Greening the Bond: How Sustainable Innovations Are Changing the Wood Adhesives Industry

Highlights:

• Introduction
• Bio-based and formaldehyde-free components reducing fossil dependency
• Henkel’s initiative for futuristic wood adhesive technology
• Recyclable and water-based adhesives

Wood adhesives are formulated for bonding wood substrates in various applications, including furniture manufacturing, construction, and woodworking. The industry previously relied on synthetic resins and chemicals derived from fossil fuels. However, environmental concerns associated with using petrochemical-based adhesives, such as volatile organic compounds, non-biodegradability, and formaldehyde emissions, have encouraged manufacturers to look for more sustainable alternatives.

Sustainable wood adhesives, made from renewable resources, offer a safer alternative to harmful components by reducing emissions and minimizing risks to both human health and the environment. Green practices in wood adhesives not only address the environmental concerns related to traditional chemical adhesives but also promote innovation and create new growth opportunities.

Bio-based and formaldehyde-free components reducing fossil dependency

Regular adhesives are often made from synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals. On the other hand, bio-based adhesives are made from renewable resources, such as plant-based materials, proteins, and starches. These adhesives are made of biodegradable properties and consequently reduce fossil fuel dependency. For example, adhesives made from natural polymers like lignin, bond wooden materials. Lignin-based adhesives are renewable and help reduce waste by utilizing an otherwise discarded material. Similarly, starch-based adhesives, sourced from crops like corn and wheat are now being tailored for use in wood bonding applications. These bonding agents offer a sustainable alternative without compromising performance.

Moreover, the development of formaldehyde-free adhesives has become a major focus within the sustainability pursuits in the sector. Various alternatives to formaldehyde-based adhesives have been developed, including phenol-free resins and isocyanate-free systems. They use safer chemicals or rely on natural bonding agents, such as tannins and resins derived from plants. The formaldehyde-free solutions have been increasingly adopted by manufacturers in response to both regulatory pressure and consumer demand for safer products.

Henkel’s initiative for futuristic wood adhesive technology

In February 2020, Henkel Adhesive Technologies took certain steps to enhance its R&D capabilities by upgrading its innovation center situated in Sydney. In the following year, the company made a significant investment in an innovation hub located in Shanghai, China, to fortify its presence within Asia-Pacific. It then expanded its timber construction solutions expertise in July 2022 by investing in 3RT in Melbourne, Australia. Henkel intended to use the investment to expand its engineered wood business and to accelerate the implementation of sustainable future-oriented technology.

In February 2024, Henkel partnered with Covestro to create engineered wood adhesives that boost the sustainability of wooden construction. This collaboration used polyurethane-based raw materials linked to bio-based feedstocks via the mass balance approach, allowing formaldehyde-free adhesives for load-bearing timber applications. The new adhesives offered high-quality outcomes and reduced carbon footprint in construction.

Recyclable and water-based adhesives

Reusable adhesives disassemble bonded products at the end of their life cycle. Manufacturers extend the lifespan of wood products and reduce waste by developing adhesives that do not permanently bind the materials. For instance, reversible glues, which can be undone under specific conditions enable products to be disassembled, and the wood reused for new projects. This reduces the demand for virgin wood and promotes a more sustainable production process.

Another major innovation is the water-based adhesives in the wood adhesives industry. Traditional adhesives often rely on solvents that release harmful VOCs into the air, increasing air pollution and health risks. On the contrary, water-based fixatives use water as the primary solvent, reducing the need for harmful chemicals and minimizing emissions. These adhesives are popular in the furniture and cabinetry sectors. In fact, the furniture segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022, as wood adhesives are essential for assembling the pieces. This has simultaneously increased the demand for eco-friendly replacements for furniture in the wood adhesives market.

Water-based adhesives also tend to have lower energy consumption during production and drying, further enhancing their sustainability. The gradual change in preference toward water-based formulations has contributed to the development of improved performance characteristics, allowing these adhesives to perform as well as their solvent-based counterparts. In March 2023, Hexion announced the launch of a new range of water-based adhesives specifically formulated for the furniture and cabinetry sectors. These bondings minimized harmful VOC emissions and provide an eco-friendly alternative to the usual solvent-based adhesives. In July, the same year, Sika also introduced a line of low-VOC, water-based adhesives aimed at the wood construction industry. These products were designed to meet high-performance standards, reducing environmental impact.

To sum up, developing bio-based adhesives, formaldehyde-free formulations, water-based products, and recyclable adhesives reflects a significant transition toward greener, more sustainable manufacturing practices. These innovations help reduce the environmental impact of wood adhesive production and use, providing benefits such as lower carbon emissions, reduced toxic emissions, and decreased waste. The green alternatives address the imminent ecological threats by meeting regulatory standards without compromising efficiency and quality. This awareness and mindful transition are eventually expected to pave the way for a safer and better future for the industry.

For more insightful business updates and global trends in the wood adhesives industry, feel free to talk to our industry specialists here!

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