Henkel Chicago: Leading Can Sealant Innovation, Quality & Sustainability
Henkel North America employs around 8,000 individuals across over 65 locations in the U.S. and Canada, supporting two key business divisions: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands.
Our AViewFrom series spotlights select locations across Henkel North America, providing insights and details about our various sites. One of the most commonly used packaging types for products we consume and use daily is the can, found in everything from beverages and food to hair care and household cleaners. At Henkel Adhesive Technologies’ Chicago, Illinois site, the focus is on ensuring that the ends of these cans are secure, leak-proof, and compatible with their contents.
When you consider the life of a can—exposed to vibrations, transportation stress, and various handling conditions—you can understand the importance of its durability. Our team works hard to ensure that our materials perform to the highest standards. In fact, it's more likely for a can to fail before our products do.
Luke Martens, Site Operations Director, emphasizes that quality is at the core of their operations: “Every drum of material we produce must be flawless—there’s no margin for error. One 55-gallon drum of our sealant secures nearly 3.5 million can ends, and every batch must meet our 100% quality standard."
Henkel’s Chicago facility, built in 1941, has been through multiple ownership changes before becoming part of Henkel in 2017 with the acquisition of Darex Packaging Technologies from GCP Applied Technologies. While the process of securing can ends with double seams has remained fundamentally the same since its inception, today's operations are far more automated.
In addition to quality, environmental sustainability and employee safety are priorities at the Chicago site. Recent investments in facility upgrades, like improving the solvent filtration system, have reduced waste by over 50%, earning the site a Henkel Lion Award in 2023. The site has also been recognized for its safety record, receiving a 2024 Award of Commendation from the American Coatings Association for having zero accidents or restricted workdays. It is certified under ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 5001, and has achieved zero production waste to landfill.
Did you know? Products from Henkel Chicago come full circle—DAREX® sealants are used in cans that Henkel later uses to package a variety of its own brands, such as LOCTITE® adhesives and Got2B hair care products.
CULTURE AND COMMITMENT
Despite its smaller workforce of 40 employees, Henkel’s Chicago site boasts a close-knit and committed team, with some members being third-generation employees. Elizabeth Molina, Administrative Lead, is instrumental in driving engagement and camaraderie through various initiatives.
“The dedication and passion of our team are truly inspiring. I take great pride in helping our employees succeed and stay connected. From organizing events to managing site-wide initiatives like our digital signage project, I’m all in when it comes to supporting our people,” Molina shared.
Our AViewFrom series spotlights select locations across Henkel North America, providing insights and details about our various sites. One of the most commonly used packaging types for products we consume and use daily is the can, found in everything from beverages and food to hair care and household cleaners. At Henkel Adhesive Technologies’ Chicago, Illinois site, the focus is on ensuring that the ends of these cans are secure, leak-proof, and compatible with their contents.
When you consider the life of a can—exposed to vibrations, transportation stress, and various handling conditions—you can understand the importance of its durability. Our team works hard to ensure that our materials perform to the highest standards. In fact, it's more likely for a can to fail before our products do.
Luke Martens, Site Operations Director, emphasizes that quality is at the core of their operations: “Every drum of material we produce must be flawless—there’s no margin for error. One 55-gallon drum of our sealant secures nearly 3.5 million can ends, and every batch must meet our 100% quality standard."
Henkel’s Chicago facility, built in 1941, has been through multiple ownership changes before becoming part of Henkel in 2017 with the acquisition of Darex Packaging Technologies from GCP Applied Technologies. While the process of securing can ends with double seams has remained fundamentally the same since its inception, today's operations are far more automated.
In addition to quality, environmental sustainability and employee safety are priorities at the Chicago site. Recent investments in facility upgrades, like improving the solvent filtration system, have reduced waste by over 50%, earning the site a Henkel Lion Award in 2023. The site has also been recognized for its safety record, receiving a 2024 Award of Commendation from the American Coatings Association for having zero accidents or restricted workdays. It is certified under ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 5001, and has achieved zero production waste to landfill.
Did you know? Products from Henkel Chicago come full circle—DAREX® sealants are used in cans that Henkel later uses to package a variety of its own brands, such as LOCTITE® adhesives and Got2B hair care products.
CULTURE AND COMMITMENT
Despite its smaller workforce of 40 employees, Henkel’s Chicago site boasts a close-knit and committed team, with some members being third-generation employees. Elizabeth Molina, Administrative Lead, is instrumental in driving engagement and camaraderie through various initiatives.
“The dedication and passion of our team are truly inspiring. I take great pride in helping our employees succeed and stay connected. From organizing events to managing site-wide initiatives like our digital signage project, I’m all in when it comes to supporting our people,” Molina shared.
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