Henkel/Synthomer partner to cut carbon emissions in adhesives

Adhesives firm Henkel polymers supplier Synthomer are in a supply agreement focused on enabling carbon emission reductions in Henkel’s Technomelt hot melt adhesive product portfolio for the European, Indian, Middle Eastern and African markets. Synthomer will supply Henkel with products that deliver at least a 20% cradle-to-gate reduction through the use of renewable energy.

This partnership follows Synthomer’s recent launch of CLIMA-branded products. Products with this designation, like the Regalite line, deliver at least a 20% reduction cradle-to-gate in the product carbon footprint by using renewable energy in the production process. Henkel and Synthomer have jointly developed a framework that links renewable energy use directly to specific adhesive products, enabling measurable reductions in carbon emissions.

Henkel and Synthomer’s partnership is built on a mutual commitment to sustainability. Henkel aims to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 (base year 2021), with the goal of becoming net-zero by 2045. To support this, it is incorporating raw materials with reduced process emissions footprint into adhesive formulations, helping lower Scope 3 emissions while maintaining high quality performance.

Synthomer is contributing by reducing emissions from manufacturing operations, with a goal to cut absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 47% by 2030, using 2019 as the base year in line with its goals.

Synthomer says its improved manufacturing approach leverages renewable electricity, biogas and process optimisation, lowering the carbon footprint of its products. These carbon reductions are measured through Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) reporting, which follows ISO14067 standards and the Together for Sustainability (TfS) guidelines. The PCF methodology used in this collaboration is being externally validated by TÜV SÜD, adding a strong layer of verification and credibility.

Hot melt adhesives are used in a variety of industries and applications from packaging and consumer goods to electronics and automotive. The integration of Synthomer’s CLIMA resins into Henkel’s Technomelt hot melt adhesive portfolio will lower environmental impact while maintaining the same high-quality solutions the market expects from Henkel, they add.