Henkel's Breakthrough in Sustainable Footwear Manufacturing

Henkel has introduced water-based adhesives that reduce VOC emissions, lower carbon footprints, and enhance production efficiency, injecting sustainable momentum into the high-carbon footwear industry. As consumer demand for high-performance, sustainable footwear grows and global regulatory pressures intensify, manufacturers are seeking efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly solutions.

Adhesive technology-the critical material that bonds shoe components together plays a pivotal role in this transformation. As one of the world's leading adhesive technology companies, Henkel is steering the industry toward a sustainable future by reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, optimizing production processes, and effectively cutting carbon emissions.

Addressing Sustainability Challenges in Footwear Manufacturing

Footwear manufacturing is complex, often involving dozens of materials and requiring precise assembly techniques. The fashion industry accounts for 4% of global CO₂ emissions, with sneakers being a significant contributor. A single pair of running shoes can generate up to 13.6 kg of CO₂ emissions, making sustainability an unavoidable issue for brands and manufacturers. One of the industry's biggest challenges is its heavy reliance on solvent-based adhesives, which release large amounts of VOCs during production-posing health risks to workers and continuing to emit harmful substances even after the shoes are made. SGS reports confirm that VOCs remain hazardous post-production. To address this, Henkel is replacing these chemicals with eco-friendly water-based adhesives that eliminate harmful emissions without compromising performance.

"Every factory faces unique challenges based on location and scale, but adaptability is key to succeeding in the sneaker market," said Isaac Kim, Senior Product Development Manager at Henkel Adhesive Technologies.

Cutting Emissions with Innovative Adhesives

Henkel's R&D team has successfully developed water-based adhesives that drastically reduce emissions while improving efficiency. For example, the Aquence series eliminates VOCs while maintaining superior bonding strength, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional adhesives.

"We've built an extensive portfolio of water-based solutions that can reduce VOC emissions by up to 100%," said Jileen He, Innovation Project Manager at Henkel.

Henkel is also streamlining adhesive processes to reduce steps, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. Innovations like the "two-in-one" solution eliminate the need for primer coatings, while the CoolX series lowers drying temperatures from 50°C to 35°C-saving energy and enabling the use of more sustainable materials. Given that footwear manufacturing accounts for about 50% of a product's carbon footprint, these advancements hold significant potential for emission reductions.

Advancing Automation and Efficiency in Footwear Production

Traditionally labor-intensive, footwear manufacturing is rapidly embracing automation due to rising labor costs and the demand for precision. Henkel is playing a crucial role in this shift by collaborating with partner factories to optimize automated production lines. Early results show notable success in reducing waste, improving product consistency, and cutting energy consumption.

"Through our expanding global network of innovation and application centers, we work closely with partners to co-create sustainable, customized solutions," said Lena Bremshey, Market Strategy Manager at Henkel Adhesive Technologies.

The Future of Sustainable Sneakers

Looking ahead, the sneaker industry is poised for a wave of innovation. Brands are exploring bio-based and biodegradable materials, modular designs for recyclability, and smart footwear with embedded technology. Amid these advancements, adhesive technology will remain critical-balancing durability with sustainability. Henkel continues to invest heavily in R&D, partnerships, and application centers to stay at the forefront of this transformation.

"Sustainability is no longer a niche demand but an industry imperative," said Lena Bremshey. "From bio-based materials to recyclable designs and data-tracking smart shoes, adhesive innovation will be key to shaping the future of footwear."

Henkel's breakthrough in water-based adhesive technology for sneaker manufacturing has significantly reduced VOC emissions and carbon footprints while improving production efficiency. This not only highlights the crucial role of adhesives in sustainable footwear but also demonstrates the feasibility of green manufacturing in high-emission industries. Moving forward, the sustainability of sneakers will increasingly rely on technology-driven partners like Henkel.