ROWI HG Bild

we continously improve on innovations. and ourselves.

Unternehmen HG Bild

At ROWAK, it’s about more than just adhesive powder: we combine innovation with responsibility.

Our aim is to create solutions that are not only efficient and reliable, but also make a lasting contribution to people, markets and the environment.

Quality & Environment
our Commitment

Reliability across all areas of cooperation is both our commitment and our ongoing challenge.

For ROWAK AG, quality means acting and thinking in line with our customers’ requirements. Our principle and ambition are to develop and maintain high-quality products. The ROWALIT™ and ROWAFLEX™ labels stand as symbols of this mature and consistent quality.

A fundamental basis for meeting your expectations is the environmental compatibility of our products. Regular sampling and analysis of both raw materials and finished goods are conducted in accordance with strict internal guidelines.

Quality assurance also includes the integration of innovative production processes. We work closely with research and development laboratories that support our objective of creating modern, high-quality products.

ROWAK AG is certified according to ISO 9001. The current certificate is available for download below.

Worldwide

ROWAK AG maintains a global network of representatives and distribution partners who address regional customer requirements and provide tailored on-site support.

Contact us directly and we will be happy to connect you with our local representatives.

Energy Management

ROWAK AG uses systematic energy management as an effective instrument to continuously improve energy efficiency. The resulting cost reductions and the consistent utilization of these potentials contribute to strengthening our competitiveness. Energy management influences organizational and technical processes as well as employee behavior. From an economic perspective, it helps to reduce the overall operational energy consumption (including energy required for production) and the use of primary and auxiliary materials, while continuously improving the company’s energy efficiency.

The energy management system systematically records energy flows. It supports decision-making regarding investments in energy efficiency and enables us to meet the commitments defined in our energy policy. Furthermore, it facilitates the continuous improvement of our energy performance through a structured approach.

The energy management system governs and implements the energy policy—including strategic and operational objectives and action plans—as well as planning, implementation and operation, monitoring and measurement, control and corrective actions, internal audits, and regular management reviews.

REACh

REACH is the abbreviation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It has been legally binding for the entire manufacturing and processing industry since June 1, 2007 and replaced the previously applicable EU chemicals legislation.
The chemical industry is responsible for the impacts and risks of its products, including imported chemicals. The implementation of REACH was phased over several years and reached full registration requirements by 2018.

In close cooperation with our suppliers, our product specialists ensure the (pre-)registration of the raw materials used.

IMDS

Under national and international environmental protection legislation (e.g. the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, the EU CLP Regulation on hazardous substances, the German Circular Economy Act), every manufacturer and supplier in the automotive industry is responsible for the entire life cycle of their product. This ensures the traceability of widely used materials.
Leading global car manufacturers, including BMW AG, Daimler AG, FIAT, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Opel, Porsche, Volvo, Mitsubishi Motors, Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Toyota, Volkswagen AG and others, have established this uniform and standardised material data system.

ROWAK AG is registered in the IMDS with many products.

OEKO-TEX – ECO Passport

ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX is an independent testing and certification system for chemicals, dyes and auxiliaries used in the manufacture of textiles. As part of a three-stage verification process, the system assesses whether the chemical products and each individual ingredient meet specific requirements regarding sustainability, safety and compliance with legal regulations.

The ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certificate offers many benefits to manufacturers and users of chemicals in textile production:

  • It enhances process and product safety at every stage of the textile value chain.
  • It represents a comprehensive and holistic strategy for chemical validation, designed to increase safety throughout the textile production chain.
  • It is a comprehensive approach to the handling of chemicals and to paving the way for green chemistry.
  • It offers a combination of transparency and testing.
  • It serves the principle of the ‘right to know’ in sustainable textile production and supports strategies for chemical substitutes.
  • Chemicals certified according to ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX are approved for use in products certified according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX and in production facilities certified according to STeP by OEKO-TEX.
  • Furthermore, the ECO PASSPORT RSL/MRSL screening is used to verify that the product components declared by the applicant are not included in the STeP by OEKO-TEX list of restricted substances for textile production (MRSL) or the REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). As the OEKO-TEX Association is recognised as a third-party verifier by the ZDHC Organisation, the ECO PASSPORT also confirms ZDHC MRSL compliance at Level 1 or 3.

