|
|
 |
DuPont EcoConcept helps save energy
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a top priority for all DuPont businesses. DuPont Refinish has led the way to environmental consciousness on the automotive refinish market with its waterborne basecoat Cromax®. Now another technology from DuPont, DuPont EcoConcept, takes this a step further by enabling car manufacturers to substantially reduce energy use and environmental emissions as well as capital costs.
DuPont EcoConcept is a patented finishing system that eliminates one complete coating layer, the primer-surfacer, and combines it into a single environmentally compliant waterborne basecoat. As a result, the spraybooth and curing oven are eliminated from the production line. Specifically, the technology reduces energy consumption and solvent emissions by approximately 25 per cent. Carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 45-50 kg per vehicle built. The combination of two coats into one reduces production time and saves on the cost of equipment needed for the conventional three-coat process.
"The global automotive industry has never been as competitive as it is today, so every cost advantage is vital," says Kevin Docherty, DuPont Refinish brand development manager EMEA. "Thanks to the close links DuPont Refinish has with our sister business DuPont Automotive Systems, we are able to equip refinishers with state-of-the-art aftermarket solutions as we are always up-to-date with the latest developments in OEM technologies, and thereby helping them be as productive as possible. On a corporate level, DuPont is now able to provide productive as well as environmentally compliant technologies for the OEM industry with the introduction of EcoConcept."
Bollig & Kemper, a German manufacturer of coatings for the European automotive industry, has recently signed a license agreement for DuPont EcoConcept. The Cologne-based paint maker will manufacture and sell waterborne basecoats for use in the EcoConcept process at automotive manufacturing plants in Germany and elsewhere in Europe.
EcoConcept technology was recognised in 2007 when the authoritative automotive publication Automotive News presented DuPont with a PACE Award, the highest honour in a competition staged annually by the publication. Docherty adds, “these are the Oscars of the automotive industry. Being selected for the PACE award is recognition of the DuPont science community’s relentless pursuits to develop new technologies that are environmentally sustainable and at the same time enable our customers to save costs and be more productive.”
DuPont Refinish is the dynamic, global refinish brand. We deliver increased productivity to bodyshops, from reception to delivery of the repaired vehicle, through innovative, unique paint systems and localised business solutions.
|
|
|
