Henkel Adhesive Technologies has unveiled a new generation of its Darex COV sealants, taking a major step forward in the drive for safer and more sustainable packaging materials. The new PVC-based compounds are formulated entirely without phthalate plasticizers and are specifically designed for sealing metal pails, drums, and containers, a segment under increasing regulatory and environmental pressure.
Phthalates, commonly used as plasticizers, have faced growing scientific and regulatory scrutiny for their role as potential endocrine disruptors, including developmental and reproductive toxicity. Many standard phthalates such as DEHP, DBP, and BBP are already banned in the EU in sensitive applications like toys and cosmetics; the European Commission includes several on its list of Substances of Very High Concern under REACH regulations.
With this new product launch, Henkel positions itself ahead of tightening legislative demands, offering manufacturers a compliant, future-proof solution. “Phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors and have long-term health and environmental consequences,” explains Laura Baussà, Market Strategy Manager at Henkel. “With the new Darex COV series, we are providing safe alternatives to protect employees and end users without compromising on performance”.
Technically, the Darex COV 73 variant distinguishes itself by not only being phthalate-free, but also avoiding all ingredients classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR). The one-component formulation is optimized for nozzle application, delivering a stable viscosity, high resistance to solvents, oils and ketones, and excellent thermal stability. Importantly, this chemistry allows for lower curing temperatures, which reduces energy use and shrinks the carbon footprint of the application process.
The transition from traditional to phthalate-free solutions is already underway thanks to a successful pilot project with Emballator, a Swedish manufacturer of metal packaging. Emballator converted several facilities to Darex COV 73 in 2024, confirming both smooth processing and robust sealing in real-world industrial conditions. This early adoption underscores a wider industry movement toward both regulatory compliance and corporate sustainability targets.
Henkel is now implementing a phased, customer-supported rollout across the European market, which will be presented during FACHPACK, at the end of September 2025. By offering a sealant that anticipates future regulatory frameworks, improves occupational safety, and supports climate-conscious production, the company sets a new industry standard for safe and sustainable metal packaging.
Image Credits: Henkel AG
