AkzoNobel partners with The Ocean Cleanup for largest clean-up in history

The complete removal of plastic from the world’s oceans has moved a step closer after AkzoNobel joined forces with The Ocean Cleanup to help turn the tide on marine pollution.

The partnership involves AkzoNobel providing advanced, biocide-free coatings technology for all the devices and equipment used by The Ocean Cleanup for the next five years.

It represents a major contribution to the organization’s landmark efforts to clear plastic from our oceans. The cleaning is due to begin in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the next 12 months.

“Ocean pollution is a serious global issue impacting our society and our planet’s future,” said AkzoNobel CEO Ton Büchner. “As a world leader in the marine coatings industry, we believe we can make a meaningful contribution to overcoming the problem by taking action and supporting the fantastic work being done by The Ocean Cleanup.”

The most high profile use of the company’s coatings will be on the specially designed floating clean-up system which will collect the waste plastic. These biocide-free Intersleek products are already being used to help make the shipping industry more sustainable by reducing fuel consumption, cutting emissions and lowering the costs of operation.

“It is wonderful to add another big name to our growing list of supporters,” said Boyan Slat, CEO and founder of The Ocean Cleanup. “Working together with a true global force in sustainable coatings technology will ensure that our systems remain protected, even under the most extreme conditions. Another benefit of the partnership is team AkzoNobel’s involvement in the Volvo Ocean Race, which will help increase global awareness of the urgent need to remove plastic from our aquatic ecosystems.”

A perfect fit with AkzoNobel’s Planet Possible sustainability strategy, the collaboration follows on from the recent announcement that the company will also be an official sustainability partner of the next Volvo Ocean Race. This will include organizing a series of Ocean Summits focused on bringing science, politics, government, and sport together in an effort to act positively on the issue of marine litter.

Founded in 2013, The Ocean Cleanup aims to remove half the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the space of just five years. It employs U-shaped screens to channel floating plastic to a central point. The concentrated plastic can then be extracted and shipped to shore for recycling into durable products.

AkzoNobel confirmed as exclusive coatings supplier of Volvo Ocean Race

16_90144 © Thierry Martinez / team AkzoNobel / AkzoNobel SCHEVENINGEN – THE NETHERLANDS . 28 November 2016.

AkzoNobel has been confirmed as the official Boatyard supplier for the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race. All the boats competing in the next edition will be coated with the company’s International® and Awlgrip range of products.

The competing yachts – including team AkzoNobel’s brand new Volvo Ocean 65 – have already been through an extensive refit process and have been coated with Awlgrip products, while the keel on each boat is protected with International coatings.

AkzoNobel has also developed unique custom colors for every team in the race, which will showcase its expertise to a huge global audience. Once the race starts in October, the company will supply all the coatings required for repairs and maintenance at each of the stopovers.

16_76044 © Thierry Martinez / team AkzoNobel / AkzoNobel LISBON – PORTUGAL . 2 November 2016.

“As the world’s leading supplier of marine and yacht coatings, we’re delighted to be partnering with the Volvo Ocean Race as official Boatyard supplier,” said Alberto Slikta, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Specialty Coatings business. “The race is the ultimate test of performance and, given our long association with the sea, it’s the perfect showcase for the company’s market-leading products.”
AkzoNobel’s International yacht business will also provide technical expertise and, when required, will supervise the application process during pit stops between races.

16_73482 © Thierry Martinez / team AkzoNobel / AkzoNobel LISBON – PORTUGAL . 2 November 2016.

Extensive preparations for the race have been taking place for several months at the permanent Volvo Ocean Race Boatyard in Lisbon, Portugal. When the race begins later this year, a massive logistical operation will see the Boatyard travel to all stopovers around the world.

Regarded as the pinnacle of professional, fully-crewed ocean racing, the route for the 2017-18 race will visit some of the most remote and inhospitable areas of the world’s oceans. The boats will have to deal with extreme weather conditions, from freezing cold and raging gales to sweltering heat, so the coatings need to be as tough and durable as the sailors.

October 24, 2014. Onboard Team Vestas Wind. Approaching Fernando De Naronha on Day 13

“We’re excited to be part of such a thrilling and captivating sporting event,” continued Slikta. “It’s the kind of extreme test of high performance that our products are made for.”

Due to start in Alicante, Spain, on October 22, the race is scheduled to finish in The Hague, the Netherlands, in June 2018.

For more information, check out www.teamakzonobel.com.

AkzoNobel introduces new free Design iPad App

We are delighted to launch the free AkzoNobel Design app for iPad, created especially for professionals who want the latest information about colors and properties of coatings, predominantly in the Building and Construction sector.

AkzoNobel’s Design app allows you to better understand the use of powder and liquid coatings applied to metal in built environments. It is aimed at those involved in the design and specification process, enabling architects, designers and specifiers to create technical specification documents based on internationally recognized standards.

Key features of AkzoNobel Design app

 

  • Product Finder: Choose from a comprehensive range of colors and finishes including metallic
  • Technical Information: Access to technical information and reports 
  • Color Picker: Find a match to the color you want – just use your camera or photos
  • Personalized Colour Card: Create custom colour cards for your bespoke projects
  • Specification Builder: Generates a coatings specification, based on the project location
  • International Standards: AAMA, Qualicoat and more
  • Track Records: Find examples of worldwide construction projects

The AkzoNobel Design app for iPad is currently available in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, Europe and China. 

Download our free AkzoNobel Design App on your iPad today!

Download AkzoNobel Design App on the App Store

What is the difference between powder coating and liquid paint?

While liquid paint is still the most widely implemented architectural finish in Australia, there is another that has enjoyed steady progression in popularity since its introduction in the late 1950s.

There are a number of factors leading to the increasing uptake of powder coating for architectural elements, but this can be mostly attributed to the growing awareness within the industry of the performance and cost benefits it can offer projects, given the right circumstances.

Below are the four key differences between powder coating and liquid paint.

1. Production Methods

Generally speaking, thinning agents or solvents are used to “thin” liquid paint prior to application. This process provides a consistent and even finish. However, wet paints can take a long time to fully cure due to curing additives and the use of solvents. The curing time for wet paints is also largely dependent on atmospheric conditions, reducing drying time consistency from one project to the next, particularly with external elements.

Comparatively, powder coating is a dry paint system. The coating is applied as a dry powder and then chemically fused to a component at high temperatures: a process known as curing. When coated components are cooled following the curing process, they are ready to be packed and shipped.

Powder coating is applied electrostatically to components. In doing so, powder that has not adhered to the component, known as overspray, can be reclaimed and reused. This makes powder coating a cost effective and environmentally friendly coating solution.

The preparation, application and curing processes for powder coating are carried out in a controlled factory environment and in a shorter time frame compared to wet paint. However, not all products can be powder coated. The decision of whether powder coating or liquid paint is more suitable is dependent on the size, weight and even location of components.

2. Cost

Expenses can be reduced in several areas by using powder coatings. For example, the application process is easier to automate, reducing labour costs.[1] Operational costs are also minimised through the lack of waste produced by powder coating.

3. No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Additionally, while traditional liquid paint and protective coating systems are based on solvents that contain VOCs, powder coating is a “dry” finish. This means that powder coatings contain no solvents and release a negligible amount of VOCs, offering up environmental benefits additional to minimising waste.[2]

4. Durability

Powder coatings can offer a higher level of durability to external stressors such as UV degradation and environmental chemical exposure. This is particularly relevant for components such as windows and door framing, exterior cladding, fences, and balustrades, which are in constant use and exposed to harsh environments.[3]

 According to Gareth Connell, Regional Specification Manager at AkzoNobel, while there are pros and cons for both coating systems, the key is to use the right combination of both powder coating and liquid paints on a project. With the right combination, the project can enjoy the long-term performance benefits of powder coatings and reduced maintenance costs, such as onsite refurbishing or component replacement.

Powder coated architectural elements can have exterior performance life expectancies of up to 50 years with minimal care and maintenance. This makes powder coating an economic choice in reducing long-term asset management costs.

Interpon

Interpon Powder Coatings, a business unit of global AkzoNobel, manufactures and develops technologies for global requirements on a local scale.

With Interpon, specifiers can colour match and custom order their desired colour and finish, while benefitting from powder-coating’s batch-to-batch consistency.

Requiring very little long-term maintenance, reducing replacement and refurbishment requirements, and offering a VOC-free alternative with warranty performance, Connell sees powder coating as the way forward for the building industry. “It ticks all the boxes.”

Case Study: Interpon Adds Final Touches to Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH)

 

In April 2017, the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) will open its doors to the public. Large-scale healthcare projects like SCUH bring forth a whole host of challenges for building professionals, from budget constraints to facilitating developments in the health care sector.

In projects like SCUH, it is vital that the product specified meets warranty requirements. While warranties are important in all developments, they are particularly so in a health care facility where the building needs to perform at a high level for as long as possible. Often clients want to compromise the performance level of a product to achieve a certain colour or aesthetic. As Interpon has the ability to develop custom, commercial warranty-grade colours, they were able to provide the contractors at SCUH with their preferred colours – including Eastern Gold Satin and Surfmist Satin.

Interpon provided powder coatings for the sunhoods, aluminium extrusions and brackets of SCUH. Gareth Connell, Regional Specification Manager at Interpon, shares his experience of the more challenging aspects of working on hospitals and other government projects: ‘More often than not, building professionals are looking for long-term durability and aesthetic performance. The biggest challenge is balancing the product performance requirements and ensuring the specifications aren’t downgraded for lesser grade products.’

This challenge is reflective of widespread misconceptions associated with durability and the ensuing misspecification of powder coating in the building industry. According to Connell: ‘Finish performance has been assumed rather than properly understood and products have often been specified based on colour rather than understanding the preparation, application and performance qualities of an architectural grade powder coat system.’

These assumptions aren’t helped by the Australian Standard for Metal Finishing (AS3715) which is still perceived to be the performance benchmark for architectural metal finishing when really it isn’t applicable for a lot of projects.

  

AS3715 is not suitable for commercial applications and it is not always sufficient for harsh conditions. It is advisable, therefore, to play by the rules of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) which are much more comprehensive. This is because they are based on exterior exposure in South Florida (USA) as well as Allunga (Australia), which means the products are tested and proven under harsh Australian conditions.

A healthcare building, SCUH is considered a Class 9a building by the BCA. For this reason, Interpon provided D2105 Ultriva™, which has been designed to provide long-term performance warranties for all projects in all building classes and all locations. It offers a film integrity warranty of 20 years and a colour retention warranty of 15 years.

In order to ensure that products meet the warranty requirements for projects like SCUH, it is essential that they be applied by Interpon Approved Applicators. If elements like grades of substrate and coating specifications are not tightly controlled, and process parameters are not recorded, it increases the element of risk for all involved.

‘All Interpon Approved Applicators must meet stringent quality control and record keeping procedures as stipulated by Interpon Powder Coatings Australia,’ explains Connell. ‘Every project that is coated in Interpon warranty grade products is given a unique project identity and can trace the project, fabricator, products specified and even batch numbers of the powders used so complete transparency in the system processing needs to be adhered to.

White Paper: Demystifying Powder Coating Warranties

There’s a wide knowledge gap in the Australian architecture and construction industry surrounding powder coating warranties and this has been detrimental to all stakeholders.

A clear understanding of what is and isn’t covered by powder coating product warranties is vital to selecting the correct product for the job at hand.

Download this free whitepaper to understand how to correctly match a product to a project and ensure it is covered by warranty.

For more information:

Gareth Connell
Specifications Consultant
Interpon Powder Coatings
E: Gareth.Connell@akzonobel.com 
M: +61 418 196 205

Case Study: Colour coatings key for award-winning Monash University Student Accommodation

Monash University’s Clayton campus was recently awarded three major architecture awards by the Australian Institute of Architects for the second year running.

