When a new adhesive wins at the Adhesive and Sealant Council Innovation Awards, it’s worth paying attention. We sat up and took notice, because the entries are judged independently on technical merit, real-world impact, and how far they move the state of the art – it’s not just a PR exercise.
The 2026 winner, from our supplier partners Bostik, does exactly that – move the state of the art. Developed by Dr. Patxi Garra and Dr. François Court, Born2Bond™ Ultra K85 is an “instant” cyanoacrylate adhesive (CA) designed to perform where most cyanoacrylate adhesives start to fail. It combines fast fixture speed with durability in high heat and high humidity environments, while also addressing growing sustainability expectations.
Why this matters in practice
Most of you know the limitation: CAs are quick and convenient, but their long-term reliability in harsh environments can be uncertain. Heat, moisture, and time tend to expose weaknesses. Ultra K85 changes that equation. We have already seen how it withstands up to 1,000 hours at 85°C/85% RH, while still being a single-part, really fast cure product. Usually, you have to choose one or the other.
Where it fits
- Electronics exposed to thermal cycling and humidity
- Automotive components, particularly under-bonnet or external assemblies
- Medical and wearable devices facing sweat, sterilisation, or temperature variation
- Industrial assemblies operating in variable or outdoor conditions
In each case, the challenge is the same: maintain bond integrity over time but also contribute to productivity in the factory.
What the award actually signals
The ASC Innovation Awards scoring is weighted toward science, innovation, and advancement over existing technology. We think Ultra K85 is suitable winner, not just because it is meets those criteria, but because it has real practical applications in our world. There’s also a quieter but important point here. Sustainability in adhesives often comes with compromise, whether in performance, processing, or cost. Ultra K85 is manufactured from 60% bio-based raw materials, from sustainable reliable sources.
So our hearty congratulations to Dr Garra and Dr Court. Science earns its keep when it works on the factory floor.
If you want to assess whether Born2Bond™ Ultra K85 fits your application, we can help you test it against your substrates and conditions. Let’s start by talking about your application.
