Clariant unveils solutions fit for elevating industrial coatings to the demanding performance and increasing sustainability requirements of diverse end users – the automotive, transportation, building and construction, and consumer and household goods industries.

Delivering innovations in key areas, such as light stability and durability, fire resistance, waterborne and low VOC coatings, and higher solid solvent-borne coatings, the latest additions to Clariant’s portfolio equip local manufacturers to get to the crux of new sector needs and make the most of opportunities in the globally-growing industrial coatings market, notes a press release from the company.

“More is required of industrial coatings, whether for a car or truck, earth-moving equipment or for structural steel work, than just a finishing decorative touch. Their users look for protection that will extend the lifecycle of industrial applications and deliver high performance in areas such as wear and corrosion resistance. At the same time, reduced environmental impact is an increasing priority. Our additives expand the manufacturers’ toolbox so that future coatings can really raise the bar in meeting customer needs,” comments Tyler Kilgannon, Head of Sales, BU Additives North America.

Steel is the most recycled material, gaining in popularity for commercial and industrial buildings and infrastructure due to its strength, durability, versatility and 100% recyclability.

Clariant now offers manufacturers of intumescent, fire-protective steel coatings the chance to take their products’ sustainability and protection performance a step further.

The New halogen-free flame retardant Exolit® AP 418 (TP) helps solvent based intumescent coatings for steel structures to reach up to 10% longer fire resistance time compared to conventional solutions. Clariant’s EcoTain®-labelled flame retardant has a favorable environmental and health profile, making no contribution to a solvent-based coating’s VOC emissions.

Clariant also introduces its customers to a new solution for water-based intumescent coatings, to sustainably improve the negative impact of cold weather exposure during shipping and storage. Halogen-free Exolit AP 435 prolongs the shelf life, keeping the coating fluid and workable for longer by preventing paints from either drying out quickly in their pail or becoming unusable due to increased stiffness. The EcoTain-labelled innovation supports a greater use of waterborne coatings and reduces the environmental impact of intumescent coatings.