ROAD TO 2050
Future-proof chemical pre-treatment process for vertical powder coating lines Edited by AD International Heijningen, The Netherlands
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In response to the European Green Deal and the EU’s evolving construction and chemical strategies, AD International and Corialis Group partnered to reduce the environmental footprint of aluminium surface pre-treatment. Focusing on vertical powder coating lines at two certified production sites in Belgium and Portugal, the collaboration led to major savings in energy (up to 66.7%) and water (up to 87%), while maintaining top-tier coating performance. This case study demonstrates how supplier-manufacturer synergies can enable sustainable innovation and future-proof industrial processes in line with EU climate and circularity goals.
T
he European Green Deal and the ongoing energy crisis are having a major impact on the industry. This requires new approaches to the value chain, where each player has a role to play in reducing their
environmental footprint. Collaboration and partnerships are essential to creating future-proof solutions. A key driver for change in the construction sector is the EU principle for construction and renovation towards 2030 and 2050 (climate neutral). These policies focus on energy efficiency, affordability, decarbonisation and integration of renewable energy, lifecycle analyses and circularity, the green and digital transition, high health and environmental standards, and respect for aesthetics and architectural quality. Aluminium manufacturers are therefore looking for ways to meet these new EU standards for construction and renovation, for example by focusing on making products and production processes more sustainable. A second driver is the ‘chemical strategy of the EU’, which aims to better protect citizens and the environment and encourage innovation in safe and sustainable chemicals. AD Chemicals is at the forefront of the market with chemical pretreatments that enable companies to reduce their carbon footprint. Key components of this strategy are energy saving, water conservation, reduction of chemical consumption and maintenance costs, while
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maintaining the highest quality in paint adhesion and corrosion protection.