Henkel Launches Loctite FT 220, a Cyanoacrylate Adhesive for Shoe Industry

Dusseldorf / Germany -- With the global driving up of standards for sustainability, reduced carbon emissions and less use of harmful chemicals in shoe production, Henkel has taken the lead in researching and developing innovative adhesive products. Loctite FT 220 is the first cyanoacrylate solution tailor-made for the shoe industry.

While cyanoacrylate has been around as part of the Loctite brand family since the early 1970s, this is the first time that the technology has been extended to the shoe industry. Cyanoacrylate was previously unusable in shoes due to poor water resistance and flexibility. New technology developed in the Henkel R&D labs has changed this completely. Fast bonding and ease of use makes this a perfect solution for shoe repair applications ? marking a revolution in the shoe industry.

Cyanoacrylate technology was identified as a superior solution that facilitates automation, minimizing labor costs and processing times. The first product of this cyanoacrylate family is designed for bond gap repair processes used mainly in the quality section of a factory, to replace conventional solvent-based polyurethane used for gap repairing. It can be applied either manually or semi automatically with a specially developed pump system.

Cyanoacrylate has a number of advantages for shoe gap repairing: it is fast drying, free from volatile organic compounds (VOC) has “one drop” bonding performance, which means very little adhesive is required, and can be applied to a wide range of materials. Overall it simplifies and speeds up the production process, which also leads to less manpower, less energy, less consumption and higher productivity ? a real win for the shoe industry.

Henkel initiated a technology revolution about 10 years ago, when it became the first adhesives manufacturer to introduce water-based adhesives (polyurethane dispersions) for various applications. This kick-started the market-wide move away from solvent-based products while reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds.

Henkel spearheaded this sustainability change and water-based technology has become well-established today. As the leading solution provider for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, Henkel is constantly developing innovative solutions for changing conditions. It continues to generate smart applications and improved process technologies that take the shoe manufacturing industry forward. Loctite FT 220 fulfills Henkel’s goals to take the global lead in product innovation and integrate environmentally sustainable technology to “Achieve more with less”. Loctite is a registered trademark of Henkel and/or its affiliates in Germany and elsewhere.

Loctite FT 220 is a cyanoacrylate adhesive, specifically designed for the bond gap repair of shoes. This product provides quick bonding by curing with moisture in the air at room temperature and does not require a heating chamber or press machine.