In the competitive landscape of industrial coatings, Adam Evans, PPG sales development manager for powder coatings, is leading the charge in promoting energy efficiency for our customers in the UK and Ireland.
Adam Evans: Leading the Charge in Sustainably Advantaged Low-Bake Powder Coatings
Since joining PPG in 2022, Adam has effectively combined his expertise in chemistry and pharmacology with a strong commitment to advancing PPG’s powder coatings business. His efforts have contributed to helping both PPG and its customers meet their sustainability objectives.
“Each day, I’m working to acquire new customers with a major focus on selling our powder products,” said Adam.
What Are Low-Bake Powder Coatings?
Low-bake powder coatings are revolutionizing the coatings industry by offering exceptional mechanical properties, including durability, hardness and abrasion resistance.
Unlike other coating technologies that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during curing, powder coatings, including low-bake formulations, are generally formulated without solvents. But low-bake powders have an advantage over standard powder coatings since they cure at significantly lower temperatures—between 250°F and 325°F (121°C to 163°C)—compared to the 325°F to 400°F (163°C to 204°C) required for conventional powder coatings. This reduction in curing temperature leads to energy savings and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more about the advantages of low-bake powder coatings technology >
Real-World Impact: A Case Study
Adam's advocacy for low-bake powder coatings has resonated with manufacturers across Europe. “European customers are particularly interested in low-bake powder coatings as a means to mitigate the region's high energy costs and comply with stringent emissions regulations,” Adam noted.
A notable example involved a UK-based fencing manufacturer that did a comparative analysis of the energy performance between conventional and low-bake powders on their primary coating line. The results were significant: the company achieved a 36 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) reduction in oven temperatures when utilizing the low-bake product, leading to a 25% to 30% decrease in greenhouse gas consumption and associated emissions.
“For a coating company facing gas bills exceeding one million euros annually during the peak of the European energy crisis, transitioning to low-bake powder coatings was crucial for maintaining profitability amidst soaring energy costs,” Adam explained.
PPG's Commitment to Innovation
Low-bake powder coatings represent a significant advancement in coating technology, offering numerous benefits that enhance efficiency, sustainability and application versatility. As Adam Evans continues to champion these innovative solutions, PPG is well-positioned to lead the way in the powder coatings industry.
Manufacturers and coaters looking to improve the cost efficiency and productivity of their finishing operations should explore the advantages of transitioning to PPG ENVIROCRON® low-bake powder coatings.
