piece in the total packaging compared to inks, boards and foils that have been more under the public eye for meeting safety standards in food packaging. While in Europe there are no specific legislations for adhesives in food contact, there are legislations valid to adhesives, and hence part and parcel of ensuring food safe packaging.
At Henkel, we are aware of the necessity of adhesive solutions for food safe packaging and have made this our guiding principle. With the launch of our Food Safe Packaging Initiative, we continue to drive forward our focus on this ever-important topic.