EDITORIAL
I
nnovation, understood as the implementation of new systems and criteria or as a radical change in a consolidated practice, is the driving force of society and economic development. Those who say that the coating industry is increasingly stagnant, wrapped up in its habits and less inclined to innovation will be certainly proved wrong by this issue of ipcm®. The numerous case studies presented, which describe innovative processes, products and technologies, actually paint the picture of a field in a ferment at any level, from raw material chemistry to plant engineering. As is clear, “innovation” is not synonymous only with “Industry 4.0”. The link between sustainability and innovation in the field of surface treatments, in which the former can be seen as both the driving force and the subject of the latter, is increasingly consolidated. The last edition of the European Coatings Show in Nuremberg has outlined a green economy model aiming at the reduction of the environmental impact through sustainable development technologies: use of renewable raw materials for the formulation of resins and additives for biocoatings; reduction of the dependence on fossil-based products; and development of raw materials that further encourage the use of water-based coating systems, which are considered the “true centre of gravity” of this sector. Increasingly often, “innovation” also goes hand in hand with “optimisation”. Even the most innovative painting system can turn out to be a bad investment if poorly managed and not fully exploited. High automation, technological solutions suited to quality and productivity goals, and the constant and automatic control of process parameters are the keys to optimising plant performance. An example is the experience of two large Italian companies that have chosen different, but effective routes for an excellent finishing quality level and a highly efficient process. One has chosen to entrust an industrial outsourcing company with the management of its coating system; the other has made a big investment in what is currently one of the most advanced plants in the world in terms of technology, efficiency and safety. The leitmotiv of all the articles you will find in this issue of ipcm® is the awareness that the true wealth of a business is its process expertise. “Innovation”, therefore, is first and foremost the development of an adequate industrial culture relating to every aspect of the coating process in all industrial segments, not just the high-end ones.
Alessia Venturi Editor-in-chief Direttore Responsabile
international PAINT&COATING magazine - MAY/JUNE 2017 - N. 45
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