Global adhesive giant Henkel and Synthomer, a leading supplier of specialty polymers, today announced a partnership and supply agreement aimed at drastically reducing carbon emissions within Henkel's renowned TECHNOMELT hot melt adhesive product line. The collaboration will initially focus on the European, Indian, Middle Eastern, and African markets.

This partnership leverages Synthomer's recently launched CLIMA-branded product range, including their REGALITE line. These designated products boast a minimum 20% reduction in their cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint, achieved through the utilization of renewable energy in their production processes. Recognizing the potential for significant impact, Henkel and Synthomer have jointly developed a sophisticated framework that directly links Synthomer's renewable energy usage to specific Henkel adhesive products. This innovative approach ensures measurable and verifiable reductions in the carbon footprint of the final adhesive solutions.

The driving force behind this alliance is a shared and robust commitment to sustainability. Henkel has set ambitious targets, aiming to reduce its absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030 (using 2021 as the baseline year), with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. To achieve this, Henkel is actively integrating raw materials with demonstrably lower process emissions footprints into its adhesive formulations.

Synthomer is playing a crucial role by actively minimizing emissions from its manufacturing operations. The company has set a target to cut its absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 47% by 2030, using 2019 as the base year, aligning with its Science-Based Targets goals. Their enhanced manufacturing approach incorporates the use of renewable electricity, biogas, and optimized processes, resulting in a substantial decrease in the carbon footprint of their polymer ingredients.

Synthomer’s REGALITE resin is a very light color, partially hydrogenated, modified aliphatic resin designed as an excellent tackifier for copolymers, including styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS). It also shows excellent compatibility with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

Pernille Lind Olsen, Corporate Senior Vice President, Adhesive Technologies at Henkel, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, "As industry leaders in the adhesives market, we share the responsibility to drive meaningful change. By partnering with suppliers like Synthomer who are equally committed to transparency, innovation, and verifiable climate action, we're not just reducing emissions, we're redefining what leadership looks like in our industry."

Stephan Lynen, Synthomer's President for Adhesive Solutions, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We are proud to support Henkel and their customers with novel adhesive solutions based on a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Our capability is based on our broad portfolio of high-performing adhesive ingredients, a global production and development network paired with a relentless passion for innovation and sustainability. We continue to engage with partners to create sustainable value chains and reduce carbon emissions on our planet."