DRIVING FORWARD CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Did you know that Henkel is the world leader in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings? Our adhesives are designed to bond materials together permanently and efficiently – be it in cars, packaging, buildings, shoes, smartphones, or almost any other daily product you could imagine. All of them have one thing in common: our customers rightfully expect that a glue-bond stays in place for years or even decades even under the hardest circumstances. But in some cases, you don't want things to stick together forever. Sounds odd?

Let me give you an example: The housing of a car headlight is typically sealed to protect its internal components from dust, water, and other external influences. While this is important, it also means that many parts inside are no longer accessible after assembly. If, for instance, one of the LED modules fails and conventional adhesives were used, the entire headlight must be replaced, driving costs and the environmental footprint. In our Henkel Adhesive Technologies

business, we have developed debonding solutions for such cases. This allows the housing to be easily opened again if necessary, so that individual parts can be replaced.

In this way, we enable our customers to avoid the unnecessary disposal of intact components and materials.

You might ask yourself by now: What does this have to do with #CircularEconomy? The answer is easy: Debonding not only extends the life of products, but it also creates the opportunity to recover materials at the end of the product life cycle. Our technologies promote the separation of materials that cannot be recycled together. In this way, product parts can be reprocessed and reused.

From linear to circular economy

At Henkel, we have a clear ambition to accelerate and promote the transition to a circular economy. This is why we have anchored circularity as an integral part in our Sustainability 2030+ Ambition Framework.

This commitment also applies to our second business unit, Henkel Consumer Brands . We bear significant responsibility for the sustainable packaging of our products, which means minimizing material use without compromising quality, performance, or safety. It starts with designing our packaging to be recyclable or reusable and use sustainable sources whenever possible. We work together with partners across the value chain to make tangible improvements, starting with the sourcing of recycled or bio-based raw materials and by educating consumers on how to reuse or recycle our packaging.

Setting the Right Framework

While we can do a lot ourselves, we still need support. To achieve an economically viable circular economy, appropriate political frameworks must be established at global levels. Intensive discussions and legislative measures, such as those being developed under the United Nations Global Plastic Treaty, are important steps into the right direction. Establishing a legally binding framework for the production, use, and disposal of plastics will provide more clarity for stakeholders along the value chain. The European Union has also sent a strong signal by voting in favor of the new EU packaging regulation (PPWR) to minimize waste, while enhancing the recyclability and availability of recycled material, among others.

Collaboration Across Industries

Looking ahead, the economy should lead the way in providing solutions aligned with the circular economy agenda. That’s why, as a member of the Verband der Chemischen Industrie e.V. (VCI) , we support calls for new initiatives to promote sustainable technologies like chemical recycling as a supplement to mechanical recycling. However, to be successful in doing so we need two things: technological neutrality and openness for new approaches to remain innovative, and speed, which is essential for maintaining competitiveness. Increased government support would enable significant progress and ensure investment security.

While there is consensus on the need for a future-ready circular economy, the path forward often remains unclear. Agreement on what needs to be done does not necessarily lead to agreement on how to do it. By fostering collaboration across industries, supporting innovation, and advocating for progressive policies, we can pave the way for a resilient and thriving future. As we work toward these goals, Henkel will continue to play a leading role.