Henkel and Quad Industries Expand Partnership for Printed Electronics Solutions

Recently, Henkel Adhesive Technologies and applied electronics company, Quad industries, announced the expansion of their strategic partnership. This involves the development of technological value creation and prototyping with printed electronics solutions for a variety of industries. 

 

An Ongoing Collaboration

Before their recent endeavors, both Henkel and Quad Industries have worked together since 2019 on a few different projects. One such project was the COVID-19 smart health patch that was launched in 2020. Henkel collaborated with several Belgian companies including Quad Industries and Byteflies to create a health patch for continuous, remote, and wireless monitoring of health conditions. The patch was then developed and tested for use in monitoring patients with COVID-19. 

 

Both Henkel and Quad Industries supplied their expertise and technology to create the COVID-19 smart health patch in 2020. Image used courtesy of Henkel

 

Henkel developed the electrodes and conductive inks for the health patch. With the ingenuitive materials used, the patch was made so that it could be used for five days, instead of just one. Quad Industries helped supply the electronic circuit, of which they printed on a very thin and stretchable foil. This was then integrated into the wearable patches. Continuing their partnership, both Henkel and Quad industries will be integrating their expertise to grow support for manufacturers in the development, commercialization, and production of smart printed electronics solutions. This will apply to healthcare, hygienics, automotive and furniture, and building markets.

 

Looking Toward Rapid Prototype Development

Quad Industries and Henkel are looking to work closely together within the area of printed electronics. Quad Industries has over 25 years of experience in applied electronics. The company has also gained traction in the development and manufacturing of user interfaces, control panels, and sensing devices for both consumer and industrial applications. Quad Industries’ expertise will be a strong combination with Henkel’s 35 years of printed electronics expertise for developing new printed electronics solutions. Henkel will be able to contribute its knowledge of the market, partner network, and material expertise to help commercialize smart product solutions. 

In a news release from early this month, Head of Printed Electronics at Henkel, Stijn Gillissen commented: “At Henkel, we believe in a differentiated partnership approach across the entire value chain.” Gillissen added: “Our network enables us to provide customers not only with products and knowledge but also connecting them with circuit designers, printing manufacturers, or external IoT specialists. Together we can leverage the potential of digital transformations by utilizing the benefits of printed electronics.”  

 

Quad Industries operates its own production plant for manufacturing printed sensors and other flexible electronics. Image used courtesy of Quad Industries

 

In the same news release, Managing Director Sales and Strategy at Quad Industries, Arne Casteleyn, said: “At Quad Industries we see the growing potentials for electronics manufacturers to innovate with new material solutions provided by leading material suppliers such as Henkel.” Casteleyn added: “Based on our multidisciplinary expertise we can support them developing highly innovative smart products that create additional value for consumers. By enlarging our strategic partnership with Henkel, we aim to strengthen the creation of printed electronics solutions such as electronic skin patches, stretchable sensors, film heaters, or film antennas and even accelerate the time to market. The novel skin patch solution from Byteflies already is a good example for the value of this collaboration.”  

Gillissen went on to say that the partnership will allow more expedient prototyping of printed electronics. Gillissen commented: “Quad Industries will support the prototyping, design creation, and manufacturing of printed electronics via flatbed screen printing. This includes the optimization of printed sensors based on Henkel´s materials know-how as well as the production of high-volume applications.”

Casteleyn also mentioned that the partnership will enable fast feasibility analysis and quick functional prototyping of ideas generated by customers. 

 

About Henkel

Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations, and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market — across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2018, Henkel reported sales of around 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.5 billion euros. Henkel employs around 53,000 people globally — a passionate and highly diverse team, united by strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings.