MANSUS x AMGTA Mini-Series Episode 9, Daniel Rothfuss, Henkel Loctite AM
For the last 8 weeks we have been sharing weekly episodes of the MANSUS x AMGTA mini-series. The aim of this series was to show the benefits and solutions AM technologies are having in industry. AMGTA and MANSUS wanted this series to be jargon free, to focus on the ‘so what’ and to look less at the technologies and more at the role of AM in the wider manufacturing industry. We know that manufacturers are looking to solve their complex challenges around commercial and environmental sustainability and this series lifts the lid on the impact AM is having now and in the future.
This week we share the final episode in this mini-series in a conversation with Daniel Rothfuss, Head of Product Development & Application Engineering at Henkel Loctite AM. In this final episode, Daniel outlines how Henkel’s approach to material innovation is helping manufacturers design for sustainability while unlocking new applications in AM.
The Evolution of Henkel Loctite 3D Printing
Henkel entered the additive manufacturing sector in 2016-2017 and has since built a robust portfolio of high-performance, UV-curing materials for Digital Light Processing (DLP) technologies. According to Daniel, the key to fully leveraging sustainability in AM lies in designing for it from the outset. Henkel supports customers in this process by providing validated workflows, technical data, and innovative materials that help reduce waste, extend product life, and ensure environmental compliance.
Three Pillars of Sustainable AM
"To really leverage the full potential of sustainability, you have to design for sustainability and implement this into your product," says Daniel. "That means reducing consumption, extending product life, and ensuring environmentally safe materials."
Daniel breaks down Henkel’s sustainability approach into three key areas:
Reducing Material Consumption – Additive manufacturing can already offer advantages in waste reduction, as only necessary parts are produced, often with optimized lightweight designs. Henkel further enhances this benefit by providing customers with validated workflows, minimizing the trial-and-error process and accelerating production cycles.
Extending Product Lifespan – Henkel invests heavily in developing durable materials resistant to UV exposure, chemicals, and other environmental factors. The company provides extensive data through technical datasheets, enabling customers to design long-lasting parts that withstand harsh conditions.
Ensuring Environmental Safety – Compliance and raw material selection are critical in sustainable AM. Henkel proactively evaluates new raw materials, ensuring that all products meet regional and global safety regulations. A prime example is Henkel’s early removal of TPO-based photoinitiators from its materials, well ahead of their 2024 reclassification in the European Union.
Real-World Applications: Reducing Waste and Energy Consumption
Henkel’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just theoretical—it translates into tangible impact across industries. Daniel highlights two case studies:
Electronics Repair with Nokia – Traditionally, electronic components that couldn’t be repaired ended up as scrap. By using Henkel’s AM materials, Nokia can now repair parts instead of discarding them, significantly reducing waste.
Sustainable Eyewear Manufacturing – Henkel’s life cycle analysis reveals that its new eyewear material consumes significantly less energy in polishing—requiring about 10 times less processing time compared to traditional acetate—resulting in lower CO₂ emissions during production.
The Role of Collaboration in Driving Sustainability
Daniel underscores the importance of collaboration in advancing sustainability efforts. Henkel actively engages with raw material suppliers to push for more sustainable alternatives and continuously challenges its partners to reduce environmental impact. Being part of industry organizations like AMGTA provides a crucial platform for sharing knowledge, identifying bottlenecks, and collectively developing solutions.
"No company can tackle these challenges alone… we need partnerships built on mutual trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to sustainability." said Daniel.
A Forward-Thinking Approach to Sustainability
As the MANSUS x AMGTA mini-series wraps up, one key message resonates: sustainability in additive manufacturing requires continuous innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to responsible material development. Henkel Loctite AM exemplifies how integrating sustainability at every stage—from design to production—can drive real progress toward a more resource-efficient future.
This final episode highlights the growing momentum behind sustainable AM practices and the industry’s role in shaping a more environmentally conscious manufacturing landscape. While this marks the end of this series, the conversation around sustainable additive manufacturing is far from over.
Join the Conversation
The MANSUS x AMGTA mini-series has brought together key voices in AMGTA membership, but this is just the beginning. The challenges of sustainability in AM require ongoing collaboration, shared insights, and new partnerships. If your company is working toward more sustainable manufacturing practices, we invite you to join this conversation. Get in touch, share your expertise, and be part of the movement shaping the future of sustainable additive manufacturing.
Watch the full episode and explore the whole series on the MANSUS YouTube channel and on the AMGTA Learn & Discovery Page.
