New partnership between Henkel and Sekab with bio-based raw materials

Henkel Adhesive Technologies has entered into a strategic collaboration with Swedish chemical company Sekab to accelerate the transition from fossil-based to bio-based raw materials in adhesive production. The partnership focuses on replacing conventional ethyl acetate with a sustainable, bio-based alternative, supporting Henkel’s ambition to lead with innovation and sustainability in advanced industrial adhesive solutions.

Swedish chemical company Sekab specializes in fossil-free, bio-based chemicals for industrial applications. Using bio-based ethanol as its main raw material, the company produces products such as ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde and acetic acid for customers across a wide range of industries, including packaging, coatings, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. 

By integrating renewable raw materials into product formulations as a drop-in solution, Henkel is helping customers to achieve their climate goals, on top of reducing its own environmental footprint. “We are proud to collaborate with Sekab on this important journey towards more sustainable raw materials,” says Elodie Picard, Head of Sustainability for the Packaging division at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation with impact – delivering high-performance solutions that offer benefits for our customers and for the environment.”

Adam Lindholm, Head of Sales and Business Development at Sekab added: “Our collaboration with Henkel demonstrates how fossil-free, bio-based chemicals can be integrated into existing value chains without compromising performance. 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.”

The collaboration with Sekab represents a key pillar of Henkel’s corporate sustainability strategy, which includes advancing circular solutions, reducing carbon emissions, and enabling customers to meet their own sustainability targets through cutting-edge adhesive technologies. The announcement is part of a broader series of sustainability activations from Henkel and its partners to highlight innovation and collaboration in climate leadership strategies across regions.