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Henkel Adhesive Technologies

Henkel Adhesive Technologies

End-of-line packaging

Packaging performance, simplified

In high-speed carton packaging, every end-of-line decision affects efficiency, seal reliability, sustainability and cost. Explore practical ways to reduce energy consumption, improve stability and make better packaging decisions.

Packaging decisions are becoming more complex

For manufacturers, carton packaging performance is no longer only about keeping the line running. Packaging teams must manage higher output targets, energy use, material changes, recyclability expectations, food safety requirements and cost pressure – often at the same time.

  • Keep high-speed carton lines running reliably 
  • Reduce downtime, rejects and rework 
  • Lower energy demand in adhesive application 
  • Manage lightweight, recycled or alternative substrates 
  • Support recyclability and regulatory readiness 
  • Improve cost-in-use beyond adhesive price

The reality is that improvements in one area often create trade-offs in another.

As a result, packaging optimization is increasingly becoming a cross-functional effort involving operations, engineering, packaging designers, procurement and sustainability teams. Success requires a holistic understanding of the production process and the many factors that influence packaging performance.

What packaging teams optimize for

01

Line efficiency 

Maintain throughput and reduce unplanned downtime

02

Energy consumption

Lower energy consumption across packaging operations

03

Package quality 

Ensure reliable carton sealing and product protection

04

Material flexibility 

Adapt to recycled, lightweight and alternative substrates

05

Cost-in-use 

Reduce waste, rework and hidden operational costs

06

Future readiness

Prepare for evolving sustainability regulations and requirements (e.g. PPWR)

Areas where packaging teams are currently focusing their efforts

picture of a carton with frozen vegetables lying in a kitchen picture of a carton with frozen vegetables lying in a kitchen

Energy efficiency starts with smarter choices

Discover how packaging manufacturers are cutting energy consumption while maintaining line performance. The right adhesive strategy can support both operational efficiency and sustainability goals

Reduce carbon footprint, not performance

Explore how renewable raw materials are reshaping packaging sustainability. Bio-based adhesive solutions can help lower environmental impact while maintaining reliable operations: 

Henkel Campaign Logo Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

Are you ready for PPWR?

Discover what the new EU packaging and packaging waste regulation means for your packaging strategy. Companies that prepare early can reduce compliance risks and uncover new opportunities for sustainable growth

forklift driver transporting pallet out of warehouse

Stability beyond the packaging line

Understand why pallet stability has become a key focus for supply chain performance.Reducing product damage, waste, and transport risks starts with keeping every load secure.

Adhesives: a strategic packaging decision

In high-speed carton packaging, adhesives can influence seal reliability, downtime, energy demand, substrate compatibility and cost-in-use. That makes adhesive selection a strategic decision for FMCG manufacturers evaluating line efficiency and sustainable packaging performance.

This is why leading manufacturers are taking a more integrated approach to packaging optimization, considering how materials, equipment and processes work together as a complete system.

At Henkel, we collaborate with brand owners, substrate, machine and equipment manufacturers across a wide range of packaging applications. Through these partnerships, we help organizations evaluate packaging challenges, identify potential improvement opportunities and navigate changing market requirements.

Our goal is not simply to provide adhesives. It is to support packaging teams make informed decisions that support both current performance expectations and future business objectives.

pencel drawing check marks
Packaging Performance Quick Check

Identify hidden efficiency, energy and cost-saving opportunities across your packaging operation.

A partner for the full packaging performance picture

Future-ready packaging requires a clear view of how performance, sustainability and cost interact across the line. As expectations and regulations such as PPWR evolve, packaging teams need to understand which operational decisions create the greatest impact.

Henkel supports many of the world's leading FMCG manufacturers with adhesive solutions for high-speed carton packaging applications and beyond adhesive supply. Our experts help evaluate substrates, application conditions, line requirements, sustainability targets and regulatory expectations to identify realistic improvement opportunities.

Depending on the challenge, this can include technical service, adhesive and substrate testing, line assessments, value calculations, regulatory input and collaboration with equipment partners.

FAQ for end-of-line packaging decision-makers

Energy savings often start with reducing heat demand, downtime and process variability. Low-temperature hot melts can help lower adhesive application temperatures, while optimized machine settings, line efficiency and adhesive use support reliable carton sealing performance.

In high-speed carton packaging, adhesives support line efficiency by enabling consistent sealing across different substrates, production speeds and operating conditions. Reliable adhesive performance can help reduce carton failures, rejects, rework and unplanned line stops — supporting better uptime, OEE and cost-in-use.

Adhesives play an important role in ensuring both package performance and recyclability in fiber-based packaging. As regulations such as PPWR increase the focus on circularity, carton closing adhesives should not only provide reliable sealing but also be compatible with existing recycling processes. When evaluating new packaging concepts, companies should assess substrates, coatings, inks and adhesives as a complete system to balance recyclability, packaging performance and operational efficiency. An end-to-end perspective helps reduce the risk of unintended trade-offs and supports more sustainable packaging decisions.

Lowering total cost of ownership means looking beyond material price. Downtime, waste, maintenance, product damage and rework often create higher hidden costs. By improving packaging efficiency, sealing reliability and process stability, teams can reduce cost-in-use without compromising package quality.

Before switching materials, packaging teams should assess line speed, seal integrity, carton strength, waste rates and distribution performance under real production conditions. It is essential to involve the adhesive supplier early, as the adhesive used for the current packaging may not be the right solution for new materials.

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