Clariant Introduces Bio-Based m-PO Polymer for Hot-Melt Adhesive Formulations

Clariant has introduced Licocene® Terra, a metallocene polyolefin (m-PO) polymer designed for use in hot-melt adhesive formulations and other industrial applications.

According to Clariant, the material is produced using an ISCC PLUS-certified mass balance approach, which allocates renewable feedstock through the production chain without requiring physical separation from fossil-based inputs during intermediate processing. The company stated that the renewable feedstock used for Licocene® Terra is free from palm oil derivatives and animal content.

Clariant positioned the new material as part of its Licocene portfolio and said it is designed to maintain the processing stability, handling characteristics, and formulation compatibility associated with conventional Licocene grades. According to the company, this allows the polymer to function as a drop-in component within existing hot-melt adhesive systems.

Clariant also reported that Licocene® Terra offers a Renewable Carbon Index of at least 50%, with select grades reaching up to 100%. The company said this may allow formulators to introduce renewable carbon content without redesigning adhesive formulations or changing established production workflows.

Potential applications include packaging, hygiene products, and formulations intended to support documented renewable content, certification requirements, and reduced dependence on fossil-based raw materials.

The launch reflects broader movement across the adhesive sector toward renewable feedstocks and mass balance-certified materials as manufacturers respond to sustainability targets and changing customer requirements, according to Clariant.

Source: Clariant