2016/05/30

Aeration system optimizes laminating

Aerated adhesive speeds up processing

Efficient processing is especially important for high-volume applications like laminating. The innovative Aeration system from Henkel significantly speeds up laminating processes in the paper industry while improving their efficiency at the same time.
World demand for corrugated boxes is expected to increase by 3.7 percent per year through 2019, reaching nearly 260 billion square meters of product by then. In developed countries, box demand tends to follow overall economic growth and industrial production development. As a result, these markets will continue on a path of slow growth. In developing economies, especially those in Asia and the Africa/Mideast region, growth will be more robust: Manufacturers in these regions are using more corrugated boxes for product packaging and transportation, as boxes are partially replacing wood crates previously used for these purposes.
For a resource optimized production of corrugated board, Henkel introduced the innovative next generation Adhesive Aeration technology. This system incorporates the water-based Aquence laminating adhesive and a third generation glue-mix unit that adds controlled quantities of air to the gluing process. The application increases the volume of the adhesive. Significantly less adhesive is needed for the same laminating area, resulting in greater efficiency and value as well as a considerable moisture reduction in the corrugated board. This allows for faster processing – and thereby for a quicker production of the final product. Another benefit of this system solution: Less storage space is needed in this process. Consequently, this technology leads to optimized cost-in-use performance. 
Further, the aerated adhesive is better able to compensate for unevenness across the substrate surface. This improves the initial bond strength and minimizes areas with insufficient adhesion.
The Aeration system is easy to use, offers greater flexibility in production processes, reduces downtimes for cleaning of laminating lines, and allows in-line production. Modern adhesive application units normally use counter-rotating roller systems that apply the adhesive directly to different substrates, such as open or closed flute corrugated board as well as solid board. Printed sheet material is laminated to the substrate in this work step.
In conclusion, the Aeration system pays off in a wide range of fields – and it is the solution when it comes to sustainability targets, while increasing efficiency in the production process.

Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business units: 
Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions, both in the consumer and in the industrial businesses, with well-known brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 50,000 people and reported sales of 18.1 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of 2.9 billion euros in fiscal 2015. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.

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

Contact	Kerstin Paschen	Press office: Rashid Elshahed	
Phone	+49 211 797-4858	+49 89 12445198  
E-mail	kerstin.paschen@henkel.com	henkel.adhesive-technologies@emanatepr.com

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

The following material is available: 

The glue-mix unit that adds controlled quantities of air to the gluing process, increasing the volume of the adhesive.

Significantly less adhesive is needed for the same laminating area.