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AkzoNobel completes capacity expansion at Vietnam multi-site
Manufacturing and production facilities are continually exploring how to do more with less. Traditionally, this has been driven by the need to improve margins and profitability to remain competitive. In more recent times, the motivation has evolved. Today the ambition is not simply financial, but more a real commitment to becoming more sustainable. Businesses are mindful of the impact that product materials and processes – upstream and downstream – have on energy consumption and the environment. They are mindful too of the impact of rising energy prices and the challenges of future availability and supply.
It was for these very reasons that AkzoNobel Powder Coatings developed Interpon 610 Low-E, a powder coating specially engineered for curing at lower temperatures, consuming less energy and accelerating production. The figures speak for themselves: in a typical coating line, a switch to Low-E reduces the curing temperature required by 30°C (from 180°C to 150°C), and in doing so cuts energy consumption by as much as 20% Alternatively, it can improve productivity, curing up to 25% faster compared to a ‘standard’ powder coating.
A significant advantage to using Interpon Low-E is also how it directly supports a company’s drive towards a net zero carbon future. This requires manufacturers not only to look at their own business, processes and practices to reduce carbon emissions (defined as Scope 1 and Scope 2 of the Green House Gas Protocol of 2001), but also the business and practices within their supply chain (Scope 3). As part of the AkzoNobel’s commitment to sustainability, its Interpon 610 Low-E contributes to the Scope 3 target by delivering a powder coating that directly supports a reduction in a customer’s energy consumption and related emissions.
Proven in practice
The benefits of using Low-E have already been proven in practice. Cycling parts and accessories manufacturer Rodi, for example, has significantly reduced its energy consumption by switching to Interpon from a competitive brand, and specifically by switching to Interpon 610 Low-E.
In Rodi’s case, it has been able to reduce its oven temperature to 170°C (from the 195°C required for the previous brand of powder coating). And by using less powder, Interpon 610 Low-E is enabling Rodi to coat 20% more wheel rims per box than it was previously coating. The overall result of switching to Interpon 610 Low-E has been a 25% reduction of gas consumption.
Rui Mendes, Manager of Rodi’s Rims and Wheels business, says the switch has enabled the business to achieve its main objective of being more energy efficient: “The impressive test results comparing Interpon 610 Low-E to the powder coating we were using from a different supplier made the decision to buy Interpon easy,” Rui explains.
“Using Interpon means we are able to coat our rims by consuming less energy and using less powder coating. So with Interpon our business has found value and performance, as well as being able to significantly reduce our impact on the environment.”
AkzoNobel’s technical support and expert knowledge also made a significant impression on Rui and his team: “When we were investing in our cycling accessories paint line our team found the new technology and processes to be completely different to what they were used to,” explains Rui. “It was the Interpon team who shared their expert product and technical knowledge to help us get things right. They knew the right adjustments to make and the fine tuning that was required to optimize process flows and reduce waste to achieve optimal efficiency and productivity in our paint line.”
Continual innovation
Interpon 610 Low-E is the result of AkzoNobel’s belief that the best can always be better. Those that use Interpon will already be very familiar with the environmental benefits its powder coatings deliver. Being free from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), they are kinder to the environment than their liquid counterparts. Through their durable qualities they are also more sustainable, thanks to their longer-lasting performance and protection against damaging corrosion and rust, even in the most challenging environments.
Because of how the powder is applied, they provide better edge coverage and a more even coat than liquid paints, and any overspray can be recycled which means virtually zero waste. They are also very easy to apply, often in a single application, accelerating processing times and improving production volumes, while reducing energy consumption and cost.
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