Henkel & DaniMer Form Alliance to Formulate Hotmelt Adhesives Using Bio-based Materials

Düsseldorf / Germany -- Henkel, one of the leading adhesive companies, and DaniMer Scientific, LLC, a recognized leader in bio-based material technology, announced that they have formed an alliance to develop hotmelt adhesives that use bio-based raw materials. The initial target for these bio-based hotmelt adhesives will be the consumer packaging market including applications of end of line and labeling.

The alliance will combine Henkels expertise in hotmelt adhesive formulation, application, and global footprint, with DaniMers expertise in biopolymer science, proprietary production capabilities and the companys bio-based technology platform. The intended ambition of this alliance is to bring to the marketplace a technology platform that includes a family of bio-based hotmelt adhesive formulations supplied globally.

"A large number of our customers in the consumer packaging industry have publicized projects to drive sustainability initiatives such as reducing carbon footprint of packaging materials, delivering on consumer driven environmental initiatives, and diversifying supply chains for packaging materials," said Gary Raykovitz, Senior Vice-President Product Development, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. "Henkel and DaniMer, working together to solve these issues is yet another confirmation that we will consistently deliver genuinely innovative technologies that enhance our customers efforts to achieve their sustainability goals."

"Challenge for the use of renewable materials in adhesive formulations"

"We are listening to our customers and Henkel is always seeking solutions to meet our customers needs. Given the technology challenge for the use of renewable materials in adhesive formulations, we chose to partner with DaniMer who has consistently demonstrated leadership in bio-based material innovation by providing both performance and value," said John Rye, Vice-President, Consumer Packaging Group, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. "We believe this technology, along with a range of other technologies Henkel is working on, will also play a role in assisting customers in reducing their dependence on petroleum based materials in their packaging operations."

DaniMers very innovative technology platform for bio-based hotmelt adhesives meets the needs that customers have been asking for including being manufactured with a significant use of renewably sourced materials while supporting health and safety requirements for use of these materials in packaging applications.

"Full family of bio-based hotmelt adhesives"

"The renewably sourced feedstocks that we use to produce these specific hotmelt adhesives are not derived from any direct food chain resources," said Daniel Carraway, CEO and Founder of DaniMer Scientific. "They are also unique in that we have enabled the use of recycled renewable content in certain adhesive grades which allows us to further diversify our supply chain."

"The alliance announced between Henkel and DaniMer will include development of a full family of bio-based hotmelt adhesives that can be applied to a wide range of customer operating needs, including general purpose end of line, high performance end of line, labeling, and even specialized applications such as frozen food packaging."

The alliance expects the first products in the platform to be ready for market launch in the first half of 2013.

About DaniMer Scientific LLC

DaniMer Scientific, LLC, a privately held company with its headquarters in Bainbridge, GA, believes peoples lives can be improved and the environment can be better protected by utilizing renewable resources to manufacture articles that are intended for short-term use. One of the companys goals is to reduce dependence on petroleum, enabling people and communities to benefit from environmentally-friendly products.

About Henkel

Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 47,000 people and reported sales of $21.7 billion and adjusted operating profit of $2.8 billion in fiscal 2011. Henkels preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Henkel is headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Adhesive Technologies business sector is the world market leader in adhesives, sealants and surface treatments for consumers, craftsmen and industrial applications and generates 50 percent of total company sales.