Henkel Adhesive Technologies recently announced that it has broken ground on a new state-of-the-art production area for UV-curable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) at its site in Salisbury, N.C. The new facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2021. Henkel reports that the expansion of its existing site broadens the company’s capabilities to provide more sustainable and innovative PSA solutions to the tape, label, medical, and graphic films markets.

“Henkel’s solvent-free, UV PSA line enables broader industry use of acrylic-based adhesives,” said Brian McSwigan, vice president of Business Development. “Combining the ease of use of a traditional rubber-based hot melt with the enhanced performance of acrylic polymers represents not only a step-change in innovation but demonstrates Henkel’s continued commitment to sustainability.”

UV-curable hot-melt adhesives address changing market needs and enhance the customer experience. They are designed to coat a variety of facestocks, serving all segments of traditional pressure-sensitive markets. Branded as Loctite Durotak UV, Henkel will offer a comprehensive set of adhesive chemistries from this new facility, including pure polymer, formulated free radical, and cationic curing systems. Reportedly unique to Henkel, cationic-cured UV PSAs utilize a novel curing page 2/3 mechanism, allowing for lower energy consumption and through-cure of extremely high coat weights (double to triple that of traditional free radical systems).

“This is an exciting time for Henkel as we begin construction of our first UV pressure sensitive adhesive manufacturing facility here in North America,” said Gary Rzonca, vice president of Packaging & Consumer Goods, North America. “We remain focused on enhancing the consumer experience bringing real value to our customers and their brands.”

For more information, visit www.henkel.com.