Henkel Launches Innovative Cartridges

Henkel is setting new standards in sustainability and user convenience. With the introduction of its innovative paper-based cartridges in autumn 2025, the company is taking an important step toward greater circularity in the packaging of adhesives and sealants.

Every day, thousands of cartridges are inserted into application “guns” by professionals and DIY users alike, to apply silicone and other materials. These cartridges are part of a proven system – but, as Henkel now demonstrates, there is room for improvement: the new, innovative cartridge is made entirely from recycled cardboard. The ring, plunger, nozzle, and cap are also made from at least 49 percent recycled plastic.

The new technology addresses a long-standing problem with conventional plastic cartridges, which have so far been difficult to recycle due to material contamination. At Henkel, the individual components can now be easily separated after use: while the cartridge body and ring can be disposed of through paper or recycling collection systems, the contaminated plastic parts go into residual waste. This reduces the amount of non-recyclable waste by up to 73 percent.

In addition to the material innovation in the cylinder, the solution features a new opening mechanism. The cartridge can be opened entirely without tools – simply inserting it into a standard cartridge gun is enough to activate the mechanism. This saves time and ensures greater ease of use, not only for professional craftsmen but also for DIY users who regularly work with adhesives or sealants.

Despite the new packaging structure, the products themselves remain unchanged, according to Henkel. All adhesives and silicones in the new cartridges follow the same formulations as before and can be used with all conventional cartridge guns.

“This paper-based cartridge technology combines environmental responsibility with improved usability,” says Baptiste Chieze, Director Marketing, Digital & E-Commerce for Consumer Adhesives at Henkel. “It’s an example of how innovation and sustainability can work hand in hand in packaging design.”

With the market launch of its paper-based cartridges, Henkel demonstrates how established packaging formats can be made more sustainable through technological innovation. Over the coming years, the concept will be gradually extended to additional product categories – consistent steps on the path toward fully circular packaging solutions in the professional and DIY segments.