Henkel and Sekab partner to replace fossil-based ethyl acetate with bio-based alternatives, advancing sustainable adhesives and accelerating climate-friendly innovation.
Henkel Adhesive Technologies has taken a decisive step toward a more sustainable future by entering into a strategic collaboration with Sweden-based chemical company Sekab. The partnership is designed to accelerate the shift from fossil-derived raw materials to renewable, bio-based alternatives in adhesive manufacturing. At the center of this collaboration is the replacement of conventionally produced ethyl acetate with a bio-based version, marking a significant milestone in Henkel鈥檚 long-term sustainability and innovation roadmap.
This initiative reinforces Henkel鈥檚 ambition to position itself as a frontrunner in sustainable adhesive technologies while continuing to deliver high-performance industrial solutions. By incorporating renewable raw materials as so-called 鈥渄rop-in鈥� alternatives, Henkel ensures that sustainability improvements can be achieved without disrupting existing production processes or compromising product performance. This approach allows customers to benefit immediately from reduced environmental impact while maintaining the same quality, reliability, and efficiency they expect from Henkel鈥檚 adhesive solutions.
For Henkel, the transition to bio-based ethyl acetate goes beyond internal emissions reductions. It also plays a critical role in supporting customers across industries鈥攑articularly packaging, construction, and industrial manufacturing鈥攊n meeting their own climate and sustainability targets. As regulatory pressures increase and brand owners face rising expectations from consumers, access to low-carbon, renewable materials has become a key differentiator. Henkel鈥檚 collaboration with Sekab directly addresses this need by embedding sustainability into the value proposition offered to customers.
Elodie Picard, Head of Sustainability for the Packaging division at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. She emphasized that working with Sekab reflects Henkel鈥檚 commitment to innovation that delivers measurable impact. According to Picard, the collaboration demonstrates how environmental responsibility and high technical performance can go hand in hand, creating value both for customers and for the planet.
From Sekab鈥檚 perspective, the partnership serves as a strong example of how fossil-free, bio-based chemicals can be successfully integrated into established industrial value chains. Adam Lindholm, Head of Sales and Business Development at Sekab, noted that the collaboration proves sustainability does not require trade-offs in performance or scalability. By supplying bio-based chemicals that function as direct replacements for fossil-based materials, Sekab helps accelerate the chemical industry鈥檚 transition toward fossil independence.
The Henkel鈥揝ekab collaboration also aligns closely with Henkel鈥檚 broader corporate sustainability strategy. This strategy focuses on advancing circular economy solutions, significantly reducing carbon emissions across operations and supply chains, and enabling customers to achieve their sustainability objectives through innovative technologies. By partnering with like-minded suppliers, Henkel strengthens its ability to drive systemic change beyond its own operations.
The announcement forms part of a wider series of sustainability-focused initiatives by Henkel and its partners, aimed at showcasing how collaboration, innovation, and climate leadership can drive tangible progress across regions and industries. Together, Henkel and Sekab are demonstrating that the future of the adhesive and chemical industries lies in renewable raw materials, scalable solutions, and shared responsibility for climate action.
