Henkel is a finalist in this year’s Sustainability Awards with its bio-based hot melt adhesive for e-commerce packaging, said to reduce CO2 emissions and waste. We spoke to the company to find out more about this innovation, nominated in the Commercialized E-Commerce category.
You’re a finalist in the Sustainability Awards 2025. Congratulations! To start off, could you summarize your entry, in less than 50 words?
TECHNOMELT E-COM G5 ECO COOL is a bio-based, low-temperature hot melt adhesive enabling automated, right-sized e-commerce packaging. It provides reduced CO2 emissions and energy use (vs. conventional hot melt), packaging costs and waste while ensuring recycling compatibility, safety, and shipping efficiency - a scalable, sustainable solution for the growing e-commerce industry.
Why do you think the judges were impressed with your entry? Tell us about what is innovative about your project and/or about its impact on packaging sustainability.
The judges were probably impressed by the sustainability and innovative features of our solution. TECHNOMELT E-COM G5 ECO COOL combines a high proportion of bio-based and mass-balanced materials with low-temperature processing, reducing energy use, CO2 emissions and packaging waste.
Its compatibility with automated, right-sized packaging enhances efficiency, protects products and eliminates the need for excess materials such as filler and tape. This innovation addresses three key industry challenges: rising shipping volumes, labour shortages and environmental impact, by enabling scalable, cost-effective and recyclable e-commerce packaging. It’s a practical yet forward-thinking advancement that makes a measurable difference across the value chain.
Finally, can you tell us about the ongoing development of your project, e.g. how your innovation/initiative has been received by the industry, or what the next steps are in commercialization/product development?
The response from the industry has been very positive. TECHNOMELT E-COM G5 ECO COOL has been welcomed by e-commerce and logistics partners looking to improve sustainability without compromising performance or efficiency. Its lower processing temperature, bio-based content and compatibility with paper recycling processes make it an attractive solution amid growing environmental and regulatory pressures.
Ongoing development focuses on expanding the product line (and optimizing performance across diverse automated packaging systems). We’re also working closely with packaging machine manufacturers and customers to scale adoption globally, supporting the shift toward a more sustainable, smarter logistics infrastructure.
The winners of the Sustainability Awards 2025 will be announced at the Sustainable Packaging Summit, taking place in Utrecht on 10-12 November. The Summit mobilizes leaders of the FMCG value chain, policymakers, NGOs, recyclers and investors to collaborate, remove barriers and identify opportunities on the road to sustainable transformation.
To learn more or register, visit: https://www.packagingsummit.earth/2025
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