The precinct consists of four new residential buildings with associated retail and informal learning spaces, with each of the buildings having its own individual architectural style.

The project includes designs from four different architects including HayballJackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB)Richard Middleton Architects and McBride Charles Ryan, with master planning from MGS Architects and partners.

Central to the design are the powder coated aluminium elements featured across each of the buildings, ranging from sharp blacks and silvers on one building through to bright and exuberant colours on another, driving home the individuality of each designer.

Among the award-winning designs, the Logan Hall residency, designed by McBride Charles Ryan was recognised by the judges for its excellence in architectural skill and merit of design. Interpon Précis™ Black Ink was used for the shading devices and window frames, with Interpon Eternal Silver Satin specified for the weather panels above the ground floor retail.

“As we were conscious of long-term maintenance as well as creating an ongoing pleasing presence, the products used on the project were chosen for their intrinsic beauty and longevity,” says Debbie Ryan of McBride Charles Ryan.

“The pattern is intentionally complex. We have used honest and time-proven Interpon products which have all come together in a really joyful way through composition.”

Having previously worked on the colourful The Icon apartment complex in St Kilda designed by JCB, Interpon’s Specification Expert Gareth Connell understands the importance of tailored palette when vibrancy and colour are central to a project.

“We knew the design brief called for an exuberant range of colours for a wide range of building elements and performance of this aesthetic. We knew we’d have a proven high-performance finishing solution that would maintain the performance requirements for such a high profile project, which is why Interpon D2015 Ultra Durable polyester powder coat was specified.”

In contrast to the more ‘simple’ colour scheme used for Logan Hall, the Turner Hall building, designed by JCB, is defined by its bright colours, using a rainbow of ten different colours from the Interpon colour palette to create a vibrant and refreshing appearance that has revitalised the University as a whole, traditionally known for its dull brown buildings.

A coloured ‘hood’ at the window of each sole occupant studio glows at night, enhancing the colour spectrum. Custom colours from the Interpon Ultriva™ collection were used for aluminium elements including extrusions, sheets, flashings, cladding, trims and fins.

The complexities of the ambitious project required careful consideration and planning between the architects and powder coating supplier. The vibrant design brief lent itself to Interpon’s unique small batching facilities in Sunshine, Melbourne, that cater for such striking colour schemes in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Throughout the project, specialists from Interpon Powder Coatings worked closely with the multiple architectural teams involved in the project to ensure the perfect colour palette was developed for the best results both in individual building design and the project as a whole.

In specifying the Interpon D2015 Ultriva™ series, the designers were ensured significantly higher gloss retention and resistance to colour change along with maximum film integrity guaranteeing long-term cosmetic and functional protection. Interpon D2015 offers 20-year film integrity and gloss retention with 15-year colour retention and chalking resistance.

The Interpon D2015 range exceeds American Architectural Manufacturers Association Standards for High-Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminium Extrusions and Panels as well as exceeding the performance criteria of AS 3715 Metal finishing – Thermoset powder coating for architectural applications of aluminium.

3 Steps to Specifying Powder Coating for Marine and Coastal Environments

Understanding the risks of specifying powder coatings in marine and coastal environments can ensure your project and reputation stand the test of time.

Harsh marine and coastal environments expose projects to winds and chemicals such as sea salts, which can have a long term impact on the performance of most finishing systems.

“Understanding the project scope, range of building elements and specifying certain grades of powder coat technologies and systems in order to resist these influencers will have a positive impact on long term performance and durability,” explains Gareth Connell, Regional Specification, Interpon Powder Coatings.

If the product used is unsuitable, water, dirt and salt particles can potentially permeate the film and corrode the aluminium or steel.

To choose the right powder coating for the job, follow these three simple steps:

Step 1 – Get familiar with industry standards

Not all powder coatings are created equal and different products are designed to withstand different environments.

