Axalta Coating Systems is excited to announce that its AquaEC 6100 cathodic epoxy e-coat primer is NSF-51 Standard certified after meeting the strict requirements for products used to manufacture food equipment and related materials. AquaEC 6100 is the first e-coat product to attain this certification in North America.

NSF requirements for food equipment and material safety help ensure products do not release harmful chemicals into food and safeguard against products that may harbor bacteria. NSF-51 Standard establishes minimum public health and sanitation requirements for materials and finishes used in the manufacture of commercial food service equipment and its components, such as refrigerator heat exchangers and condenser coils, tubing and valves.

To earn the certification, a regimented product evaluation process and testing must be performed. The manufacturing facility needs to pass an inspection, confirm production methods, and allow product sampling by NSF International auditors to certify that consistent quality standards exist.

“AquaEC 6100 is the first e-coat in the industry to receive this coveted approval status,” said Mike Stuhldreher, Axalta North America Sales Manager. “This certification confirms AquaEC 6100’s approval for products sold to the medical and food industries, opening up new markets for Axalta. This approval is also a testament to Axalta’s research and development scientists, who diligently work to deliver innovative products that keep us on the cutting edge of technology.”

Founded in 1944, NSF International is known for its high standard of quality, inspection and certification of products and materials intended to come into contact with consumable food and potable water.

Another Axalta electrocoat, AquaEC 2600, previously received NSF-61 Standard for Drinking Water System Components certification. NSF-61 sets health effects criteria for many water system components including water storage tanks, protective barrier materials (cements, paints, coatings), pipes and related products.