A new solution has been developed in the form of pre-dispersed masterbatches of core-shell particles in (meth)acrylate monomers. These new liquid toughener dispersions are stable and have been proven to increase the toughness of acrylic materials. The utility of these tougheners has been demonstrated in light-curable thermoset formulations and in 2K acrylic structural adhesives.

The pandemic drove increased demand for packaging and created significant stresses on the packaging value chain, but it didn’t reduce the focus on sustainability. The industry has had to meet the various challenges of the pandemic while continuing to make progress toward a circular packaging economy.

Elastomer products are commonly produced using isoprene, butadiene, and styrene. A new renewable monomer has been used to develop unique polymers, such as liquid farnesene rubber (LFR) and a proprietary bio-based styrenic elastomer.

Automotive adhesive tapes are lighter than mechanical fasteners such as screws and fasteners and simplify the automobile manufacturing process. The global automotive adhesive tapes market was valued at $8.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to account for $13.8 billion by 2028.

Polychloroprene has a long history in the world of adhesives. It has been the primary choice when fast, high-strength, and permanent bonds are needed in variety of applications, from shoe soles to foam bonding. Historically, polychloroprene adhesives have been solvent borne, but environmental and occupational safety reasons have recently caused a shift toward waterborne polychloroprene adhesives. One of the challenges in waterborne polychloroprene dispersion adhesives has been related to the thickening of these high pH systems, as well as the storage stability.

In collaboration with ChileGlobal Ventures, the venture capital arm of Fundación Chile, Henkel Chile has launched the global Seal the Cycle initiative to find technological solutions for plastic waste. The goal of the initiative is innovation in separating high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from silicone waste to enable the recycling of cartridges that cannot currently be reprocessed.

Few experiences are richer for adhesive and sealant professionals than attending a WAC. The event offers the complete package: networking, education, exhibition, repeat. On an international level. Like the Olympics, the conference occurs once every four years and rotates between Asia, Europe, and North America. The host association is responsible for organizing and delivering a world-class educational and networking event.

Sustainable bonding requires combining the highest possible certified bio-based raw material content in the adhesives, low maintenance and energy requirements in the bonding process, high compatibility of the adhesives with existing application systems, and, especially in the packaging industry, high compatibility in terms of downstream paper recycling. All of this must be achieved at competitive prices.