Henkel Corporation’s Industrial Adhesives business sponsored the company’s first Sustainable Supplier Symposium on January 21, 2010. Designed to “spark the seeds of sustainable innovation” among members of Henkel’s product development team, the symposium featured meetings and exhibits by a select group of suppliers who pursue sustainability in creative, innovative ways.
During the symposium, attendees explored innovative and sustainable methods for designing and supplying industrial adhesives. They also learned about environmentally responsible raw materials and technologies and gained insights on developing adhesives that provide “greener” solutions for Henkel customers. “By partnering with suppliers early in the product development process, Henkel has become a leader in providing environmentally sustainable solutions for our customers and their customers as well,” said Isabelle, Valois, market development manager for Henkel. “Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are part of Henkel’s DNA. This principle applies to all operations throughout the entire value chain – from raw materials, production and logistics to the use and disposal of Henkel products.”
In addition to hosting their exhibits, suppliers met with Henkel representatives to discuss specific sustainability initiatives. Presenters and topics included:
Advanced Biopolymer Technologies: Protein polymers
Arizona Chemical Company: Pine chemicals, oils, and tackifiers
BASF Corporation: Life cycle analysis, biodegradable resins and films
Bayer Material Science: Low VOC materials
Cargill: Hydroxylated soy oils
Climax Global Energy, Inc.: Recycled wax
Dow Chemical: Soy polyols and sugar cane-sourced PE
EcoSynthetix: Bio-latex binder
Genecor, A Danisco Division: Bio-isoprene
MUNZING: De-foamers synthesized from vegetable oil
National Container Group/Mauser Corp.: Package recovery and reconditioning
Segetis: Levulinic ketal monomers from cellulose
Sonoco: Sustainable packaging materials
United Soybean Board c/o Omni Tech: Soy flour for industrial purposes
Urethane Soy Systems: Soy-based polyols
Vertellus: Castor oil-based polyols
In closing the symposium, Dr. Charles Paul, Henkel Fellow, presented the 2010 Sustainable Supplier Innovation Award to Climax Global Energy, Inc. for an initiative with exceptional potential.
For more information about Henkel’s first Sustainable Supplier Symposium or about Henkel’s commitment to sustainability, call 1-866-443-6535, or visit www.naturallyhenkel.com.
