INNOVATION_{UNDERSTANDING CHANGE, SHAPING THE FUTURE}

Henkel today announced the opening of its new Application Center in Busan, South Korea, marking a significant investment in the global sports & fashion industry and underlining its commitment to support leading brand owners in Korea. The new center signifies Henkel’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions and technical expertise to the sports & fashion industry. As a global leader in adhesive solutions, Henkel is a longstanding reliable partner to the sector. The center reinforces this positioning and further solidifies Henkel’s pledge to be at the forefront of industry advancement delivering constant innovation.

During the upcoming LOPEC trade show on February 26 and 27 in Munich, Germany, Henkel will showcase innovations for end-use printed electronics applications across various industries and markets. At booth 607 in hall B0, the company will highlight its broad portfolio of functional material solutions tailor-made for smart surfaces, smart healthcare and smart connectivity as well as its development capabilities supported by its strong ecosystem of partners. In addition, Henkel´s expert team will present a novel comprehensive sustainability concept with the aim to drive groundbreaking eco-conscious innovation for the printed electronics market. 

The medical device industry is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny regarding the use of PVC materials containing Di‏(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate ‏(DEHP), a known endocrine disruptor. Both the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health and the EU Medical Device Regulation ‏(MDR) 2017 have emphasized minimizing DEHP exposure, prompting manufacturers to explore alternative flexible substrates like thermoplastic elastomers ‏(TPEs). However, TPEs present unique challenges in assembly, as traditional methods such as solvent welding and existing adhesives are often ineffective.