Clariant launches sustainable m-PO polymer for HMA formulations
Last update on Mar 25, 2026
Clariant launches Licocene® Terra, a sustainable m-PO polymer designed as a formulation component for hot melt adhesives and other industrial applications. It integrates renewable, biobased feedstock into the production process while maintaining the processing stability and formulation compatibility known from conventional Licocene™ grades.
As part of the Licocene™ m-PO specialty polymer portfolio, it combines established performance characteristics with verified renewable feedstock through an ISCC PLUS-certified mass balance approach. It provides a drop-in pathway to reduce reliance on fossil carbon without redesigning existing adhesive systems.
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From feedstock to bio-based m-PO polymer
- Feedstock input: Both fossil-based and renewable raw materials enter the production system. Renewable feedstock used for Licocene® Terra is free from palm oil derivatives and animal content.
- Conversion into building blocks: The feedstock is converted into chemical intermediates such as ethylene. At this stage, renewable and fossil sources are not physically separated.
- Certification and allocation: The renewable share is tracked using ISCC PLUS mass balance certification. Auditors verify that certified output corresponds to renewable input volumes.
- Clariant production: Mass balance certified monomers are used to manufacture Licocene® Terra grades using established production technologies.
- Final solution: Customers receive a performance bio-based m-PO polymer designed to behave like a conventional Licocene™ grade but with a verified renewable carbon share.
Drop-in solution for adhesive formulations
Licocene® Terra is designed to function as a drop-in polymer component within existing hot-melt adhesive formulations. Processing windows, compatibility with common formulation components, and handling behavior remain consistent with conventional Licocene™ performance polymers. This allows formulators to maintain established production workflows while introducing a renewable or non-fossil raw material option.
See 105+ commercially available bio-based HMA ingredients in our Master Catalog now!
Applications driving demand for renewable carbon solutions
- Adhesives developed for sustainability-focused consumer brands
- Packaging and hygiene applications where carbon transparency is increasing
- Projects requiring documented renewable content or certification schemes
- Formulations aimed at long-term regulatory readiness and reduced fossil dependency
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Moving towards circular adhesive value chain
Licocene® Terra maintains familiar processing behavior while offering a mass balance Renewable Carbon Index of at least 50%, up to 100% for select grades, enabling adhesive manufacturers to achieve sustainability goals without sacrificing reliability or efficiency. It represents a practical step toward more sustainable adhesive solutions, built on technology that formulators already know and trust.
The transition toward renewable raw materials is reshaping how adhesives are developed, specified, and communicated across industries. Licocene® Terra provides a pathway to integrate renewable carbon into existing formulations while supporting the broader shift toward more sustainable value chains.
For manufacturers looking to combine established performance with forward-looking sustainability strategies, it offers a solution that aligns technical continuity with evolving market expectations.
Check out our guide on Hot melt adhesives: How to formulate with right ingredients? >>