When finishing, decorating, protecting, and preserving metal and other surfaces, powder coating can’t be beaten. Did you know powder coating is eco-friendlier than painting and other finishing and coating techniques? Here’s how powder coating supports green initiatives!
What Is Powder Coating?
If you’re not familiar with powder coating, it’s a fairly simple process. Powder coating is a dry finishing method where finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto a surface; metal, wood, and plastic can all benefit from powder coating. The coated object is heated, allowing the powder to harden and fuse into a smooth, durable, and attractive finish. Powder coating lasts longer and resists weather and damage better than paint. As for its environmental benefits, here are a few:
Reduces Harmful Emissions
Powder coating beats paint where green initiatives are concerned. Powder coating reduces harmful emissions from chemicals that exist in traditional liquid coatings containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs eventually evaporate, contributing to air pollution and smog formation. Powder coatings, on the other hand, are virtually VOC-free. Using powder coatings contributes to improved air quality and minimizes the environmental footprint of manufacturing processes. It’s also safer for the people who apply powder coating.
Minimizing Waste
The more waste you eliminate, the better it is for the environment. Overspray refers to paint that doesn’t adhere to the target surface. This is a common issue, and it means a sizable amount of material waste. Powder coating, on the other hand, offers high transfer efficiency—more coating material sticks to the product. What’s more, powder coating professionals can collect and reuse overspray, further reducing waste. It’s an efficient way of recycling of materials while minimizing powder coating’s environmental impact.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency means saving money as well as the earth! Traditional paint and other liquid coating processes typically require longer drying times and higher temperatures than powder coating. This leads to increased energy use. Powder coating cures faster and at lower temperatures, making it more energy efficient. Reduced energy consumption translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.
Durability and Longevity
Powder coating lasts a long time without scratching, chipping, flaking, or requiring touch-ups. It can last about 10–15 years! That means fewer reapplications, reducing the consumption of coating materials. This keeps covered surfaces and equipment looking good and remaining operational for extended periods, further supporting the sustainable ethos.
Those are the basics on how powder coating supports green initiatives. If you require powder coating or other industrial finishing services, contact us for a consultation!