It is not very uncommon nowadays to come through reports on how humans are destroying the ecosystem and making our planet unworthy of living for mankind as well as for other living beings around us. Amidst these, we are bringing you an inspiring tale of how technology is helping the smooth mobility of a purp, an endangered African Penguin species at Mystic Aquarium.
It was during mid of last month Malgorzata Kolton, Vice President, Packaging EU at Henkel posted in her LinkedIn profile about how their adhesives were used to repair The Great Wall of China. On the comment of mine on that post, a very old friend Pradhyumna Ingle, now the Regional Business Head, Asia Pacific in General Manufacturing & Maintenance and Consumer Adhesives at Henkel brought this amazing video where Loctite collaborated with ACT 3D Equipment and Services and Mystic Aquarium to bring technological excellence in providing solution which can make a purp walk her life.
With various principles of sustainability, Adhesive manufacturing and 3D Printing are becoming more and more important for industries. Their importance, which is not limited to just prototyping has extended to end products in manufacturing. And, offering such sustainable manufacturing which uplifts industries economically is commendable, but playing a proactive role in shielding the ecosystem with manufacturing is of paramount importance in the pace of sustainable development.
Safeguarding the marine ecosystem with innovative 3D printing and adhesive manufacturing, Henkel care has brought innovative 3D printed feet for penguins on Penguin Awareness Day. The boot has been designed and manufactured by the ACT 3D Equipment and Supplier with the high-performance material developed by Loctite’s Adhesive team.
Speaking on Henkel's innovative move in adhesives manufacturing Pradhyumna Ingle shared, "Every day we use hundreds of adhesive applications – often without even noticing it. Modern mobility, digital communication, and food safety would hardly be possible without them.”
High-quality norms in Adhesive industries, when ensured substantially contribute to the long-term performance amplifying the overall manufactured product. Not only this, it reflects the increasing performance needs allowing the end-users to use them more precisely. Thus, the prominence of quality and standards, which ensures reliability in the interest of both the consumers and the environment assumes huge importance.
The Initiative: 3D Printed Boots by Mystic Middle School
The story started when Purps, an endangered African penguin at Mystic Aquarium sustained an injury and had difficulty in being mobile. The young penguin needed support, and a custom-built 3D printed boot was developed by the students of students at Mystic Middle School. Due to the wear and tear of continuous usage, the 3D printed boot was requiring continuous replacement.
Innovation with Sustainability: Customised Loctite Adhesive Solution
This was the time when the veterinary staff at Mystic Aquarium reached out to Henkel Adhesives through their partner ACT group, exploring the options of increasing the durability and lifespan of the 3D printed boots. The Loctite team at Henkel Adhesives headquarter in the Rocky Hill region of Connecticut, the US close to the Mystic Aquarium took up the challenge and developed customised 3D printed elastomeric silicone boots. The new 3D printed boots developed by Loctite custom-developed adhesives were able to withstand the environmental aspects, offered high-performance mechanical properties that offer durability, superior tear strength, and long-term stability.
“When we came to know about Purps, we took it as an opportunity to unite innovation and creativity to solve a unique challenge. The initiative of 3D printed boot highlights the power of Henkel Adhesive Technologies. It has been such an honour to support Purps through her injury and provide them with an improved quality of life,” said Cindy Deekitwong, Global Head of Marketing, Incubator Business at Henkel Adhesive Technologies.
“The innovative 3D printed boot for the Purps brought an incredibly diverse group of people with varying areas of expertise from across our community to solve this unique challenge. It is a connection we will always have. It represents the power of innovation in helping to protect our planet and the species that inhabit it,” commented Meagan Seacor, Vice President of External Relations, Mystic Aquarium.
Henkel is the global leader in Adhesive Technologies and operates diversely across 800 industries. It provides state-of-art adhesive technology and innovation from packaging to automotive industries.
“This year marks the anniversary of one of the most impactful strategic acquisitions in Henkel's history. Exactly 25 years ago, Loctite became part of Henkel Adhesives. Today, Loctite is the world’s leading brand in engineering adhesives and our biggest global brand with sales of around 3 billion euros, marketed in 130 countries – mostly, but not only, to B2B customers,” concluded Pradhyumna Ingle.
With over 140 years of expertise, it is a leading manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings. Notably, the company has been organized into five technology cluster brands namely Loctite, Technomelt, Bonderite, Teroson, and Sequence. Currently, it has partners from around 130 countries. The 3D Printed boot brought by Henkel promotes innovation with sustainability, which is witnessed as Henkel's core strength.
