Henkel's comprehensive portfolio of high-performance bonding solutions combined with our technical expertise helps you excel in all applications around furniture manufacturing.
The furniture industry is constantly adapting to an ever-increasing demand for greater operational safety, more sustainable materials and compliance with stricter regulations, such as REACH Annex 17.
Henkel's comprehensive portfolio of high-performance bonding solutions combined with our technical expertise helps you excel in all applications around furniture manufacturing.
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals and is a European-wide legislation aimed at promoting the use of safe chemical substances. REACH, Annex XVII regulations particularly affect industries that use products such as PUR hot melt adhesives in manufacturing processes.
REACH compliance requires that labelling requirements be implemented for products that contain diisocyanates (in concentrations above 0.1% by weight). Additionally, as of 24 August 2023, all professional users must receive adequate training and be approved before using these products.
However, Micro Emission (ME) adhesives with concentrations of diisocyanates below 0.1% by weight are classified as non-hazardous and are therefore exempt from the labelling and training requirement.
Henkel offers a large range of Micro Emission adhesives for applications such as edge banding, flat lamination and profile wrapping. Explore the product range below:
Application
Product
Technomelt PUR Micro Emission adhesives offer all the advantages of conventional PUR hot melt adhesives including:
- Best-in-class heat resistance
- Unmatched moisture resistance
- Broad adhesion spectrum
- Low adhesive application weight
Together with polyols, dipehnyl-methane diisocyanate (MDI) is a key component of a reactive polyurethane adhesive (PUR), necessary for the cross-linking reaction and outstanding bonding performance. Depending on the concentration, diisocyanate carries a health risk when emitted as a vapour.
Containing less than 0.1% monomeric diisocyanate, the Technomelt PUR Micro Emission adhesive portfolio has no hazardous label, does not require specific professional training for operators, and offers easy and safe handling in production.
Technomelt PUR Micro Emission adhesives protect not only the safety of operators, but also the environment. Contributing to the carbon footprint reduction, Henkel's ME adhesives use less CO2-intensive raw materials and require a lower working temperature, consequently saving energy.
Henkel has the capability to offer life cycle assessments (LCA) for its adhesives. Get in touch below to find out how.
Switching to Micro Emission adhesives brings a lot of benefits. But what does it mean for your production? Fortunately, there won't be any significant changes if you're already using polyurethane hot melts. Micro Emission products work with the same chemistry: a reactive system. Hence, you can use the same equipment by adjusting the settings according to the product technical data sheet.
If you are using EVA or another thermoplastic hot melt, you can also make the switch by installing the appropriate melting equipment. You can always consult our Technical Team if you have any questions.
Additionally, Henkel can offer you help with your transformation, thanks to its excellent technical service and long-term experience in ME technologies.
More on REACH regarding diisocyanates EU 2020/1149 & 1907/2006