In 2026, tesa Sustainable Innovation Singapore marked a major milestone as the global adhesive technology company celebrates 45 years of presence and partnership in Singapore. With its strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, tesa has played a crucial role in supporting Singapore’s industrial ecosystem and advancing technology adoption across the Asia-Pacific region. What began as a regional footprint in 1981 has evolved into a strategic hub for innovation, circular economy solutions, and sustainable manufacturing approaches that influence industrial practices far beyond Singapore’s borders.

Evaluating tesa’s sustainable innovation journey through its Singapore operations reveals how advanced adhesive technologies can contribute to both economic growth and environmental stewardship. Singapore’s position as a regional innovation nucleus, backed by government policies and a strong research landscape, has helped tesa drive new solutions, talent development, and cross-border technological adoption. As industry landscapes increasingly demand sustainable practices, tesa’s experience offers valuable insights into the intersection of innovation and responsible growth.

Strategic Growth Through Innovation and Collaboration

The cornerstone of tesa Sustainable Innovation Singapore lies in deep collaboration with industry partners, research institutes, and regional stakeholders. Over four and a half decades, Singapore has become far more than a market for tesa’s products; it serves as the Asia-Pacific operational centre that guides innovation, knowledge exchange, and advanced technology development.

One of the most notable developments in recent years has been the opening of the state-of-the-art Debonding on Demand laboratory in partnership with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR). This innovation hub reflects tesa’s commitment to advancing next-generation adhesive solutions that meet evolving industrial and environmental demands.

The Debonding on Demand technology enables clean, residue-free separation of bonded components, which supports faster manufacturing cycles, efficient repair processes, and enhanced recycling capabilities. The ability to disassemble products without damaging components or materials is critical for circular economy strategies, where reuse and recyclability are increasingly important. This capability is particularly relevant for industries such as electronics and automotive manufacturing, where end-of-life management and resource efficiency are key competitive pressures. By situating this laboratory in Singapore, tesa not only leverages the city-state’s research ecosystem and innovation networks, but also strengthens its capacity to serve regional markets through rapid prototyping, customised technical consultations, and collaborative development programs. The strategic location enables tesa to respond quickly to market needs and emerging technological demands across Vietnam, Thailand, India, and beyond.

Innovation Driving Industrial and Circular Economy Solutions

At the heart of tesa Sustainable Innovation Singapore are adhesive and bonding technologies that intersect with both traditional manufacturing and emerging industrial trends. These solutions have applications ranging from precision manufacturing to advanced automation systems and consumer electronics. tesa’s technologies are embedded in products that power modern industries such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and industrial automation, showcasing its broad impact on the industrial value chain.

Innovation in adhesive technologies also extends to environmental sustainability. In support of Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and broader decarbonisation goals, tesa has introduced solvent-reduced adhesive solutions, bio-based materials, and recyclable product designs. These advancements help customers achieve their own sustainability goals while reducing overall resource consumption and carbon footprint. Sustainable product design is increasingly critical as industries adapt to regulatory pressures and consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. The ability to reduce emissions and material waste through smarter adhesive systems aligns with global trends toward circular manufacturing, where materials are conserved and reused throughout product life cycles.

Enhancing Talent and Knowledge Transfer

Beyond technology development, tesa Sustainable Innovation Singapore emphasizes skills development, technical expertise, and knowledge sharing within the region. Since establishing its presence, tesa has been a partner not just in technology deployment, but also in workforce development.

Singapore’s strategic role as a regional hub facilitates skill transfer and capacity building for professionals across the Asia-Pacific. This includes training programs, operational excellence frameworks, and collaborative research initiatives that elevate local competencies in advanced manufacturing and sustainability practices.

Furthermore, tesa’s partnerships with regional research institutions and universities contribute to an ecosystem where innovation is continuously nurtured. This reinforces Singapore’s status as a centre for advanced manufacturing and technology leadership, making the city-state attractive for international companies pursuing sustainable industrial growth.

Balancing Sustainability with Business Growth

The evolution of tesa Sustainable Innovation Singapore reflects a larger corporate strategy that balances long-term sustainability goals with commercial growth. As part of a global organisation with over 125 years of experience in adhesive solutions, tesa has integrated environmental responsibility into its core business model, demonstrating how companies can grow without compromising ecological integrity.

Globally, tesa is investing in environmentally friendly products and solvent-free manufacturing processes. It also uses renewable energy at production sites and continuously optimises resource efficiency across its operations. These efforts align with broader sustainability commitments that aim to minimise waste and reduce emissions while supporting industrial competitiveness.

Sustainable growth is not just an aspiration for tesa; it is a strategic imperative. As global customers increasingly prioritise eco-friendly solutions, companies that spearhead sustainability innovation are better positioned to meet market expectations and regulatory requirements. In Singapore, this strategic orientation informs investments, partnerships, and long-term planning around circular economy initiatives and sustainable industrial solutions.

The Future of Innovation and Sustainability in Singapore

Looking forward, tesa Sustainable Innovation Singapore is expected to remain a focal point for regional technology leadership and sustainable industrial development. Singapore’s ongoing push into smart manufacturing, electrification, and digitalisation further amplifies the relevance of advanced adhesive solutions and circular practices in regional supply chains.

As Asia-Pacific economies continue to evolve, the role of innovation hubs like Singapore in fostering cross-border collaboration, technology transfer, and sustainability acceleration will be increasingly important. tesa’s enduring presence and growing investments signal confidence not only in the city-state’s economic prospects, but also in its capacity to catalyse sustainable industrial transformation across diverse markets. With innovation deeply embedded in its strategy, tesa is well positioned to contribute to Singapore’s next phase of growth while advancing a circular economy that supports both environmental goals and industrial competitiveness.