The German chemicals company said the acquisition will strengthen the position of its adhesive technologies business in the area of functional coatings.

Founded in 2012, the US firm has spent many years researching coatings that mimic the shell properties of the Namib Desert beetle. Through its proprietary technology, NBD Nano’s coatings reduce fingerprint visibility for glass and impart stain repellency for plastics, textiles and other materials. The company’s know-how can be used in many applications, such as electronics, consumer goods, automotive and packaging.

“We believe that our acquisition of NBD Nano will accelerate the commercialization of their cutting-edge technologies,” said Michael Todd, global head of innovation at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “Their demonstrated innovations in coatings for the electronics and accessories market combined with Henkel’s global footprint will extend the reach for broader application of NBD Nano’s solutions in the commercial marketplace.”

Henkel originally invested in NBD Nanotechnologies in November 2017 as part of a Series B funding round.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist