Dr Uwe Franken
Senior Technical Manager, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Dr Uwe Franken holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Essen, Germany. Since joining Henkel Adhesive Technologies in 1998, Dr Franken has been working in product development and research, specialising in polyurethane adhesives and sealants. Since 2020, Dr Franken has been part of the Automotive Components (AMC) Product Development team in Europe and is additionally responsible for battery safety coatings and debonding solutions.
Building Stronger Bonds Through Industry–Startup Collaboration
The adhesive industry stands at a critical inflection point. Geopolitical uncertainty, tightening regulatory frameworks, volatile supply chains, and accelerating sustainability demands are reshaping how materials are developed, sourced, and deployed across industries. In this environment, startups are emerging as key catalysts of transformation, bringing agility, interdisciplinary innovation, and new business models that challenge traditional approaches to adhesive formulation, manufacturing, and application.
By leveraging advances in bio-based chemistry, digital materials design, circular economy principles, and smart manufacturing, startups can help future proof the adhesive value chain. Their ability to rapidly prototype, test, and scale novel solutions enables faster responses to regulatory pressure, decarbonization targets, and shifting customer expectations. At the same time, collaboration with established industry players creates a powerful innovation ecosystem—combining entrepreneurial speed with industrial scale, market access, and technical expertise.
This evolution redefines adhesives not merely as enabling materials, but as strategic solutions embedded in resilient, sustainable, and digitally enabled systems. Connecting startups with industry leaders is therefore not optional—it is essential to navigating uncertainty and shaping a competitive, compliant, and future ready adhesive industry.
Breakout V – Market Dynamics & Collaboration – 17 September 2026 – 12:30 – 13:00 – Room Fleming – F3