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), a globally recognised voluntary performance standard for architectural finishes recommends performance criteria standards 2604 or 2605 for multi-density and commercial projects and is the mainstay top coat performance specification for Australian conditions. Both of these standards represent 2 very different levels of warranty performance offered by Interpon.

Australian Standard AS3715 is not necessarily sufficient for long term exterior performance in harsh environments – such as that of a marine or coastal environment – and specifying powder coating to AS3715 can result in a finish that can fade or degrade prematurely.

Step 2 – Don’t skimp on prep

A top-grade powder coating can only be expected to perform if the metal it is protecting is prepared correctly.

Depending on the base metals, particularly in a marine or coastal environment, coating systems may require an element of metal preparation, metal pre-treatment, use of primers and a specific grade of a top coat powder coat technology in order to provide protection, durability and performance.

“There is a general presumption that if a single top coat is deemed “durable” then little, if any metal pre-treatment is considered, or for that matter understood for aggressive environments,” Connell says.

“This presumption is incorrect and will often lead to catastrophic in situ failures such as fading, flaking, delamination or severe corrosion over a relatively short period of time when exposed to aggressive atmospheres.”

Furthermore in order to guarantee performance, often the product must be prepared and applied by an Interpon approved applicator for the warranty to apply.

Step 3 – Check the warranty

Specifying a product with a warranty is a sure-fire way to ensure your project will remain up to scratch over time.

Often a project’s eligibility is dependent on environmental conditions and if it was applied correctly. This means if the product is not designed to hold up in marine and coastal environments, neither will its warranty.

After conducting your research, it’s time to choose a product.

A good way to start is by getting in touch with the largest powder coating manufacturer in the world, Interpon Powder Coatings.

The Interpon Ultriva™ D2015 and Interpon Fluoromax® D3020 ranges are suitable for marine and coastal environments, and both exceed the AAMA’s recommended performance standard and pass ISO2815 and ISO3231 standards.

Interpon offers solutions for both aluminium and steel and has the most extensive choice of colours and finishes in the industry.

When applied by an Interpon D Approved Applicator, the Interpon Ultriva D2015 range comes with the assurance of a 20 Year Performance Warranty while the Interpon Fluoromax® D3020 range is guaranteed for 30 years’ film integrity and 20 years’ colour performance.

Expert advice for architects under one roof at Docklands Showroom

 

 

Three of the biggest players in Architectural Aluminium, Coatings and Glass markets are now providing expert advice for architects and specifiers under one roof.

Interpon Powder Coatings recently partnered with Capral Aluminium and Viridian Glass to create the cutting edge Capral Aluminium Showroom. The first of its kind in Australia, the showroom was developed to provide architects and specifiers with expert technical advice on powder coating, aluminium and glass.

Positioned in the heart of Australia’s largest urban renewal project at Melbourne’s Docklands, the Showroom displays dozens of residential products and powder coating samples on site, giving the visitor a real-life example of how Interpon Powder Coating products will assist their project.

In the past, many architects and specifiers have been limited by paper product samples and have spent large amounts of time sourcing information. The showroom’s accessibility and educational facilities are intended to alleviate some of these problems.

Sharon Winbanks is Specifications Consultant at Interpon Powder Coatings. She says the Showroom will give clients a vastly enhanced idea of the effects of certain powder coatings.

“The product samples we send to clients are often small but the showroom has products in-situ. This means architects can clearly see our colours on the products they will be using.”

“Glass, aluminium and the colour are often the responsibility of one person, so the showroom becomes a one-stop-shop and clients can address a few needs in one go. “

“All three products are technical and difficult to get right. It’s very common in the aluminium and powder coat industry to have an ‘insufficient specification’. Architects need help to ensure the products they choose are fit for purpose.”

The showroom was also used to hold a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshop late last year which was a great success. Architects were introduced to the technical side of how Interpon, Viridian and Capral products are manufactured, and facilitate an opportunity for continual professional development. The attendees also received three formal points towards their CPD, as required by the Australian Institute of Architects.

