Sustainable Innovation at Colquimica Adhesives
At Colquimica Adhesives, innovation and sustainability evolve together as part of a long‑term industrial strategy focused on responsibility, performance and value creation. Sustainability is not managed as a standalone initiative, but as an integral component of how the company innovates, operates and grows.
As a family‑owned industrial company, Colquimica bases its development on technical knowledge, consistency and a long‑term vision. The company distinguishes itself through a proactive and innovation‑driven approach, developing its own solutions rather than merely replicating existing market practices. Innovation is guided by internal expertise, scientific capability and strategic priorities, aiming to anticipate challenges, create differentiated values and reinforce long‑term resilience.
Sustainability embedded from early‑stage research
Innovation at Colquímica is driven by its Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) function, where sustainability considerations are embedded from the earliest stages of product development. RD&I activities focus on the development of bio‑based, mass‑balanced, low‑carbon and biodegradable adhesive solutions, designed to reduce environmental impacts while ensuring the high technical performance required by industrial applications.
Sustainability performance is assessed throughout the entire innovative lifecycle, from early‑stage research to industrialization and market deployment. Clear and consistent criteria guide product development, with particular focus on:
- the nature and origin of raw materials used in formulations;
- energy consumption during application;
- efficiency and optimization of adhesive usage; and
- opportunities to substitute materials with lower environmental performance.
This structured approach ensures that sustainability is treated as a core design criterion, embedded in innovative decisions from the outset rather than addressed at a later stage.
Innovation with measurable impact
Colquimica’s innovation strategy delivers tangible and measurable outcomes, reinforcing the role of innovation as a driver of both sustainability performance and long‑term business value.
In 2025:
- 39% of RD&I projects incorporated sustainability‑related features;
- 10.7% of total sales were generated by new products;
- A total of 10 patents had been granted, five of which were awarded in 2025.
These indicators reflect a consistent investment in differentiated innovation, combined with a structured approach to intellectual property protection and sustainability integration.
A responsible and resilient business model
Colquimica’s business model is centered on the development and production of high‑quality adhesive solutions for industrial applications, including hygiene, packaging, woodworking, construction and automotive sectors. Strong RD&I capabilities and deep application knowledge enable the delivery of efficient, reliable and increasingly sustainable solutions across different markets.
Responsible sourcing is a fundamental pillar of operations. Suppliers are expected to comply with environmental, social and governance criteria, supporting responsible practices across the value chain. All manufacturing sites operate under certified Quality, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems, ensuring robust operational control and regulatory compliance.
In parallel, Colquimica’s sustainability performance and responsible business practices are assessed through recognized external ESG evaluation frameworks, including EcoVadis and alignment with SMETA (Sedex) principles, promoting transparency, ethical conduct and responsible practices across operations and, where applicable, suppliers, subcontractors and logistics partners.
Certified systems and credible frameworks
Colquimica’s commitments to quality, safety and sustainability are supported by recognized management systems and product certifications. These include ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, as well as product and process certifications such as EU Ecolabel, DIN Biobased, Nordic Swan, OEKO‑TEX® Eco Passport and ISCC Plus.
A significant milestone in this journey was the ISCC Plus certification of the Polish manufacturing site, enabling the use of certified mass‑balanced raw materials, strengthening traceability and supporting circular economy principles.
Governance, reporting and transparency
In 2024, Colquimica strengthened its sustainability governance and reporting framework by preparing its sustainability reporting in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), applying the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) as the primary reporting framework.
This transition represents an important step towards enhanced transparency, consistency and comparability of non‑financial information, reinforcing the integration of sustainability considerations into governance structures, risk management processes and strategic decision‑making.
In line with the company’s reporting trajectory and to ensure continuity over time, the CSRD‑based disclosures were complemented, where relevant, by references to the GRI Standards, which have been adopted by Colquímica since its first sustainability report.
A long‑term trajectory
At Colquimica Adhesives, sustainability is not defined by isolated initiatives, but by consistent progress supported by governance, innovation and measurable outcomes. By embedding sustainability into the way innovation is developed, scaled and reported, the company continues to strengthen a resilient business model that supports customers and industries in their transition towards more sustainable solutions.
Sustainability is more than commitment. It´s how Colquimica grows.
| Sustainability and Quality Department