Henkel Adhesive Technologies expands UV capabilities with investment in manufacturing facility

Bridgewater, N.J.-based Henkel Adhesive Technologies recently broke ground for a new production area for UV-curable acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) at its site in Salisbury, NC. The new facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2021.

This expansion of Henkel’s existing site broadens the company’s capabilities to provide more sustainable and innovative pressure sensitive adhesive solutions to the tape, label, medical, and graphic films markets.

“Henkel’s solvent-free, UV PSA line enables broader industry use of acrylic-based adhesives,” states Brian McSwigan, VP of Business Development.

“Combining the ease of use of a traditional rubber-based hot melt with the enhanced performance of acrylic polymers represents not only a step-change in innovation but demonstrates Henkel’s continued commitment to sustainability.”

UV-curable hot melt adhesives address changing market needs and enhance the customer experience. They are designed to coat a variety of facestocks, serving all segments of traditional pressure sensitive markets. Branded as Loctite Duro-Tak UV, Henkel will offer a comprehensive set of adhesive chemistries from this new facility, including pure polymer, formulated free radical, and cationic curing systems, the company says. Unique to Henkel, cationic cured UV PSAs utilize a novel curing mechanism, allowing for lower energy consumption and through-cure of extremely high coat weights (double to triple that of traditional free radical systems).

Henkel’s Salisbury facility manufactures adhesives used extensively in the packaging, consumer goods and electronics markets.