Frabo: The virtuous crossover between high performance, green chemistry, and durability for the luxury industry
Building on decades of robust expertise, Frabo Adesivi is solidifying its position as a leading player in the European market for the production of water- and solvent-based adhesives. These are vital inputs for the footwear, leather goods, upholstery, nautical, and insulation sectors. The company’s persistent commitment to Research and Development, coupled with stringent quality control standards (UNI EN ISO 9001/2015 certification), guarantees high-performing solutions. Specifically, the Respan (solvent-based) and Aquagum (zero-solvent aqueous dispersion) ranges are global benchmarks in high-tech environments, where reliability is paramount.
The ecological transition within the industrial chemicals sector demands unwavering commitment, especially from strategic suppliers to manufacturing excellence like footwear and leather goods. We sat down with Giulia Vergani, Business Developer at Frabo Adesivi, to discuss the current challenges and the latest breakthroughs in adhesive formulations, focusing on aqueous innovation and revolutionary compounds.
What key initiatives has the company showcased this trade show season, and how do they address the urgent need for a green transition?
“Our response to change is a clearly defined roadmap. The most significant development is the expansion of our product line featuring ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) certification. This is no longer about a single ‘green’ product but an extensive selection covering crucial segments such as footwear, leather goods, and upholstery. It demonstrates a deep and accelerating commitment to a tangible reduction in environmental impact, a journey that is now the only viable direction for the entire supply chain.”
The balance between quality and sustainability often presents the most critical challenge: how do you manage the trade-off between formulating eco-friendly compounds and maintaining the high performance required by the luxury and premium market?
“This is the core engineering challenge: achieving sustainability without sacrificing quality or final cost-effectiveness. Price is not the decisive factor; the value-added solutions we offer are. We are talking about advanced chemistry and relentless research. A clear example is the development of adhesives that solve perennial issues, such as the yellowing of soles or light-colored uppers. This phenomenon, which is simply unacceptable for high-end products, has been overcome thanks to our new formulations. While a low-cost product might ‘tolerate’ this flaw, premium footwear demands excellence, and we must be equipped to deliver it.”
Historically, water-based adhesives were perceived as a compromise on performance. Has the Aquagum® technology successfully bridged this gap? And what other innovations are being introduced alongside this range?
“The gap is not just closed, in many instances, our latest generation water-based formulations, such as the Aquagum® line, outperform traditional solvent-based adhesives. Crucially, the adoption of these greener technologies requires operators to upgrade their skills and application processes; it demands greater professionalism and investment in suitable equipment. In addition to Aquagum®, we have launched a chlorine-free line, and we have paralleled this development in our solvent line with new products that eliminate yellowing. The absence of chlorine is vital not only for the environment but also for safety during manufacturing. Chlorine is an undesirable halogen that, besides releasing pollutants, can cause problems during combustion and recycling, and tends to form halos and degrade the bond over time. Its elimination compels us to continuously evolve our formulations by researching alternative synthetic polymers.”
Innovation is a continuous stream. Following the success of water-based adhesives, what can we anticipate as the next big breakthrough in the world of chemical bonding?
“Evolution never stops. While water-based adhesives are a relatively recent achievement, research is already yielding results that feel like pure science fiction. For instance, traditional polyurethane adhesives require drying and heat reactivation for the final bond. Today, that identical bonding strength is being replicated in a cold-application formula. This represents an enormous processing leap for manufacturing, even while remaining within the technological framework of water-based adhesives.”
What are your key markets, and to what extent are your clients actively requesting sustainability and certification?
“Our core business remains Europe, which accounts for the majority of our production. Here, the focus on quality and sustainable chemistry is maximal, often driven by legislative mandates and, crucially, a cohesive corporate philosophy. We naturally also have a presence in South America, Asia/Pacific, and the Middle East, though with different market dynamics. Our clients are highly attentive to certifications and proactively engage us on these issues. It’s a genuine wave: the focus on sustainability is not transient. Once a product is certified, consistency is paramount to us; our philosophy doesn’t change even if a customer, in a particular year, scales back their request.”
Your company offers more than just product supply; you provide a 360-degree service. How do you support your customers in adopting these new technologies, which often require a different skill set?
“Flexibility and technical assistance are our greatest strengths. We work across four main sectors: footwear, leather goods, upholstery/mattress production, and special applications (nautical, insulation). Each application is unique. Our internal scale allows us to operate an R&D laboratory with close collaboration between our chemists and sales teams. This enables us not only to develop bespoke solutions for specific volumes or issues but also to provide tailored training and timely assistance to our partners. In an era of shrinking tolerance for error, ensuring the correct application know-how is fundamental to the final product’s success.”
Mario Fratoni, CEO, Stefano Pattarello, Head of Water-Based R&D, and Giulia Vergani, Business Development
