Henkel Introduces Solvent-based Laminating Adhesives to Enhance Resistance of Food Packages

Düsseldorf, Germany -- The solvent-based laminating adhesives Liofol LA 3963-21 and Liofol LA 3643-21, each used with hardener LA 6063-21, can increase the resistance of food packages to acidic and other aggressive contents. The underlying technical innovation by Henkel has resulted in the best adhesives of their kind today and is setting new standards.

Spicy sauces and foods that contain vinegar or other acids make very high demands on flexible packages. These aggressive contents attack the packages, including the adhesives with which the packaging films and foils have been laminated. With the new adhesive systems from Henkel, this undesirable effect can be suppressed. The adhesives are especially well suited for multi-layer laminates constructed with aluminum foils.

Cost savings and reduced environmental impact

Liofol LA 3963-21 helps to improve the sustainability of the packaging materials as this system allows a high solids content of up to 50 percent in the working mixture, so that less solvent needs to be used. Competitor products often only allow mixing with a solids content of up to 30 percent. The reduction in the amount of solvent required helps users to save on material costs and reduces their energy consumption since less drying power is required. What is more, Liofol LA 3963-21 does not carry an R40 label. Yet another area in which Henkel contributes to sustainable development - a goal the company has been pursuing systematically for years.

No "cell blocking"

Another advantage of the two polyurethane-based adhesive systems is that the innovative adhesion promoter they contain does not block the cells of the anilox roller. As a result, it is easier to keep the adhesives application weight constant over the entire surface to be laminated. In addition, the new adhesive systems can withstand high atmospheric humidity much better than conventional systems. Both of these adhesives have high temperature resistance after curing and are therefore also suitable for laminates intended for pasteurisable or retortable foods.

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 15,605 million euros and adjusted operating profit of 2,029 million euros in fiscal 2011. Henkels preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.