Consumables

Henkel Aquence(TM) Coating Systems Meets Challenging California Environmental Standards

Wednesday 16. April 2008 - Coating technology approved for use in Thule Towing Systems California facility

Henkel’s Aquence(TM) coating technology has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California protection authorities for use in local manufacturing facilities. The Aquence(TM) 930 epoxy-acrylic urethane system will allow California manufacturers to improve technology and efficiencies while reducing complexities with an environmentally-responsible coating solution.

Henkel’s Aquence(TM) coating is an innovative autodeposition coating process that provides a 40 percent reduction in production-area footprint, improves paint shop flexibility, decreases energy consumptions, and eliminates heavy metal sludge. Aquence(TM) 930 performs similarly to traditional primer coat applications in OEM cyclic corrosion tests, and provides excellent thermal stability, top-coat ability and flexibility compared to other coating applications. It is “best-in-class” in environmental and footprint benefits and offers almost no volatile organic compounds (VOC) while reducing hazardous air pollutants.

Thule Towing Systems, the industry leader in delivering transportation and towing solutions, will use the new Aquence(TM) 930 coating system as a pretreatment replacement for its Lodi, Calif. facility. Thule will manufacture and coat towing systems for its current automotive OEM towing applications. In addition, Thule Towing System will use the Aquence(TM) 930 and a powder topcoat application on its aftermarket products, which includes a complete line of professional quality trailer hitches.

“The addition of Henkel’s environmentally responsible coating system allows us to expand our capabilities and provide added value to our customers,” said Anders Nordin, vice president of marketing, Thule Towing Systems. “The coating system meets the most demanding automotive OEM requirements for corrosion and performance.”

“This is a significant breakthrough for Henkel’s sustainability efforts and for our commitment to decreasing energy consumption,” said Dan Wohletz, vice president, automotive North America, Henkel. “Our customers will be able to expand their presence in California by using Aquence(TM) 930 as an environmentally responsible coating solution that improves production capabilities and increases production flexibility.”