Celanese, Henkel collaborating to develop adhesives from captured CO2

Bridgewater, New Jersy – Adhesives and sealants specialist Henkel Corp. has entered a partnership with US chemicals supplier Celanese Corp. to enhance circularity in emulsion production.

As part of the deal, Henkel will use CO2 captured by Celanese at its site in Clear Lake, Texas to produce water-based adhesives, Celanese announced 20 Nov.

The adhesives produced by Henkel will primarily serve the packaging and consumer goods sector, helping the industry increase the renewable content of its products.

The paper & board, envelopes & graphic arts, e-commerce, labeling and tissue & towel industries can particularly benefit from the CO2-based adhesives, Celanese added.

Earlier this year, Celanese launched a carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) project at its Texas site as part of its Fairway Methanol joint venture with Mitsui & Co.

The CCU technology captures industrial CO2 emissions and, using hydrogen, converts them into methanol, which forms 35% of vinyl acetate monomer – a crucial element to produce polymers often used in adhesive formulations.

The partnership is part of Celanese attempt to expand the application of its carbon capture offerings known as ‘ECO-CC products’.

“Our CCU platform offers a compelling and scalable path to delivering sustainability into the adhesives market," said Kevin Norfleet, global sustainability leader at Celanese.

Celanese, said Norfleet, is continuing to work to develop CCU solutions for a broad range of applications.