Further information:

The continuous development of market-oriented products has established ROWAK AG as an important partner to industry in the field of thermoplastics.

Since its foundation in 1974, ROWAK AG has consistently developed reliable and innovative products for international markets, including apparel textiles, home textiles, technical textiles, footwear and leather applications, as well as the automotive, filtration, hygiene, and cosmetics industries.

In addition to our standard product range, we offer tailor-made, application-oriented solutions developed in close collaboration with our customers.

This makes ROWAK a valuable partner for your projects. Please contact us if you have any questions or are looking for customized application solutions. Our experienced team provides comprehensive technical support and accompanies joint product development through to final application.

the
heart

Our employees are at the heart of ROWAK. We create an environment where ideas can grow, talents are encouraged, and safety is a natural part of everyday work. Because only those who feel comfortable can contribute to innovation.

We support initiatives in the areas of education, environment, and equality. In doing so, we aim to strengthen the regions in which we operate and make a positive contribution beyond our core business.

we
work

continuously to optimize our energy use and reduce emissions. Through clear targets and smart technologies, we improve the efficiency of our production — measurable, transparent, and with a focus on the future.

ROWAK develops products designed to make the best possible use of materials while minimizing waste. Our ambition is to continuously rethink processes and create more sustainable alternatives that deliver real added value.

We have set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets for 2030. In doing so, we align with the global UN Sustainable Development Goals and focus on the areas where, as a specialist in adhesive powders, we can make the greatest impact.

Our developments are aimed at designing packaging and products so that they can be reused, recycled, or composted. In this way, we actively support the transition towards a circular economy.

we
believe

Sustainability starts at home. That is why ethics, integrity and transparency are our top priorities. With a clear code of conduct, we focus on partnerships built on trust.

we’re bonded to our history — without sticking to it.

Since its founding in 1974, ROWAK AG has grown into a recognized specialist in hotmelt adhesive powders. Our milestones reflect the journey we’ve taken—and serve as a constant drive to keep expanding the limits of what can be achieved.

1974

Company founded

Introduction of first thermoplastic hot melt adhesives

2000

Pioneering work

Development of functional powder blends for technical coatings

2009

Powder processing

Production of thermoplastic ROWALIT™ polyurethanes as fine powders

2010

Commissioning

Commissioning of a new milling plant at the Klettgau site

2010

Market launch

Launch of ROWAFLEX™ paste additives for aqueous, powder-filled printing pastes

2011

Innovation & R&D

Establishment of the R&D laboratory and expansion of application technology facilities, including a multifunctional pilot coating line

2012

Sustainability

Development of thermoplastic hot melt adhesive powders based on eco-polymers (renewable raw materials)

2013

Research

First patents and scientific publications

2016

Product innovation

Start of series production of a silicone ink-compatible TPU transfer printing powder

2017

Material innovation

First high-performance polymer PBT produced as a fine powder in series

2017-2019

Research project (DBU)

Successful completion of the “Bio-Polymers” project funded by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU)

2017-2020

Research project (BMBF)

Completion of the “Flame-retardant high-performance polymers” project in collaboration with Siemens and Airbus

2018

Certification – ZDHC Level 1

First ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certification for ROWALIT™ products

2020

Technology transfer

Sale of TPU and PP powder-based 3D printing patents to AM Polymers GmbH

2022

Product launch

Introduction of the BIOPOW® product range – sustainable adhesive powders for various applications

2023

Energy transition

Commissioning of a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 99 kW; further expansion planned

2024

Production capacity expansion

Commissioning of an additional cryogenic milling system and a 3,000‑litre powder blending system

2025

GOTS compliance

Listing of selected ROWALIT™ products in the GOTS database as approved chemical inputs

2026

Certification – ZDHC Level 3

ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certification for ROWALIT™, BIOPOW® and ROWAFLEX™ products

two locations –
one goal:
hot-melt adhesive
innovations

Germany
ROWAK AG Germany
Schmittenstrasse 21
79771 Klettgau-Griessen
Switzerland
ROWAK AG Switzerland
Hadlaubstrasse 66
8006 Zürich

ready for what’s next? let’s connect.

Technical / Application-oriented
We welcome unsolicited applications from skilled professionals with expertise in plastics processing, the coatings industry and/or mechanical engineering for coatings technology.

Please send your application to our head office in Switzerland.