“The industry is progressing all the time: new products are coming onto the market, with innovation and new technology so it’s important to stay informed,” says Theresa Tyrrell, Thermal Performance Assessor, Viridian.

Feedback from attendees was very positive. “Many weren’t aware of the broad spectrum of products offered, and they loved how the companies are working together,” says Catherine Pitliangas, Specification Sales, Capral Aluminium.

“All the showroom floor displays are interchangeable and new products will be rotated through every six to 12 months,” Pitliangas says.

“We hope to open additional showrooms in other capital cities across Australia soon.”

Interpon releases ‘Living Colors’ Colour Chart for residential and general trade coaters

Interpon Powder Coatings today released the latest addition to their powder coatings offer the ‘Living Colors’ color chart for residential and general trade coaters.

Showcasing the most popular colors from Interpon’s nationally stocked range, the new ‘Living Colors’ color chart combines the previous ‘D1000’ and the ‘Coatings for Industrial Design‘ color charts.

The ‘Living Colors’ color chart has many new features aimed at simplifying color and range selection for the customer.

Darin Kirkwood, General Manager Interpon Australasia explains, “the new Living Colors color chart simplifies our offer to the domestic residential and general trade coater markets. Featuring our most popular colors and a range of new colors, we believe this color palette provides a broad selection of our customers and their clients”.

Kirkwood elaborated further, “the addition of the Color Vitality – ‘Brights’ injects a splash of color to the range. With proven UV stability and high fade resistance, the Vitality range is warranted for 10 years* when applied by an approved applicator.”

There are several improvements to the color chart to enhance its in market use.

New Colour Chart Features

  • Ranges clearly identified as ‘Exterior’ or ‘Interior’ use to assist with selection
  • Color chips arranged horizontally to allow for desk or wall cart viewing
  • 17 new color additions, including the popular ‘Color Vitality’ range
  • New icons to identify color application
  • Care and maintenance instructions
  • Cleaning instructions
  • Fresh new images to inspire application

Interpon values the importance of color and finish and understands that color expression is an extension of the project. Drawing on knowledge from their Global Aesthetics Centre, along with Australian insights, Interpon has produced this Residential and Industrial Powder Coatings Collection – Living Colors.

Warranty

The D1000 and D1000 Excel™ series offer a 10* Year Global Warranty on the coating performance when applied by an Interpon D Approved Applicator, providing absolute confidence and peace of mind.

*Warranty applies only when coated by an Interpon D Approved Applicator. A copy of the warranty is available upon request. Terms and conditions apply. Please contact your Interpon representative for further details.

Resources

Looking for that one-off unique color?

Interpon’s industry-leading color match and small batch MiniB™ service can manufacture virtually any color from almost any source in quantities as small as 20kg (coats approx. 140m²). Contact us for more information.

Technical Bulletin: Perforated Panels

Interpon Powder Coatings recommends the use of a barrier coat epoxy powder primer (MetaPrep™ Grey EL286A) as an undercoat for all perforated aluminium panels where a commercial Interpon D warranty is required specific to the Environmental Classifications of AS4312.

A higher etch rate does not provide sufficient protection to counter long term issues when components are installed in aggressive atmospheres.

The use of an epoxy barrier primer is required to coat the perforated panels to achieve an adequate film build and protection for the sharp edges. This minimises issues associated with edge pull (reduction of film thickness on sharp edges during the curing process), such as filiform corrosion.

The details outlined below are Interpon’s guide for where Interpon MetaPrep™ Barrier Primeris recommended or mandatory.

Download Technical Bulletin – Perforated Panels 

 

Environmental Classifications
(as per AS4312)
Environmental Type Perforated Panels
C5-I Heavy Industrial Environment

Interpon MetaPrep™

Mandatory for warranty to apply

(Less than 500 meters from a coast shoreline or aggressive atmosphere)

C5-M Beach Front / Marine
C4 Coastal Environment
C4 Swimming and Leisure Pools /
Light Industrial
C3/T Typical Environment

Interpon MetaPrep™

Recommended

(not mandatory)

C1 and C2 Non-hazadous Environment