With its chromate-free Universal Primer for coil coating systems, BASF Coatings is the world market leader in the field of environment-friendly technology
BASF Coatings is the world market leader in the field of chromate-free coil coating primers. The third and re-enhanced generation of this product has now been successfully launched. Primers are applied to cleaned and pre-treated steel coils to provide corrosion protection and to ensure optimum topcoat adhesion. The new generation chromate-free Universal Primer is compatible with all the standard steel pre-treatment products, offers greater transfer efficiency and a higher eco-efficiency than its predecessors. While the first generation of the product still required chromated pre-treatment, the current version also offers first-rate properties when applied to chromate-free pre-treatment products.
As homogeneous system solutions, the new, re-enhanced chromate-free Universal Primers offer optimal conditions for both smooth and textured topcoats, and are even more reliable in inhibiting the dreaded rust on galvanized steel. Yet it is not only in terms of anti-corrosive properties, but also with regard to spreading rate, functionality, adhesion, flexibility and deep drawability that COILTEC® TOP Universal P CF represents the optimum present-day technological standard. It speeds up and simplifies the production process as it can be used for all galvanized substrates and topcoat technologies. That saves money and is good for the environment.
The production volume of 30,000 metric tons for the environment-friendly COILTEC® TOP Universal P CF product has already been exceeded considerably. In Russia, for instance, all BASF Coatings customers are already using this primer. In point of fact, this third generation of chromate-free Universal Primers has, once again, set new standards. Peter Fischer: "With our early development work we have already met the environmental targets that were on the agenda before being compelled to do so by the legislator and have thus provided our customers with a considerable competitive advantage."
Façade-Protection
This competitive advantage for the customer is also the reason for the further development of plastisol-based weather-resistant topcoats for façade protection applications. Working in close cooperation with BASF's research community, BASF Coatings has determinedly developed this innovative product which provides customers with advantages in both commercial and ecological terms and which has put BASF in the technological lead. These plastisol-based weather-resistant topcoats ensure that façade coatings remain permanently attractive. The long-term warranty that BASF Coatings grants its customers shows just how durable this coating is. This development project has once again demonstrated the advantages offered by BASF's research community. Thus, special-purpose light stabilizers and pigments are used, all of them coming from BASF's production program.
Another example of how BASF Coatings aims to extend its lead in the coil coatings field is efficient coating solutions for White Goods (for instance, washing machines and refrigerators).
The Russian high-growth market - investment in teams and plants
BASF Coatings is extending its technological lead in places where it can work profitably and grow along with its customers. One of these dynamic markets is the region of Eastern Europe, and that means above all Russia, where BASF Coatings enjoys longstanding and strong relations with its customers. There, a mixing machine for coil coatings is actually running on the spot and another is currently being built at Samara. Furthermore, BASF is firmly established with local staff and a sales team. This is how Peter Fischer explains the BASF Coatings strategy: "The worldwide coil coatings market is strongly fragmented both regionally and in terms of product applications. BASF Coatings is focusing on Europe, South America and Asia. Here, with our eco-efficient technologies we can give effective support to our customers on a permanent basis."
About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost ¤58 billion in 2007. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.