Henkel Launches Loctite HB XE Line, Setting New Standards for Fire Protection and Sustainability in Timber Construction

In the fire protection simulator at ETH Zurich, Henkel’s new LOCTITE HB XE adhesive was able to demonstrate its excellent fire protection capabilities.

(IN BRIEF) Henkel has launched its Loctite HB XE Line, a new generation of adhesive designed for cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated timber (GLT) that meets the highest fire protection standards while promoting sustainable timber construction. The adhesive passes rigorous fire tests, reducing burn rates and increasing fire safety. It meets Eurocode 5 standards and helps architects and engineers expand design possibilities, including taller and more slender timber buildings. The new line is also eco-friendly, meeting strict safety standards and containing no harmful substances. The adhesive improves manufacturing efficiency with reduced open and press times, making it easier to integrate into existing production workflows. Henkel’s innovation supports the ongoing push for safer, more sustainable construction practices.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 25-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Henkel has introduced a new generation of its Loctite HB adhesives, the Loctite HB XE Line, setting new standards for fire protection and sustainability in timber construction. This upgraded line builds on the success of the original Loctite HB polyurethane adhesives, which have been a trusted solution in timber construction for over 30 years. With increasing fire safety regulations, Henkel has developed the Loctite HB XE Line to meet the highest fire protection standards, responding to the growing need for fire-resistant materials in European timber buildings.

Designed for cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated timber (GLT), the Loctite HB XE Line is a high-performance structural adhesive that ensures superior fire protection while supporting sustainable and climate-conscious building practices. Henkel’s new product raises the bar for fire resistance in timber construction, helping to promote the use of wood in modern, sustainable architecture across Europe.

Laboratory tests have shown that the Loctite HB XE Line meets Eurocode 5 (EC5) fire protection standards. It features a linear charring rate of 0.65 mm/min, which is equivalent to the burn rate of unbonded wood. This slower burn rate reduces the risk of a ‘second flashover,’ giving wood components more time to self-extinguish and enhancing the overall safety of timber structures. The adhesive has passed rigorous fire simulation tests at ETH Zurich, proving its exceptional fire resistance and expanding the potential for taller, more slender timber buildings.

As per EC5, Henkel’s fire test has maintained Glue Line Integrity in Fire (GLIF), which allows users to apply this adhesive to CLT and GLT components without the need for additional fire tests, further streamlining the process.

The Loctite HB XE Line is not only focused on safety but also on sustainability. It meets stringent health and safety standards and is free from harmful substances listed on sustainability certification restricted substance lists, such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. This makes it a top choice for eco-conscious timber construction projects.

In addition to its safety and sustainability benefits, the Loctite HB XE Line improves manufacturing efficiency. The reduced open and press times for the highly catalyzed adhesives ensure fast, precise application, while allowing seamless integration into existing production workflows.

Olga Golgor, Head of Sales Europe for Engineered Wood at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, shared her confidence in the product: “The Loctite HB XE Line sets a new benchmark in fire protection and sustainability for the European timber construction industry. It provides CLT and GLT manufacturers with a solution that balances high safety standards with efficient production, marking a significant advancement in timber construction.”

With this new adhesive line, Henkel is offering an enhanced fire- and heat-resistant solution for large-scale projects like the Skypark in Luxembourg, where its predecessor, Loctite HB X, was used. The Loctite HB XE Line expands the design possibilities for architects and engineers in creating sustainable, fire-resistant timber buildings.

Media contact:

Sebastian Hinz
Adhesive Technologies
Media Relations
Headquarters, Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-8594
press@henkel.com

SOURCE: HENKEL