The investment will allow Henkel to improve the production of solvent- and chromium-free pretreatment agents for metal coating.
The Adhesive Technologies division of Henkel has recently announced that it has expanded its manufacturing capacities in the Montornès del Vallès (Spain) site in order to increase the CO2-neutral production of solvent- and chromium-free pretreatment products for metals in coating plants. In the future, the expansion will also enable the company to offer tinplate manufacturers – who will have to stop using chromium in production by 2027 – an ideal basis for converting their passivation processes.
“Through this expansion in Montornès, which will serve as the new production site for Europe and the APAC region, we can ensure reliable supply capabilities to meet rising demand. This is one of the ways we are contributing to the architectural megatrend of sustainable construction projects,” has stated Jaime Anguera, the plant manager.
The investment regards the chromium-free pretreatment agents Bonderite M-NT 1455T, M-NT 1456 and M-NT 10456 for coil coating, that act as an interface between the steel and the coating to provide enhanced corrosion protection and adhesion. Since the boiling point of solvent-borne products is 150° C – which leads to poorer drying of the materials – the three solutions are now also available as odourless and better-drying solvent-free products.
“We are committed to continuously improving our products and driving innovation far beyond regulatory requirements. Developing solvent-free versions of our proven and high-performance Bonderite pretreatment agents was therefore a logical step with regard to the safety of our customers,” has added Hans-Oscar Stephan, the technical manager for metal coil in Europe at the Adhesive Technologies division of Henkel.
“We are continuously searching for ways to make metal pretreatment more sustainable for our customers, their employees and the environment. CO2-neutral production in Montornès is an important milestone as we continue to pursue this ambition moving forward,” has concluded Volker Mansfeld, the vice-president for metal coil and general industry.