International.
Henkel is the first winner of the International Furrow Environmental Footprint Award, honoring the company's commitment to waste prevention and water treatment with its Bonderite Thin Film 1800 Series zirconium oxide pretreatment process for automotive bodies.
The award was given to Henkel's Surface Technologies team in Asia Pacific and its partner, Qoros Auto Co., in recognition of a joint project implemented at the paint shop of the Qoros factory in Changshu, near Shanghai.
Henkel and Qoros received the award during this year's Surcar International Congress in Shanghai, before more than 150 regional players from major automakers and body finishing suppliers. The Surcar Congress for the finishing and painting industry was inaugurated in 1964 in France. In 2014, for the first time, the event was held in Shanghai.
Henkel explained that the Bonderite Thin Film process, which puts the body in perfect condition for painting, is much more environmentally friendly than traditional zinc phosphate treatments. For example, by eliminating the use of heavy metals, such as zinc and nickel, this involves fewer processing stages and less rinsing, which can reduce water consumption by 20%. In addition, it produces less solid waste.
The process also operates at room temperature, thus reducing energy consumption by 70%. In contrast to traditional treatment processes, which include at least 12 individual steps, three of which require heating, Bonderite thin film technology comprises only seven steps, and only two of them need additional heat.
