AkzoNobel and leading Chinese automaker JAC Motors have pioneered the first use of VOC-free powder technology in automotive body coatings. JAC has been successfully using AkzoNobel’s Interpon powder technology for coating truck bodies at its site in Mengcheng, China.

The two companies discussed the technology at an industry forum in Shanghai today, organized by the Coating Division of the China Surface Engineering Association. Other participants of the forum include GM Auto, leading auto makers Sinotruk, Geely, and Yogomo.

“AkzoNobel is supporting sustainability in the automotive industry with innovative solutions like these,” said Eddie Wang, Business Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business in North Asia. “The application of high-performance powder coating solutions in body coating represents a major technological breakthrough in this sector, bringing the benefits of minimizing resource wastage and environmental pollution.”

Chinese auto makers have been seeking ways to meet new coatings standards that were promulgated in 2006. Though powder coatings are listed as a recommended solution for cleaner manufacturing, this is the first example of their use in volume manufacture. The production line at Mengcheng has been operating successfully using AkzoNobel’s Interpon A powder coatings for JAC’s SLX truck.

Wenping Xing, Technical Director of JAC Motors, said: “Environmental friendliness are top priorities as we pursue production technology excellence.  Powder coatings have the advantages of high utility rate and zero wastage, making them a sustainable solution of choice for body coating. Our first power coating line for truck combined the proven technologies of AkzoNobel and the state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. It helps us with good quality control and delivering our promise on environmental protection. We are now planning on the second power coating line.”

Wailing Wu, Secretary General, Coating Division of China Surface Engineering Association, called for all industry related companies to take actions to put cleaner manufacturing into practice. “We should strive to enable manufacturing process and equipment that produce high efficiency with less emission. These efforts will ensure the long-term sustainable development of the industry.”