Henkel: Driving Adhesive Innovation Through CO2 Conversion

Imagine a world where industrial by-products help pave the way toward sustainability.

Henkel, in collaboration with Celanese, is turning this vision into reality by converting captured carbon dioxide (CO2) into useful water-based adhesives.

This innovative approach not only contributes significantly to reducing emissions but also advances the circular economy in manufacturing sectors.

Introducing the power of CO2 conversion

At the core of this transformative process is the utilisation of CO2, a prevalent industrial by-product.

Traditionally seen as a waste product and major contributor to global warming, CO2 is now gaining attention for its potential reusability.

Among its versatile applications, from carbonating drinks to developing synthetic fuels and building materials, its role in sustainable manufacturing processes is garnering considerable interest.

Harnessing technology and innovation, Henkel and Celanese have embarked on a game-changing initiative.

“We are pleased to partner with Henkel to demonstrate another way in which Celanese ECO-CC products can support the transition to a more circular economy,” says Kevin Norfleet, Global Sustainability Leader at Celanese.

“Our CCU platform offers a compelling and scalable path to delivering sustainability into the adhesives market and we are continuing to work to develop solutions for a broad range of applications.”

The partnership leverages Celanese's proficiency in chemistry and sustainable technology to capture CO2 emissions at their Clear Lake facility in Texas.

Here, the captured CO2 is cleverly converted into methanol, a critical feedstock for producing adhesives.

Turning CO2 into a cornerstone for adhesives

So, how does CO2 evolve from being a simple gas into a key component of adhesives?

The collaboration between Henkel and Celanese enables this transformation to happen.

It involves a sophisticated process that integrates hydrogen and chemically transforms captured CO2 into methanol.

This methanol then serves as the foundational building block for manufacturing vinyl acetate monomer, the essential compound needed for creating polymers that are pivotal in adhesive production.

This innovative process highlights the role of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technology in redefining waste material management.

Instead of emitting this potentially harmful gas into our atmosphere, it is captured, repurposed and locked within the production cycle as a valuable resource.

“Our purpose is to pioneer packaging solutions for the benefit of people and planet, which means taking a holistic look at sustainability and making bold moves toward forward-looking technologies that offer our customers cost-effective options for improving sustainability,” says Pernille Lind Olsen, Global Head of the Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives division at Henkel.

“This initiative will provide new options for our customers to meet overall sustainability goals in the packaging industry.”

Industry impact and sustainable goals

The implications of this technology extend far beyond the mere production of adhesives.

By incorporating CO2 into product lifecycles, industries can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint.

This capability is crucial in manufacturing sectors such as packaging, labelling, e-commerce and a host of others that Henkel serves.

Henkel's commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions is encapsulated in their approach to creating CCU-based adhesives.

These adhesives are proving to be pivotal in driving sustainability across various industries.

Recognising the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products, Henkel is at the forefront of offering solutions that not only meet but exceed these expectations.

The partnership’s effort aligns perfectly with a global shift towards greater sustainability.

It showcases the potential to wield advanced technology not just for economic benefit but also for the greater good of the environment.

The transformative collaboration between Henkel and Celanese sets a precedent for how industries can adapt to and thrive in a circular economy.

By treating captured CO2 not as waste, but as a resource, these companies are paving the way for more sustainable manufacturing practices that others can look to emulate.

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