Designed for Recycling

Successfully creating sustainable and recyclable packaging starts during the design phase: The right choice of adhesive significantly influences what can be done with the package at the end of its primary use. With its RE range of adhesives and coatings designed for recycling, Henkel enables packaging to go beyond current functionalities – to create flexible packaging that has recyclability “built in”. Products in this range must fulfill stringent external testing requirements for sustainability. 

“The use of certified adhesives according to recognized test protocols is extremely important, as there are differences in the recycled materials in terms of their processability as well as their physical properties,” says Elodie Picard, Head of Sustainability Packaging. “Ensuring our customers can reach their sustainability goals is one of our top priorities, which is why we work together with independent testing institutions to certify our solutions.”

Comprehensive Range of Recycling Compatible Adhesives for Flexible Packaging

In recent years, Henkel has focused on the development of solutions that support the recycling process and now has the industry's most comprehensive range of recycling compatible adhesives making up our “RE Range”. The portfolio of RE adhesives includes both solvent-free and solvent-based adhesives and covers the main performance segments. The range of recycling compatible products also include RE Range coatings for various applications. The recycling compatibility of all Henkel RE Range products is certified by recognized certification institutes.

LOCTITE LIOFOL LA 2798 RE / LA 7371 RE - Recycling Compatible Solvent-Based Epoxy Silane-free Adhesive for Retort Packaging 

• Certified as compatible with PP recycling according to testing protocols of cyclos-HTP Institute (CHI)  – enabling mono-material design for recycling. 
• Aliphatic adhesive system completely free of epoxy silanes such as GLYMO, GLYEO and heavy metals providing the highest level of food safety.
• Modular system with different hardeners for large variety of applications
• Very good resistance to aggressive filling goods
• Suitable for sterilization of inner and outer layers

LOCTITE LIOFOL LA 2798 RE / LA 5036 RE - Recycling Compatible Solvent-Based Adhesive for Retort 

• Certified as compatible with PE recycling according to Recyclass testing protocols – enabling mono-material design for recycling. 
• Designed for high temperature resistance such as heat-sealing strength
• Best-in-class ethanol resistance
• Very good filling good resistance
• Increased safety: Free of epoxy silanes (GLYMO & GLYEO), NPG, Hexanediol, tin and BPA
• Temperature curing improves performance to higher levels
• Suitable for sterilization of the outer layer

LOCTITE LIOFOL LA 7780 RE / LA 6147 RE - Recycling Compatible Solvent-Free Adhesive for Laminating Food and Non-Food Packaging  

• Certified as compatible with PE recycling according to testing protocols of cyclos-HTP Institute (CHI)  – enabling mono-material design for recycling.  
• Aromatic adhesive system suitable for aggressive filling goods due to high filling good resistance
• Especially suitable for cosmetic wet wipes
• Good initial tack and very fast bond strength build-up providing effiecient lamination process

LOCTITE LIOFOL LA 7818 RE / LA 6231 RE - Solvent-Free Polyurethane Adhesive System - Allrounder for Standard Performance

• Certified by RecyClass to be compatible with PE recycling 
• Excellent adhesion to metallized substrates over time 
• Very good optical appearance at highest machine speeds 
• Ease of handling thanks to very good cleaning properties 
• Reduced storage time thanks to faster PAA decay vs. conventional adhesives in this segment

LOCTITE LIOFOL LA 7102 RE / LA 6902 RE - Solvent-Free Adhesive for Polyolefin Pouches Compatible With Recycling

• Solvent-free adhesive up to pasteurization and for a wide range of applications 
• Certified as fully compatible with PE recycling according to RecyClass testing protocols - optimized for mechanical recycling 
• Very low impact on physical film properties of recycled polyolefin material 
• Low discoloration and no odor 
• Good protection from anti-seal effects when using high slip PE, EVA or white pigmented films  
• Fast PAA decay, even in problematic laminates 
• Excellent machine runability, excellent substrate wetting and very long pot life

Henkel is the Partner for Recyclable Design

The key to designing sustainable packaging is making sure each component positively contributes to the whole. The selection of adhesives and coatings while creating the design opens up a whole new world of possibilities for brands and packaging designers. 

“Adhesives aren’t just adhesives,” says Cagri Turkmen, Market Strategy Manager for Flexible Laminates. “At Henkel, we are a comprehensive design partner with product solutions, technology know-how and deep design expertise. Additionally, Henkel offers testing & certification capabilities in-house and has been building up a team of experts exclusively dedicated to sustainability in Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives.”