BASF was awarded the Pierre Potier prize 2013 within the “Innovative Processes” category for its automotive paint application process called Integrated Process II (IP II). This process for waterborne paint application to car bodies is characterized by its particularly efficient and ecological procedure.

The prize rewards innovations in the field of chemicals and promotes sustainable development. It was created eight years ago at the instigation of the French Federation for Chemical Sciences (FFC) and French Chemical Industries Union (UIC) and placed under the supervision of France’s Minister for Economic Regeneration.

The innovation of the IP II consists in eliminating the second paint layer, the primer coat, and its baking phase. In their place, two thinner coats are applied directly to the cathodic e-coat without an intermediate drying phase. The coating is resistant to stone chipping and UV rays. This approach has become established at new automotive paint shops. “BASF develops new processes which are more economic in terms of energy consumption and quantity of raw materials. The Integrated Process II allows reducing the quantity of paint used. It also helps to decrease the CO2 emissions and energy consumption by up to 20 percent,” explains Yannick Pichot, BASF Technical Manager Basecoat Color & Formulation in Clermont de l’Oise, France.

This is, in fact, what an eco-efficiency analysis carried out jointly by BASF and Dürr last year was able to confirm. The implementation of this process is, amongst others, being supported by PSA Peugeot Citroën and it is already being used in Shenzhen, China. PSA Peugeot Citroën is also preparing to implement the IP II technology at its production line in France.

BASF develops innovative products and processes for its customers and helps them with the implementation at their sites, for example at its main customers from the French automotive industry, Renault/Nissan and PSA Peugeot Citroën.