Adhesive technologies are used to bond materials together in a wide range of product applications – from carton boxes, cars and building materials to electronics and medical equipment. Kraton, a manufacturer of specialty polymers and biobased materials, has developed the REvolution™ Rosin Ester technology, a sustainable option for the adhesive industry. This biobased technology enables adhesive formulators to reduce their scope 3 greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, while maintaining adhesion performance and without compromising color or stability.
Tackifiers are essential ingredients in adhesive formulations, enhancing the adhesive's "stickiness" to ensure a strong bond. Kraton's REvolution Rosin Ester technology, derived from pine trees harvested in responsibly managed forests and utilizing by-products from the paper and pulp industry, is an example of circularity and resource efficiency. Sustainably managed forests not only provide the raw materials for this technology but also act as vital carbon sinks, capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide during the trees' growth and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases in the environment.
Rosin ester has long been a favored option in adhesive chemistry for its excellent tack properties and compatibility with diverse polymers. Traditional rosin esters, though, sometimes show inconsistencies in color and stability, leading adhesive formulators to consider higher carbon footprint hydrocarbon-based alternatives. Leveraging the REvolution technology, Kraton’s new rosin esters deliver lighter color and high stability, offering adhesive formulators a biobased option.
Earlier in 2024, Kraton and Henkel, an adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings company, entered into a multi-year partnership aimed at enhancing sustainability in the adhesives industry. Under this agreement, Kraton is providing Henkel with its REvolution technology, which will assist in reducing carbon emissions in Henkel’s adhesive formulations.
Kraton’s product also aligns with sustainability goals to reduce carbon emissions. According to the company, cradle-to-gate LCAs verify that its biobased rosin esters have a lower fossil global warming potential—GHG emissions resulting from the reduction or oxidation of fossil fuels—compared to hydrocarbon-based alternatives.
Kraton also participates in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) BioPreferred® program, and the REvolution rosin esters have been USDA certified with 97 percent biobased content.
Kraton's REvolution technology provides adhesive formulators with a sustainable alternative to fossil-based resins that enables up to a 30% reduction in emissions from the formulated adhesive, without compromising color, stability, or adhesion performance, according to the company.
