Henkel recently launched what it says is the first cold seal solution designed for barrier-coated paper packaging. To learn more about this new solution’s attributes, the R&D process, and how it relates to PPWR concerns, we spoke with Dr. Roberto Pela, business development manager for packaging adhesives Europe at Henkel Adhesive Technologies.
Please could you briefly introduce this new product for our readers who may have missed the initial announcement?
LOCTITE LIOFOL CS 7106 RE is a newly introduced cold seal adhesive developed by Henkel specifically for barrier paper packaging solutions. It addresses the growing interest from brand owners and converters in moving toward fiber‑based structures, while still meeting the performance demands of modern packaging lines.
The product is designed to deliver reliable sealing on coated barrier papers and to run efficiently on existing high‑speed packaging equipment, particularly in flow‑wrap applications. A key focus during development was compatibility with paper‑based packaging designs that are intended for recycling, supporting the industry’s broader sustainability objectives. As with Henkel’s naming convention, the suffix “RE” stands for Recycling, indicating that LOCTITE LIOFOL CS 7106 RE has been certified as recyclable in accordance with the CEPI test method.
What makes this new product particularly interesting/innovative?
What makes LOCTITE LIOFOL CS 7106 RE particularly innovative is its clear alignment with both regulatory requirements - especially the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) - and the practical needs of brand owners transitioning toward more sustainable packaging.
PPWR is increasing pressure on the industry to move toward recyclable, fiber‑based packaging solutions wherever feasible. One of the main challenges, however, has been preserving functionality, line speed, and reliability when transitioning from standard kraft papers to barrier papers. LOCTITE LIOFOL CS 7106 RE was specifically developed to bridge this gap by enabling cold‑seal functionality across a broad range of barrier papers currently available on the market.
For brand owners, this means greater design freedom and accelerated implementation of paper‑based packaging concepts without having to compromise on packaging performance or line efficiency. The product supports high‑speed packaging operations, helps meet recyclability targets, and reduces the need for redesigning existing equipment, lowering conversion risk while supporting compliance with current and upcoming regulations.
In essence, LOCTITE LIOFOL CS 7106 RE is innovative because it translates regulatory pressure into a practical, scalable solution that allows brand owners to move faster, more confidently, and more efficiently toward fiber‑based packaging strategies aligned with PPWR.
Could you give us some insights into the R&D process?
Our R&D process always starts with a deep understanding of the real challenges faced by the market. In the case of developing a cold seal for barrier paper applications, the key challenge was to ensure reliable compatibility with a wide range of paper coatings and barrier chemistries, while still delivering the high sealing performance and machinability expected from cold‑seal technology.
To address this, close cooperation across the entire value chain was essential. We actively engaged with paper manufacturers, converters, and brand owners to better understand their specific requirements, constraints, and expectations, both from a processing and an end‑use perspective. This collaboration helped us translate sustainability ambitions and regulatory pressure into clear technical targets.
Building on these market insights, we leveraged Henkel’s decades‑long expertise in cold seal technology.
What were the biggest challenges that had to be overcome during the development of the product?
One of the biggest challenges during development was adapting cold‑seal technology to barrier paper substrates, which can behave very differently from conventional kraft papers. Barrier papers can vary significantly in surface chemistry, coating types, and absorbency, all of which directly affect sealing performance. Ensuring consistent and reliable sealing across this wide variability was a key hurdle.
Another major challenge was achieving high performance without compromising recyclability objectives. The product needed to deliver strong seal integrity, clean release, and stable machinability on high‑speed packaging lines, while also supporting paper‑based structures intended for existing recycling streams. Balancing these performance and sustainability requirements required careful formulation and extensive testing.
Once again, the already mentioned close collaboration across the value chain proved essential in turning this development into reality.
Can you talk a bit about the product in the context of the PPWR/rules around PFAS? And how much did the specifications of the PPWR factor in during the development of this product?
Regulatory developments in Europe are clearly supporting the move toward paper‑based and recyclable packaging solutions, placing new expectations on materials used in food‑contact applications. These changes are driving the industry to reassess material choices, performance requirements, and long‑term compliance strategies.
In parallel, increasing attention on substances such as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, generally known as PFAS, in food packaging has highlighted the importance of material transparency and forward‑looking product design. In this context, LOCTITE LIOFOL CS 7106 RE was developed without the use of PFAS, ensuring a high level of confidence from a food‑chemistry and compliance standpoint. This represents a meaningful advantage for brand owners who depend on reliable partners to safeguard product integrity and consumer safety.
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