May 15, 2025

Joining forces for sustainable development in the flexible packaging market

Henkel and Nordmeccanica elevate long-standing cooperation into a strategic partnership

Düsseldorf – A success story spanning more than three decades: Henkel Adhesive Technologies, the global market leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, and Nordmeccanica S.p.A., the world's leading manufacturer of coating, laminating and metallizing technology, have built a strong and trusted cooperation over the past 30 years. In light of major changes underway in packaging design and manufacturing, both companies have now taken their relationship to the next level by entering into a formal, strategic partnership agreement. With this formalization of the cooperation, Henkel and Nordmeccanica are enabling an even deeper alignment in the future joint development of holistic, innovative solutions for the packaging industry.

A strategic partnership focused on innovation and sustainability
The packaging industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation. Evolving sustainability regulations such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation in the USA, rising consumer expectations for recyclable and circular solutions, and the growing push for digitalization and automation of manufacturing processes are reshaping how packaging is designed, produced, and recovered. All these developments demand faster innovation cycles and stronger collaboration within the packaging industry.

The strategic partnership between Henkel and Nordmeccanica is designed to meet the new requirements with solutions that go far beyond the development of sustainable products. Beyond technical collaboration, the two partners aim to accelerate innovation and deliver optimally harmonized solutions across the entire packaging value chain. By combining machinery with adhesives, functional coatings and deep application expertise, the two companies create offerings that benefit not only converters, but also brand owners, retailers, end users, and recycling companies. At the same time, the partnership also supports the further development of digital processes and data evaluation, which contributes to more efficient and sustainable operations. Sharing knowledge is also a key part of the strategic partnership: joint technical training and marketing activities strengthen client communication and support converters in implementing new technologies.

Shared vision for a sustainable future
Most recently, the results of the cooperation were presented at drupa 2024. At the Giflex conference in November 2025, another innovative and sustainable packaging solution will be introduced. The newly signed agreement outlines the two partners' shared expectations and responsibilities for the coming years and forms the basis for the joint development of cutting-edge packaging solutions.

“Our strategic partnership with Nordmeccanica is an outstanding example of how two industry leaders can combine their strengths to set new standards in terms of sustainability, digitalization, and efficiency in times of significant change in packaging design and manufacturing processes,” explains Rajat Agarwal, Global Head of Henkel Packaging Adhesives. “With this new agreement, we are creating a strong basis for future projects and the best conditions for developing optimized solutions for our customers and the entire value chain.”

Antonio Cerciello, president of Nordmeccanica, adds: "Our long-standing cooperation with Henkel has led to groundbreaking technologies for the packaging industry. We are delighted to formalize this relationship through a strategic partnership agreement and to continue building on it in the future.”

About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com 

About Nordmeccanica
Founded in 1978 in Piacenza, Nordmeccanica is the world’s leading producer of machinery for flexible packaging, with a 2024 turnover exceeding 100 million euros, 90% of which is generated abroad. The company controls 75% of the global market for coating and lamination machinery for flexible packaging, with nearly 4,000 machines installed internationally, mainly for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Nordmeccanica has over 300 direct employees and operates four manufacturing plants in Italy, in addition to plants in Shanghai, China, and New York, USA, with direct operations in India and Argentina and a network of representatives in 87 countries worldwide. More information at www.nordmeccanica.com 

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

Contact	Tobias Laxa	Nadja Normann
Phone	+49 211 797-9045	+49 2602 950 99-09
E-mail	tobias.laxa@henkel.com	njn@additiv.de

	Henkel AG & Co. KGaA	additiv • a brand of additiv pr GmbH & Co. KG.

Rajat Agarwal (left), Global Head of Henkel Packaging Adhesives, and Antonio Cerciello (right), President of Nordmeccanica. (Photo: Nordmeccanica)

Testing of Henkel adhesives and coatings at Nordmeccanica's technical center. (Photo: Nordmeccanica)