Henkel: adhesion from the core to the last sheet

Whether two-ply, three-ply or four-ply, at first glance tissue products such as toilet paper and kitchen towels appear to be straightforward. But that is not the case: tissue production requires a delicate balance between quality, cost efficiency and sustainability, with a number of complex parameters that must come together. So how do tissue manufacturers manage to combine all these aspects? The answer is in the detail: the right adhesive. Ensuring stability, durability and ergonomics of the finished product comes down to core winding as the starting point of the process.

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Combining efficiency with safety

As of December 2022, an EU directive requires tissue manufacturers to handle adhesives containing boric acid as dangerous goods. In addition to the health risks to workers, this has resulted in enormous storage and transportation costs. This is a major challenge for the tissue industry, as the use of adhesives without boric acid has often been accompanied by a reduction in production speed. Adhesives must therefore not only be safe, but also perform reliably at production speeds of over 2,000 rolls per minute at a speed of up to 160 meter per minute. This means they must cure quickly, have high bond strength and be able to be applied evenly. In addition, the adhesive must be compatible with different types of paperboard and existing production processes.

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A safe and efficient adhesive that won’t fall off the roll

One solution to these challenges is the new AQUENCE CORE E8490 adhesive from HENKEL. Designed specifically for core winding, it provides a strong, durable bond for all types of tissue rolls. The formulation is free of boric acid and plasticizers, so there are no special storage or transportation requirements. There is also no health risk to personnel or end users. The plasticizer-free solution also makes the adhesive suitable for food contact applications. AQUENCE CORE E8490 complies with international safety standards, including FDA, REACH and BfR, and is certified by renowned organizations such as the EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel and Nordic Swan Eco Label. Thus, its sustainable formulation reduces environmental impact while ensuring consumer safety. Unlike previous sustainable adhesive solutions, AQUENCE CORE E8490 can be used easily at high machine speeds of up to 160 m/min and performs comparably to conventional adhesives.

State-of-the-art machinery allows users to increase speed and benefit from reduced costs. The adhesive’s fast drying and excellent bond strength ensure consistent results. AQUENCE CORE E8490 is compatible with a wide range of cardboard types and single, double and multi-layer cores. It is also characterized by precise dosing, which ensures uniform application using slot nozzles or roller systems. With this adhesive, companies can remain economical without compromising their environmental and safety goals.
Even in an everyday product like toilet paper, adhesives are more than just a bond between layers – they determine the safety and efficiency of the entire production process. With an adhesive that combines both, manufacturers can unite the two to make their production future-proof, sustainable and economical at once.