Act responsibly, shape sustainably

Sustainability at DELO

Innovations for a better future

At DELO, our passion for solving technological challenges and our forward-thinking approach help us shape the future in innovative, as well as sustainable ways. And we do so, specifically through innovative adhesive technologies. Our goal is to make a significant contribution to sustainable developments through innovation. We take our social, ecological and economic responsibility seriously. We aim to achieve healthy growth in harmony with the environment and the needs of our customers and employees.

Shaping the future

Adhesive bonding technology as a driver for sustainable innovation

Adhesives play a crucial role in the implementation of many pioneering technologies for a more sustainable environment. Our high-tech adhesives drive developments in areas such as e-mobility and miniaturization by:

Enabling miniaturization and more efficient production (e.g. sensors, RFID labels, optoelectronic elements)
Increasing the performance of electric motors
Optimizing the thermal management of battery systems
Guaranteeing the reliable function of thin-film solar cells

Bonding opens up many new possibilities for product innovation and enables the responsible use of resources along the entire value chain. Bonding technology offers an energy-efficient alternative to more traditional joining methods such as welding. Furthermore, most of our innovative adhesives feature a light-curing mechanism, which reduces the required curing time and temperature compared to heat-curing adhesives. This significantly reduces energy consumption in the production process.

Our contribution

Focal points of our sustainability strategy

We take every opportunity to make our contribution to a more sustainable future and, through responsible action, contribute to reducing global carbon emissions. We also want to be an attractive employer both now and in the future, offering long-term secure jobs. Together with our employees, partners and customers, we are committed to the following areas:

Climate neutrality

We are aiming for climate neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 by 2045. We are already fully offsetting our Scope 1 emissions and use 100% green electricity. We have also installed a PV system with a peak output of 2.3 megawatts.

Energy efficiency

We are constantly developing technical solutions to minimize carbon emissions and therefore our customers' Scope 1 and 2 emissions during the bonding process.

Bio-based adhesives

DELO uses bio-based raw materials wherever technically possible, such as those based on cashew shell oil. We also regularly test new bio-based raw materials. Several high-tech adhesives already contain a high proportion of bio-based ingredients. Our goal is to set new standards in terms of sustainable high-tech materials.

De-bonding techniques

Some of our adhesives can already be debonded for correction work within processes, allowing valuable resources to be reused. Through comprehensive feasibility studies, we are constantly testing further possibilities – including the debonding of adhesives after the manufacturing process, for example for repairs or recycling processes.

Sustainable packaging

From the tray to the product carton to the pallet: we use packaging with a recycled content of 80–100% that at the same time meets the high technical requirements.

Transportation solutions

Thanks to intelligent transport solutions through partners such as World Courier, we have been able to significantly reduce the need for packaging materials and energy for temperature-controlled products, which has a positive impact on our environmental footprint.

Product footprint

Through life cycle assessments, we determine the carbon footprint of individual products. Upon request, we are happy to provide our customers with the results.

DELO Scope 3

We are committed to reducing our upstream and downstream carbon emissions (in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) and DIN ISO 14064). Electric vehicle charging stations directly on the DELO premises, sustainable shipping solutions such as World Courier, and the use of bio-based raw materials all make an important contribution here.

Transparent reporting

We share our data with external stakeholders via CDP and EcoVadis. In addition, our sustainability report with integrated EMAS environmental statement is available to you in an updated form every year: DELO sustainability report

DELO as a pioneer of sustainable technologies

DELO is committed to developing adhesives that enable energy-saving bonding processes on the customer side. This includes the use of UV light for curing our products. Our innovative technology, Activation on the Flow, reduces carbon emissions by up to 98%* and serves as a resource-saving alternative to more energy-intensive processes, such as heat curing. By combining dosing and pre-activation in a single process step, efficient UV curing can also be used for complex, opaque geometries.

In this way, we support our customers in reducing their Scope 1 and 2 emissions (direct and indirect emissions, e.g. from the consumption of heating oil and purchased electricity) and at the same time minimize our Scope 3 (emissions in the supply chain).

*Theoretical calculation for the potting of rotor position sensors at a European production site

Bio-based adhesives and removability

Some DELO products have been using bio-based raw materials such as cashew shell oil-based raw materials for many years. In addition, we work together with technology leaders to test sustainable raw materials available on the market for their use in our adhesives. Some adhesives in the DELO KATIOBOND range consist of more than 50% bio-based ingredients.

When it comes to the release of adhesive bonds, our experts are working on radiation-based approaches such as the release of adhesive bonds using IR or microwave radiation or a combination of thermal and mechanical options. Some of our adhesives can already be dissolved despite their high strength, for example with hot water. Others are able to absorb water. This causes the adhesives to swell and can be dissolved mechanically.

Sustainable cartridges

We are working intensively on the use of bio-based and recycled cartridges. To this end, our experts carry out comprehensive feasibility studies to rule out interactions with our high-tech adhesives. By working closely with our suppliers and conducting regular market screenings for sustainable packaging solutions, we ensure that we are always informed about the latest developments and can carry out sampling.

DELO also develops its own cartridges, which are manufactured in Germany. The shorter delivery routes help to reduce carbon emissions. We also guarantee a high level of delivery reliability.

All cartridge caps are made of thin foil seals instead of plastic caps. This reduces the amount of waste produced by our customers by up to 95%.