Packsize partners with Henkel to launch eco-pax biobased adhesive

USA – Packsize, a leader in on-demand packaging solutions, has partnered with Henkel Adhesive Technologies to introduce Eco-Pax, an innovative biobased hot melt adhesive designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the packaging industry.

This collaboration aligns with Packsize’s sustainability goals, focusing on delivering environmentally friendly product solutions without compromising performance.

Eco-Pax is engineered to replace traditional hot melt adhesives in box sealing, enhancing eco-friendly standards across Packsize’s offerings.

Kristin Bauer, Director of Product Management at Packsize, shared the company’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “At Packsize, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. By partnering with Henkel, we are expanding our sustainable product offerings with innovative solutions designed to help businesses minimize the ecological impact of their products.”

The Eco-Pax adhesive is formulated with biobased raw materials, departing from conventional fossil-based ingredients.

It is expected to be used on more than 340 million boxes produced annually with Packsize’s right-sized packaging technology, potentially cutting Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-relevant greenhouse gas emissions by up to 32%, equivalent to avoiding the combustion of 1.75 million pounds of coal.

Kevin Heffernan, Head of Consumer Goods Adhesives and Business Development at Henkel North America, noted, “Partnering with an innovative leader like Packsize to launch a biobased adhesive solution is a big step towards building a more sustainable packaging value chain.

“Together, we’re setting a new standard for sustainability in packaging while delivering the high performance brands and consumers trust.”

Packsize also collaborates with companies in warehouse technology, including system integrators and third-party logistics providers, to deliver comprehensive packaging solutions.

UPM and Eastman launch biopolymer-coated paper packaging for food applications

In a related advancement, UPM has teamed up with specialty materials firm Eastman to develop a paper-based packaging solution with a biopolymer coating specifically designed for food packaging requiring strong grease and oxygen barriers.

This innovative solution combines Eastman’s compostable Solus performance additives with the BioPBS polymer, creating a thin, compostable, and recyclable coating applied to UPM’s barrier-based papers.

This new biopolymer coating enhances the properties of UPM’s Solide Lucent and UPM Prego papers, delivering heat sealability and reliable barrier protection even when folded, making it suitable for flexible food packaging.

The packaging is fully recyclable within existing fiber recycling streams, supporting brands’ transitions to more sustainable options.

Importantly, the solution is compatible with standard low-density polyethylene extrusion coating equipment, enabling companies to adopt this eco-friendly option without requiring major capital investments.

Tested for recyclability using the PTS method, the solution is certified for home and industrial compostability.

UPM R&D Packaging Portfolio Development Manager Esa Saukkonen expressed enthusiasm for the new solution, stating, “We are excited to introduce the result of our development work with Eastman.

“Together with our partners, we are constantly pushing the performance of fiber-based packaging. This new biopolymer-coated solution, for example, provides a new option for difficult-to-pack foods ranging from confectionery to chilled foods like meat pies.”

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