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Interview:“High-quality, bio-based raw materials are now available for powder coating production”
Powder coatings are already among the most environmentally friendly surface finishing options, but advancements in bio-based raw materials, recycled components, and mass-balanced approaches could take sustainability to the next level. Savvas Legidis, Head of Technology at IGP Pulvertechnik, shares insights into innovation and sustainability trends in the industry. Interview by Bettina Hoffmann
Where do you see major innovations in additives for powder coatings?
Savvas Legidis: At the latest when the ECHA appears on the scene, longevity comes to an end. The justifiably critical attitude towards so-called ‘forever chemicals’ currently dominates innovation activities in the field of additives. From the perspective of IGP Pulvertechnik, there is still no real alternative to PTFE-containing structural additives. This is where we are seeing the greatest focus in research efforts, regardless of the supplier. We see further development potential and progress in the field of additives for technical property control without limiting effects on decorative aspects.
Examples of this are additives for controlling electrical conductivity or melt viscosity. Finally, we should mention innovations that were not intended initially by raw material manufacturers. These include the use of non-standard raw materials from other industries in ‘additive concentrations’ by paint manufacturers for purposes other than those intended.
How can powder coatings become more sustainable? Is bio-based an option?
Legidis: Firstly, it should be noted that powder coatings are inherently highly environmentally friendly, which is precisely why it is worth making further efforts in this area. The progress made in these efforts can be reflected in the downstream processing process or in the product itself. High-quality, bio-based raw materials are now available for powder coating production. Recycled components are also being incorporated into the binders. From IGP Pulvertechnik’s point of view, the most sensible approach to taking both aspects into account is to use mass-balanced raw materials. The avoidance of environmentally harmful substances is also a possible additional option – here I come back to the keyword ‘forever chemicals’.
On the process side, the main thing to mention is the increase in the reactivity of powder coatings across the entire product range. This enables the processing company to reduce its energy consumption. Furthermore, this development offers the potential to expand the field of application for powder coatings in an environmentally friendly way. Highly reactive powder coatings can already successfully compete with solvent-based coating materials in certain applications. In summary, it can be said that powder coatings will remain the most sustainable option for surface finishing in the future.
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