Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Henkel has unveiled its latest innovation, the Loctite HB XE Line, a high-performance structural adhesive designed to meet the highest fire protection standards in timber construction. As fire safety regulations continue to tighten across Europe, this next-generation adhesive ensures enhanced fire resistance while promoting sustainable building practices.
For over 30 years, Loctite HB polyurethane adhesives have been a trusted solution in timber construction. The new HB XE Line takes this legacy forward, offering superior fire performance for cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated timber (GLT) structures.
Proven fire resistance
The Loctite HB XE Line meets Eurocode 5 (EC5) standards, demonstrating a linear charring rate of just 0.65 mm/min, matching the burn rate of unbonded wood. Unlike traditional adhesives, it prevents ‘second flashover’, significantly reducing the risk of fire spreading and enhancing the self-extinguishing capabilities of timber structures.
In ETH Zurich’s fire simulator, the adhesive showcased its fire-resistant properties, allowing architects and engineers to design taller, more slender timber buildings without compromising safety. Its successful Glue Line Integrity in Fire (GLIF) certification means additional fire tests are unnecessary for CLT and GLT components.
Sustainability and manufacturing efficiency
Beyond fire protection, Loctite HB XE adheres to stringent environmental standards, free from harmful substances listed on sustainability certification restricted lists, including the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
Additionally, its reduced open and press times streamline production, making it ideal for manufacturers seeking efficient workflows and high safety standards.
“With the Loctite HB XE Line, we are redefining fire protection and sustainability in European timber construction,” says Olga Golgor, Head of Sales Europe for Engineered Wood at Henkel Adhesive Technologies.
Already contributing to projects like Skypark in Luxembourg, the Loctite HB XE Line is paving the way for the next generation of safe, sustainable, and innovative timber architecture.
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Image courtesy: © Skypark Business Center, Luxembourg, Bjarke Ingels Group
Tags: CLT, Dusseldorf, engineered wood, Eurocode 5, European woodworking industry, fire protection, fire safety, germany, GLT, Henkel, Henkel Germany, Industry news, Loctite HB XE, structural bonding, sustainable adhesives, timber construction, timber news, wood news, woodworking news
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