With formaldehyde-free innovations, bio-based coatings, and a customer-centric approach, KLEIBERIT is leading the charge in adhesives that meet today’s environmental and performance demands — without compromise.
Sustainable, high-performance products and processes are the gold standard within a manufacturing industry for which productivity and quality are increasingly pressure points. Within this landscape, early adopters of environmentally responsible innovation are thriving, tuned in as they are to the evolving needs of their customers. Specialist adhesives manufacturer, KLEIBERIT, is one such company.
Founded in 1948 in Ebenhausen, Germany, by shareholders Dipl.-Chem. Max Becker, Dr. Werner Klingele and Dr. Heinz Otto, KLEIBERIT now boasts a 700-strong global workforce, pioneering research and production centres worldwide, and a fleet of adhesive systems for a broad field of applications.
Environmental responsibility, alongside the health and wellbeing of its workforce, has been fundamental to the company from the very start of its 77-year history. This philosophy has organically shaped the impressive portfolio and ethos the company holds today.
As one of the world‘s leading suppliers of polyurethane (PUR) hotmelt adhesives for surface lamination, profile wrapping, and edge or assembly bonding, KLEIBERIT boasts a diverse offering of products containing non-petroleum-based raw materials. This dedication to the development of renewable alternatives to fossil-based resources is a crucial element of KLEIBERIT’s mission statement.
Rather than respond to the demands of the market, KLEIBERIT pre-empts them, utilising its impressive technical expertise and world-class facilities to create pioneering solutions. As Peter Mansky, head of Marketing and Communications at KLEIBERIT, put to me so eloquently, “We don’t talk about intentions; we talk about solutions.”
Advanced surface finishing with HotCoating Technology
In 2024, KLEIBERIT raised the bar with its new PUR HotCoating products containing over 50% bio-based, renewable raw materials. These formulations replace fossil resources while maintaining outstanding performance. Crucially, all product variants are available exclusively in micro-emission (ME) quality, eliminating the need for hazardous substance labelling.
KLEIBERIT is artfully tapping into the new market opportunities unlocked by an evolution from surface finishing on flat panels to diverse roll materials. Indeed, the company unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in this field at LIGNA with a world-first, roll-to-roll system capable of coating sheet materials with thicknesses up to
12 mm. This impressive industrial machine, with a working width of up to 1600 mm, can achieve processing speeds of up to 60 meters per minute.
Visitors to the exhibition were able to experience the coating of flooring materials produced by Swiss HotCoating user, LICO, firsthand. Utilising recycled leather scraps from industrial waste streams, the resulting product consists of approximately 55% leather fibres, 25% natural rubber as a binder, 10% water, and 10% plant-based oils.
The same 1600 mm HotCoating system can also be employed for paper or thermoplastic films, which ushers in new possibilities for the cladding of large-format, three-dimensional elements such as door panels.
The “Triple F” Breakthrough – KLEIBERIT’s 343.3 polymer system
One of the most significant developments for KLEIBERIT’s portfolio, and another key focus for the company at this year’s LIGNA exhibition, is the introduction of the KLEIBERIT 343.3 polymer system.
Developed in response to increasingly stringent formaldehyde emissions regulations, the product offers an effective, compliant, and sustainable alternative to traditional urea-formaldehyde adhesives.
Designed to integrate seamlessly into current production setups, this single-component, ready-to-use formulation achieves instant curing through hot pressing, with discolouration-free bonding. Formaldehyde-free according to ISO 15373 Method A, users can rest assured in the knowledge that they’re achieving higher production efficiency, without harmful VOC emissions.
This is not just a concept, but a proven solution already delivering efficiency gains and safer indoor environments for clients across the UK.
A strategic commitment to the UK market
While many of its competitors have streamlined their UK operations by outsourcing logistics and centralising distribution, KLEIBERIT maintains a dedicated warehouse in Coalville, Leicestershire. This facility ensures local stock availability with lead times of just three to four days, significantly improving supply chain responsiveness.
In addition, KLEIBERIT supports its clients with a highly trained, UK-based technical sales team. These experts work directly with customers to optimise production efficiency, often implementing adhesive changes that improve machine performance without requiring equipment modifications.
With this scrupulous approach to customer support, alongside its long-held and holistic approach to sustainability and responsible innovation, KLEIBERIT is truly a driving force in the industry’s transition toward more responsible, high-performance production.
