Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics, a business division of Dow, is expanding its high-performance AFFINITY GA polyolefin elastomers (POE) with the launch of bio-based AFFINITY RE. This solution has enabled Dow customer Henkel’s Technomelt SUPRA ECO line to achieve another milestone in both companies’ sustainability goals.

Climate change is one of the greatest technical, social, and economic issues in the world. That’s why reducing the carbon footprint is more vital than ever.

As consumers demand more sustainable solutions from suppliers and brands, AFFINITY RE offers an alternative to fossil fuel-based products and can help to reduce the carbon footprint whilst delivering the same well-known performance as the entire AFFINITY GA range.

To achieve this, the bio-based product is made using bio-based feedstock such as tall oil – a by-product created by the paper-milling industry that’s, ultimately, sourced from sustainably managed forests. This whole process is certified on a mass balance basis by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC).

“Consumers, brand owners, regulators and the industry are demanding change. The use of bio-based material in consumer goods and packaging has been identified as an important driver for sustainable sourcing and lever to reduce environmental footprint, said Jenna Koenneke, global head of Market Strategy for Consumer Good Adhesives with Henkel. ”When the opportunity came to work with Dow to bring to life this sustainable solution, we saw it as a chance and a responsibility toward the industry and consumers to offer the best quality adhesive.”

The AFFINITY RE range consists of three grades with 100% bio-based content on a mass balance basis to optimize the carbon footprint of hot-melt adhesives.

“Consumers expect more sustainability from the products they use, and packaging is no exception. We want to support the industry to not just meet consumer expectations but to proactively set ever higher sustainability ambitions,” added Imran Munshi, Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics consumer marketing manager. “At Dow we’re proud to be embarking on a journey towards greater sustainability alongside an innovative customer such as Henkel.”