Henkels latest generation of high-speed, fast-cure laminating adhesives is opening a new chapter in food safety for flexible packages. Above and beyond its innovative laminating adhesives, the Düsseldorf specialist also provides information and training on food safe packaging, for example at its online portal, in numerous webinars and at customer events.

According to a study published last year by Smithers Pira, the global market for flexible packages for consumers will grow to $114 billion by 2020. 75 percent of these packaging materials are supplied to the food industry wher strict compliance with the legal regulations in force at any time is essential for long-term success. Besides continuously improving food safety and workplace safety and health, the industry today is also faced with the challenge of meeting steadily increasing demands on versatility and performance. Efficient processes, high machine speeds and safe handling are just as essential as an experienced and competent supplier.

360-degree expertise and safety

Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the worlds leading solution provider for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. Henkels business unit has also become a leading expert in adhesives for food-safe packaging. With its 360-degree approach, Henkel offers its customers expertise and safety – from raw material selecion, product development and analytics through to technical customer service and toxicological assessments as well as professional education opportunities via exclusive customer events, webinars, and training programs.

LA 7796/LA 6166: the next level in food-safe packages

Henkels many years of experience in the development of polyurethane-based adhesives are visible in its latest generation of high-speed, fast-cure, solvent-free laminating adhesives. In assuring quality and performance, the adhesives experts are not relying solely on their innovative adhesive formulations. A key role is also played by the meticulous selection of the best-suited raw materials from preferred suppliers who have to undergo a strict qualification process.

The latest innovation in laminating adhesives comes from Henkel’s Loctite Liofol family and is called LA 7796/LA 6166. The new solvent-free adhesive system for flexible packages is noted not only for its excellent processability. Loctite Liofol LA 7796/LA 6166 also takes account of the ever higher standards expected of food-safe packages. It offers the very fast decay of primary aromatic amines and is free of cyclic esters that can occur in many polyurethane-based components and are categorized as NIASs (non-intentionally added substances).

The adhesive system also scores in terms of workplace health and safety. The undesired effect of misting at high machine speeds is significantly reduced by the adhesives properties. For manufacturers, users, and consumers, the adhesive has thus achieved a new level of food safety and worker health and safety.

Performance and efficiency

The market for flexible packages has changed not only in terms of food-safety requirements. New package designs also call for packaging materials with special characteristics. Higher expectations regarding cost efficiency also have to be met. Henkels Loctite Liofol LA 7796/LA 6166 impresses in this context with high-speed runability, fast further processing and fast cure. It enables fast delivery and thus helps to considerably improve cost efficiency. This makes Loctite Liofol LA 7796/LA 6166 a key contributor to efficient and safe processes, resulting in high product quality and optimised production and delivery times. Loctite Liofol LA 7796/LA 6166 is intended for the lamination of clear and metallised films as well as aluminum foil in food packages and covers an application range that even extends to pasteurisation.