Henkel, Sekab partner to accelerate shift to bio-based raw materials in adhesives

SWEDEN – Henkel Adhesive Technologies has entered into a strategic collaboration with Swedish chemical company Sekab aimed at accelerating the transition from fossil-based to bio-based raw materials in adhesive production.

The partnership focuses on replacing conventional ethyl acetate, a widely used solvent in adhesives, with a sustainable, bio-based alternative that can be integrated directly into existing formulations.

According to Henkel, the initiative supports its broader ambition to increase the share of renewable raw materials across its product portfolio while maintaining performance and process compatibility.

By adopting a “drop-in” solution, Henkel aims to help customers meet climate and sustainability targets without requiring changes to production lines or application processes, while also reducing its own environmental footprint.

The collaboration with Sekab forms part of Henkel’s wider strategy to advance circular and low-carbon solutions across its Adhesive Technologies business.

Sekab, which specialises in bio-based chemicals derived from renewable feedstocks, brings expertise in fossil-free solvents designed to replace conventional petrochemical inputs in established value chains.

“Our collaboration with Henkel demonstrates how fossil-free, bio-based chemicals can be integrated into existing value chains without compromising performance,” said Adam Lindholm, head of sales and business development at Sekab.

“This accelerates the transition towards a fossil-independent chemical industry. By working together along the value chain, we can bring scalable, sustainable raw materials to market and create tangible climate benefits.”

Ethyl acetate is commonly used in adhesives for packaging, labels, tapes and flexible laminates, making it a critical target for decarbonization efforts in the sector.

Industry analysts note that solvent substitution represents one of the most immediate levers for reducing Scope 3 emissions in adhesive and coating formulations, particularly as brand owners and converters push for lower-carbon packaging materials.

Henkel’s latest move builds on a series of recent partnerships focused on renewable and circular inputs.

A few months earlier, the company collaborated with LyondellBasell (LYB) to develop a renewable-based solution for the plastic cage of its WC Frisch/Bref solid toilet rim blocks.

The design uses 30% mechanically recycled plastics combined with 70% bio-circular feedstock under LYB’s CirculenRenew portfolio.

The solution was positioned as a drop-in alternative delivering comparable performance to fossil-based plastics while achieving lower CO₂ emissions during production.

Across the wider chemicals and materials industry, similar initiatives are gaining momentum.

Adhesives and coatings suppliers are increasingly trialing bio-based solvents, mass-balanced bio-circular feedstocks and recycled polymers as regulatory pressure and customer sustainability commitments intensify, particularly in Europe.

At the same time, chemical producers are scaling investments in bio-refineries and advanced fermentation technologies to improve availability and cost competitiveness of renewable inputs.

For Henkel and Sekab, the collaboration signals a pragmatic approach to sustainability, prioritizing scalable solutions that fit within existing industrial systems.

As demand grows for low-carbon adhesives in packaging, construction and consumer goods, such partnerships are expected to play a key role in accelerating the industry’s transition toward a more circular and fossil-independent materials base.

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