Enhancing circularity, convenience and usability across portfolio of construction adhesives and sealants in Europe
Henkel sets the new standard with the next generation of cardboard cartridges by UniBond, designed for improved user experience and sustainability.
- Enhanced user experience with a convenient no-cut system simplifying and accelerating the application without having to cut with knives or scissors
- Sustainable solution enabling the separation of contaminated parts and reducing at least 51 percent of plastic waste
- No compromises in product performance and no change in user habits
Henkel, the name behind construction adhesives and sealants brand, UniBond, announces the launch of a new generation of cartridges across its broad portfolio. The innovative design has been developed to significantly improve the sustainability of the products while uniquely enhancing the convenience for users. As part of a comprehensive program, the roll-out will start in September 2025 across the UK in the category of sanitary and multi-purpose silicone sealants.
Cartridge technology has been developed since the 1930s without any major innovations over the last 80 years. Current solutions not only require tools and time for preparation but also generate substantial plastic waste. As part of its ambitious sustainability targets, Henkel initiated various projects globally to significantly innovate the cartridge technology without compromising the product performance and the habits of users.
Lisa Nassif, General Manager for Henkel Adhesives for Consumers & Craftsmen UKI & Nordics explained:
“Our new cardboard-based cartridge technology is the result of years of dedicated engineering, development and testing, involving over 3,000 professional and DIY users. This innovation allows us to introduce a next-generation solution that combines substantial sustainability benefits with improved functionality, all while upholding the uncompromising product performance our brands are known for. We are convinced these cartridges will set us apart in the construction adhesives and sealants market by perfectly aligning with users’ needs and expectations.”
Enhanced recyclability and plastic reduction of at least 51 percent
Conventional cartridges are mainly made of plastic. After usage, the entire pack must be disposed of in non-circular waste streams as the materials are contaminated with adhesive or sealant residues. The new UniBond cartridge solution consists of five different key components: The top cap and the nozzle, the ring and the piston – all made from at least 49 percent recycled plastic – the exterior tube based on 100 percent recycled cardboard and the inner foil sausage. Thus, the amount of plastic per unit is reduced by at least 51 percent compared to the current standard cartridge.
Additionally, the non-recyclable contaminated parts (top cap, nozzle, piston and inner foil sausage) can be fully separated and disposed of in general waste, while the rest of the cartridge (carboard and ring) can be disposed in the regular recyclable household waste system. This helps to reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste per cartridge by 73 percent.
No compromises to ensure convenient user experience
UniBond’s novel cartridge technology not only provides significant sustainability improvements but has also been developed to enhance the user experience. The new top cap has a no-cut system, allowing the cartridge to open in just one step without the need for any tools such as cutters or scissors. Users only need to attach the nozzle. The no-cut system not only improves safety for users but also simplifies and enables a faster and easier start to your sealing experience.
Moreover, the new cartridges can be used in the same way as current plastic cartridges with existing cartridge guns. Users will benefit from the traditional UniBond quality in a convenient and sustainable format with no changes in product performance or formulation. Additionally, if the product is not completely used up, the cartridge can be easily closed with the cap to allow reusage later on.
Henkel will roll out its new cartridge technology for its construction adhesives and sealants portfolio in the UK during ScrewFix Live (Friday 26th September – Sunday 28th September 2025) with the conversion in the category of sanitary and multi-purpose silicone sealants, followed by a comprehensive second wave following in 2026.
To see the Next Generation Cartridge in action, visit the UniBond stand (G10) during ScrewFix Live or watch an exclusive product demonstration at the Talk Trends stage at 2.30pm on Saturday 27th September.
For more information on the performance and sustainability improvements of the new cardboard cartridges, please visit here.