How Adhesive Technologies and mass timber contribute to a greener future

   
This article was originally published on Henkel Spotlight North America.

“Are we selling adhesives, or are we changing the world?”

That’s the first question Chris Whelan, Director, Business Development, Engineered Wood Adhesives, reflects upon when discussing the commitment of Henkel to sustainability. The Loctite adhesives are integral to green construction innovations changing the way people live and work. We have discussed some further questions with him.

What is mass timber, and how is it better for the environment than other building materials?
Mass timber is a structural load-bearing element, made from solid lumber glued to form columns, beams and large format panels. Unlike traditional materials, such as concrete or steel, mass timber is renewable – when you harvest a tree, you plant another tree. Mass timber is earthquake-resistant; it’s difficult to burn, and it sequesters carbon dioxide. Mass timber can be used to construct virtually anything, including high rises, multi-family homes, office buildings, factories and warehouses. It’s lighter than concrete or steel, so it emits less carbon in transit. There’s an emotional benefit, too: According to industry studies, people feel calmer and more productive in wooden buildings than they do in concrete or steel structures.

Conversely, concrete and steel are mined from the ground and never replaced. They require intensive energy to produce. Half of the cement used to make concrete in North America comes from offshore, and most of the steel does, too, creating additional transportation emissions.

How does Henkel contribute to mass timber’s sustainability?
Henkel supplies 90 percent of the adhesives used by the mass timber industry in North America. Loctite Purbond is the only single-component adhesive approved by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) in the USA and CSA (standard development organization) in Canada for mass timber construction in North America. It contains no solvents, creates no liquid waste and releases no toxic emissions. It is 100 percent solids and delivers twice the mileage vs. traditional adhesives, so customers only need to purchase and ship half as much. It cures at room temperature, without requiring additional energy to adhere. Loctite Purbond foams during curing which helps to reduce air leakage in the finished elements, so buildings are more efficient to heat and cool.