As a result, the specialty chemicals group is strengthening its range of PVC-free solutions for the packaging industry in particular. Within the ALTANA Group, the business will be integrated into the ACTEGA division and globally assigned to the Metal Packaging Solutions business line. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

ALTANA AG CEO Martin Babilas said of the deal: “With the acquisition of Henkel’s closure materials business, we are continuing to systematically implement our acquisition strategy and our focus on innovative specialty chemicals.”

The acquisition essentially involves the takeover of technologies and customer relationships. “We are thus further expanding our business with sealants for the packaging industry,” explained ALTANA’s ACTEGA division head Thorsten Kröller. “The transaction is an ideal addition to our existing product portfolio. With it, we will be able to supply our longstanding and new customers with innovative solutions even better and more flexibly in the future.”

Sealing compounds are used in a wide variety of packaging, such as for food and beverages. They protect the contents from external influences and help to ensure that they have a longer shelf life.

ACTEGA has already marketed a series of sustainable innovations in this area. For example, researchers in Bremen developed PROVALIN, the only PVC-free solution for metal vacuum closures to date. Consumers recognize the innovation from the blue ring on the inside of jar lids.

The brands acquired by Henkel include CELOX and SINCERA. The closure materials prevent oxygen ingress after beer bottles have been filled, for example, and help to ensure that mineral water closures are especially tight yet easier to open.