LOCTITE’s Commitment to Reducing Hazardous Chemicals

In today’s industrial landscape, safety is a top priority. With increasing regulatory scrutiny on chemical formulations, companies are shifting toward safer, more sustainable alternatives. Henkel, a global leader in adhesive technology, has taken a proactive approach by upgrading its LOCTITE Instant Adhesive solutions to reduce hazardous chemicals without compromising performance.

Why the Change?

Over the past few years, many users of instant adhesives have raised concerns about certain ingredients in their formulations. Specifically, chemicals classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reproductive Toxins (CMRs) have been under regulatory review. Among these, Hydroquinone (HQ), 2,2’-Methylenebis (4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) (MMBP), and N, N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT) have been identified as substances of concern.

Understanding the industry’s demand for safer alternatives, Henkel has re-engineered several LOCTITE Instant Adhesive formulations to replace these hazardous components with safer, globally acceptable raw materials.

The Importance of Reducing Hazardous Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals in adhesives can pose significant risks to users, from short-term health issues such as skin and respiratory irritation to long-term concerns including cancer and reproductive harm. Many industries rely on instant adhesives for applications in manufacturing, automotive, electronics, and medical devices, making it crucial to ensure these products are as safe as possible.

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) provides guidelines on chemical hazards, and compliance with these standards helps protect workers from exposure to dangerous substances. Henkel’s decision to upgrade its LOCTITE formulations aligns with these safety regulations, reducing the presence of CMR-classified chemicals and improving workplace safety for thousands of users worldwide.

LOCTITE’s Safer Formulation Strategy

Henkel’s research and development team undertook an extensive program to identify and validate alternative stabilizers that do not carry the same health risks. As a result, the following LOCTITE Instant Adhesive products have been reformulated:

1. LOCTITE 401, LOCTITE 406, LOCTITE 495 – Now free from Hydroquinone (HQ)
2. LOCTITE 454, LOCTITE 3090, LOCTITE 3092 – Free from both HQ and MMBP
3. LOCTITE SF 7452 & LOCTITE SF 7455 – Reformulated to remove DMPT

These upgraded formulations significantly reduce the presence of hazardous chemicals, enhancing workplace safety while maintaining the superior bonding strength and rapid curing capabilities that LOCTITE is known for.

The Benefits of the Upgrade

1. Improved Occupational Safety

By eliminating CMR-classified chemicals, Henkel ensures a safer working environment for users handling LOCTITE products. These changes are particularly important in industries where adhesives are used in high-volume applications, reducing the risk of long-term exposure to hazardous substances.

2. Regulatory Compliance

As global regulations become stricter, companies must adapt to maintain compliance with safety standards. The new formulations align with European and international safety regulations, reducing the need for hazard warnings on labels and safety data sheets (SDS). This helps businesses stay ahead of evolving industry requirements and ensures a smoother transition to safer materials.

3. Maintained Performance

Despite the chemical adjustments, extensive validation tests confirm that the upgraded products retain their high strength, rapid fixture time, and material versatility. This means users can continue relying on LOCTITE adhesives for fast, reliable bonding without any compromise in quality or durability.

4. Environmental Benefits

Reducing hazardous chemicals in adhesive formulations also benefits the environment. Many of the removed substances posed risks to aquatic life and contributed to pollution. By implementing safer alternatives, Henkel helps minimize the ecological impact of industrial adhesive applications.

Real-World Applications

Industries that rely on LOCTITE Instant Adhesives can expect the same level of performance while benefiting from improved safety. Some common applications include:

1. Automotive Assembly – Secure bonding of metal, plastic, and rubber components in vehicle manufacturing.
2. Electronics Manufacturing – Precise, fast-curing adhesives for circuit boards, sensors, and micro-components.
3. Medical Devices – Safe and reliable bonding solutions for medical instruments and wearable devices.
4. Aerospace & Defense – High-strength adhesives for critical aerospace applications where performance is paramount.

These industries demand both reliability and safety, making LOCTITE’s upgraded formulations a significant advancement for manufacturers and end-users alike.

Commitment to Continuous Innovation

Henkel’s efforts to reduce hazardous chemicals in LOCTITE adhesives mark a significant step toward safer, more responsible industrial practices. As regulatory frameworks evolve, Henkel remains committed to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring that its products not only meet but exceed safety standards.

Moving forward, Henkel plans to expand this initiative across additional product lines, further enhancing the safety of its adhesive solutions. This continuous improvement approach reflects the company’s dedication to innovation and sustainability in the chemical industry.

Conclusion

For businesses looking to enhance workplace safety without compromising performance, LOCTITE’s reformulated instant adhesives and activators offer the best of both worlds. These innovations not only comply with global safety regulations but also provide peace of mind to workers and employers alike.

By reducing hazardous chemicals, Henkel is paving the way for a safer, more sustainable future in adhesive technology. Whether you’re in manufacturing, automotive, or electronics, you can trust LOCTITE to deliver high-quality bonding solutions with safety at the forefront.