September 17, 2025

Enhancing circularity, convenience and usability across portfolio of construction adhesives and sealants in Europe 

Henkel sets the new standard with the next generation of cardboard cartridges designed for improved user experience and sustainability

•	Enhanced user experience by convenient auto-opening system simplifying and accelerating the application without having to cut with knives or scissors
•	Sustainable solution enabling the separation of contaminated parts and reducing at least 51 percent of plastic waste 
•	No compromises in product performance and no change in user habits

Düsseldorf – Henkel will launch a new generation of cartridges across its broad portfolio of construction adhesives and sealants marketed under well-known brands such as Pattex, Sista, Rubson, Unibond, and Moment. The innovative design has been developed to significantly improve the sustainability of the products while uniquely enhancing the convenience for users. As part of a comprehensive program, the roll-out will start in September 2025 across Europe in the category of sanitary and multi-purpose silicone sealants. 

Cartridge technology has been developed since the 1930s without any major innovations over the last 80 years. Current solutions not only require tools and time for preparation but also generate substantial plastic waste. As part of its ambitious sustainability targets, Henkel initiated various projects globally to significantly innovate the cartridge technology without compromising the product performance and the habits of users.

“Our new cardboard-based cartridge technology required two years of engineering, development, and testing with more than 3,000 professional and DIY users,” explained Baptiste Chieze, Director Marketing, Digital & E-Commerce for consumer adhesives at Henkel. “As a result, we can now present a next-generation solution that combines significant sustainability improvements with more convenient functionality – without compromising on the product performance that our brands are known for. We are convinced that the cartridges will become a key differentiator in the sealants and construction adhesives market as they perfectly respond to the needs and expectations of the users.”

Enhanced recyclability and plastic reduction of at least 51 percent
Conventional cartridges are mainly made of plastic. After usage the entire pack must be disposed of in non-circular waste streams as the materials are contaminated with adhesive or sealant residues. The new Henkel cartridge solution consists of five different key components: The top cap and the nozzle, the ring and the piston– all made from at least 49 percent recycled plastic – the exterior tube based on 100 percent recycled cardboard and the inner foil sausage.  Thus, the amount of plastic per unit is reduced by at least 51 percent compared to current standard cartridges. Additionally, the non-recyclable contaminated parts (top cap, nozzle, piston, and inner foil sausage) can be fully separated and disposed of in general waste, while the rest of the cartridge (carboard and ring) can be disposed of in the regular recyclable household waste system. This helps to reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste per cartridge by 73%.

No compromises to ensure convenient user experience
Henkel´s novel cartridge technology not only provides significant sustainability improvements but has also been developed to enhance the user experience. The new top cap enables auto-opening in just one step without the need for any tools such as cutters or scissors.  Users only need to attach the nozzle. Thus, the auto-opening not only improves the safety for users but also simplifies and accelerates the application. Moreover, the new cartridges can be used in the same way as current plastic cartridges with existing cartridge guns. Users will benefit from the traditional Henkel quality in a convenient and sustainable format with no changes in product performance or formulation. Additionally, if the product is not completely used up, the cartridge can be easily closed with the cap to allow the reusage later on.

Henkel will roll out its new cartridge technology for its sealants and construction adhesives portfolio in Europe over the coming years. The market launch will start in September 2025 with the conversion in the category of sanitary and multi-purpose silicone sealants, followed by a comprehensive second wave following in 2026. As part of its sustainability program the company will also explore the market potentials for cardboard cartridges in other regions with intensive user testing over the coming years.

About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com 

Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press

Contact	Sebastian Hinz	
Phone	+49 211 797-85 94	
Email	sebastian.hinz@henkel.com	

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Henkel will launch a new generation of cartridges across its broad portfolio of construction adhesives and sealants marketed under well-known brands such as Pattex.

The new cardboard-based cartridge technology enables separation of contaminated parts and reduce at least 51 percent of plastic waste.

The new auto-opening system simplifies and accelerates the application and enhances the user experience.

No compromises to ensure convenient user experience