A world leader in a number of different market sectors, Henkel is known for its commitment to R&D and its brave approach to diversification. Here, Kornelia Theissen, Focus Segment Manager Solar Western Europe, discusses how the company’s portfolio delivers solutions across the entire value chain for the solar industry.
PES: Welcome to PES, can you begin by telling us a little about the company and how it serves the solar/PV sector?
Kornelia Theissen: Founded in 1876, Henkel operates worldwide in the three business areas: Laundry & Home Care; Cosmetics/Toiletries; and Adhesive Technologies. Henkel employs about 48,000 people and reported sales of 15,092 million Euros in fiscal 2010. With its Adhesives Technologies, Henkel is a worldwide leader in bonding, sealing and surface treatments. As such we are able to fully embrace new trends, foresee new needs and provide appropriate innovative solutions and sustainable products. Manufacturers know and rely on trusted brands such as Loctite, Purmelt, Teroson and Terostat.
Solar power will be a key source of energy in the future. As a systems provider, Henkel is playing a major role in the breakthrough of this innovative technology – with high-tech adhesives, sealants and cleaners. With our product range, we cover the entire photovoltaic value chain. Henkel’s specialists continuously strive to improve existing solutions in line with market needs.
No matter what kind of application is involved – electrically or thermally conductive bonds, structural joints and seals with extreme resistance to weathering, or cleaning tasks of all kinds – Henkel’s portfolio of innovative adhesives, sealants and cleaners delivers solutions across the value chain for the solar industry, serving both photovoltaic and solar thermal needs.
From wafer production, which requires both adhesives to fix the silicon ingots and high-performance cleaners, to the manufacture of thin-film and crystalline solar modules, as well as their integration into buildings, Henkel experts on solar technologies repeatedly analyse the specific market needs for each particular application and offer tailor-made solutions that go far beyond the delivery of products alone. If desired, Henkel will also provide focused assistance in planning new concepts and obtaining the necessary approvals – directly from the relevant institutions.
Moreover, our service teams are ready to help at any time with technical support regarding the different applications, including consultation with machine suppliers. With its innovative solutions and concepts, Henkel also helps its customers to strengthen their own innovative process.
