tesa Plant Sparta
tesa North America - Plant Sparta
324 South Union AvenueSparta, MI 49345
Phone: 001 616 887 1757
Email: customercare@tesatape.com
Sparta, MI 49345
Established in 1982, tesa Site Sparta was tesa's first production facility outside of Europe. Located in West Michigan, the site manufactures specialty pressure-sensitive adhesive tape products for the automotive, building, electronics, construction, and industrial markets across North America. The facility operates advanced coating and converting processes and produces a wide range of adhesive solutions, including air and waterproofing tapes for building envelope applications. Following a major expansion in 2023, the site now spans over 16,000 square meters and features 100% solvent-free production, an expanded Product and Technology Development Lab, and a Customer Solution Center for collaborative product development with customers and partners.
The Sparta site supports tesa's sustainability goals through several initiatives focused on energy efficiency, responsible resource management, and solvent-free production.
Driving sustainability on site: solvent-free production, renewable energy, and less waste
100% solvent-free production
By the end of 2023, tesa Site Sparta completed the full transition to solvent-free manufacturing. A new solvent-free extrusion (SFX) line, added as part of a facility expansion, replaced aging solvent-based production equipment. The patented process developed by tesa enables the solvent-free production of adhesive tapes, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and fossil fuel consumption.
The new production equipment was designed with a "zero waste" concept, reducing natural gas consumption by approximately 40%. With this transition, tesa's production in North America is now 100% solvent-free. Between 2018 and 2024, the Sparta site achieved a 76% reduction in emissions.
Renewable energy
A 630 kW solar panel system generates approximately 780,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 300 metric tons of CO₂ each year. Additional photovoltaic modules are planned. The facility also works to improve energy efficiency through equipment upgrades and process optimization, including the preparation of a heat pump concept
Waste reduction
The site maintains recycling and waste reduction programs to minimize manufacturing waste, with a focus on reducing waste at the source by improving production efficiencies. A pilot coater in the Product and Technology Development Lab allows product samples to be manufactured without disrupting production on the plant floor, reducing downtime and material waste.
Ensuring quality by meeting international standards
The Sparta site’s commitment to quality, safety, and responsible operations is underscored by a strong set of internationally recognized certifications.
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System
ISO 9001 – Quality
IATF 16949 – Automotive quality
