Henkel has closed its acquisition of Netherlands-based Stahl, a specialty coatings maker serving mobility, fashion, luxury and packaging markets, for EUR 2.1bn (USD 2.4bn) from Wendel, BASF and Clariant. The deal, agreed in February 2026, closed on 1 October 2026 after regulatory approvals and adds Stahl's leather finishing, performance and packaging coatings to Henkel's Adhesive Technologies unit.
Why this mattersA major specialty-coatings supplier to flexible packaging converters now sits inside a larger adhesives group, consolidating a key input for the supply chain.
- Deal value EUR 2.1bn (USD 2.4bn), agreed February 2026 and closed 1 October 2026
- Seller consortium comprised Wendel, BASF and Clariant
- Stahl employs around 1,800 staff and generated adjusted sales of EUR 725m in fiscal 2025
- Stahl's portfolio includes leather finishing, performance coatings and packaging coatings
- Henkel says three Adhesive Technologies deals this year (Stahl, ATP Adhesive Systems, Wetherby Laroc) add about EUR 1bn combined sales
- Stahl becomes part of Henkel's Adhesive Technologies business unit
Stahl has launched an upgraded version of its Sensora tactile coatings portfolio for packaging, unveiled on 31 August 2026 in Waalwijk, the Netherlands. The water-based and energy-curable range offers soft-velvet, silky, rubbery, textured and matte finishes for paper, board, labels and flexible packaging, with selected grades meeting food-contact requirements including US FDA, Swiss, German and EuPIA standards. Stahl will present the range at Loupe Americas 2026 in Chicago, booth 727.
Why this mattersTactile finishes give converters and brand owners a new lever for shelf differentiation as visual-only packaging design becomes commoditised.
- Stahl unveiled the upgraded Sensora tactile coatings portfolio on 31 August 2026 in Waalwijk, the Netherlands
- Range offers soft-velvet, silky, rubbery, smooth, textured and matte finishes for paper, board, labels and flexible packaging
- Coating technologies are water-based and energy-curable
- End uses include folding cartons, labels, flexible food packaging, cosmetics, technology and luxury packaging
- Selected products meet food-contact compliance including US FDA, Swiss Ordinance, German Ink Ordinance, ISEGA and EuPIA standards
- Stahl will present the range at Loupe Americas 2026 in Chicago, exhibiting at booth 727
Specialty coatings supplier Stahl has launched its Senoprint metallic coatings portfolio worldwide, consolidating its previously North America-focused LustreCoat range under one global brand. The coatings offer silver and gold metallic finishes applied in-line during printing as an alternative to foil stamping, targeted at premium packaging and labelling. Stahl will present the range at LOUPE Americas 2026 in Chicago on 15-17 September 2026.
Why this mattersA recyclable in-line alternative to foil stamping could cut converters' decoration costs and support compliance with the EU's incoming PPWR recyclability requirements.
- Senoprint builds on Stahl's LustreCoat range, previously sold mainly in North America.
- Portfolio includes silver and gold metallic finishes, applicable via sheetfed, screen, flexographic and narrow-web printing.
- Available in UV-based and water-based formulations designed for de-inking and paper-recycling compatibility.
- Stahl will present Senoprint at LOUPE Americas 2026 in Chicago, 15-17 September 2026.
- Paul Grzebielucha is Group Director Packaging Coatings at Stahl.
- Each Senoprint metallic coating is paired with an in-house developed protective topcoat for abrasion resistance.
- Stahl says the coatings are designed to be de-inked and recovered through standard paper recycling streams.
