Henkel Adhesive Technologies Expands UV Capabilities

Henkel Adhesive Technologies, a leading provider of high-performance solutions in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, recently broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art production facility in Salisbury, North Carolina for UV-cured acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA). The new facility is expected to commence operations by the end of 2021. This expansion of Henkel's existing facility expands the company's ability to deliver more sustainable and innovative pressure-sensitive adhesive solutions to the tape, label, medical and graphic film markets. Vice President, Business Development Brian McSwigan said "Henkel's solvent-free UV PSA series enables the use of acrylic-based adhesives across a broader industry.

Combining the ease of use of traditional rubber-based hot melt with the advanced performance of acrylic polymers represents a step-change in innovation, while advancing Henkel's commitment to sustainability," he said.

UV-cured hot melt adhesives address changing market needs and enhance customer experience. They are designed to coat various surface stocks serving all segments of traditional pressure-sensitive markets. Carrying the LOCTITE® DURO-TAK® UV brand, Henkel will offer from this new facility a comprehensive adhesive chemistry portfolio including neat polymers, formulated free radical and cationic cure systems. Henkel's proprietary cationic-cured UV PSAs employ a new cure mechanism that enables lower energy consumption and full cure of extremely high coating weights (two to three times that of traditional free radical systems). Vice President, North America Packaging and Consumer Goods Gary Rzonca said "This is an exciting time for Henkel as we have begun construction of our first UV pressure-sensitive adhesive manufacturing facility in North America. We continue to focus on enhancing the consumer experience that delivers real value to our customers and their brands," he said. Henkel's Salisbury facility manufactures adhesives widely used in packaging, consumer goods and electronics markets. Created with consumers in mind, Henkel's consumer packaging adhesives offer high-performance solutions enabling fast-moving consumer goods companies to obtain efficient, reliable and sustainable solutions.