Press Room
November 9, 2006
Cognis at Chinacoat 2006: high-performance surface solutions with environmental benefits
At this year’s Chinacoat trade show, held in Guangzhou, China, Cognis’ Polymers, Coatings & Inks (PCI) business unit presented a selection of market-ready concepts that combine excellent performance with environmental sustainability. Among the products highlighted at the booth were the company’s award winning Disponil® AFX surfactant systems – a green alternative to environmentally problematic surfactants. Also on display was the new mineral-oil-free Foamaster® 350 liquid defoamer, the rheology agent DSX® 3800, and Versamine® S, an epoxy curing agent for tough conditions.
One of the key issues facing manufacturers of paints and varnishes is the need to move away from environmentally problematic surfactants such as alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs). It was against this background that Cognis developed its Disponil AFX surfactant systems for use in polymerization processes. The alternative surfactant systems are made from renewable raw materials, and therefore are highly biodegradable. Using them puts manufacturers in a position to apply for environmental certifications, such as the EU Eco-label for paints and varnishes used in domestic interior decoration. The surfactant systems consisting of non-ionic emulsifiers are comparable to APEOs in terms of both cost-effectiveness and performance, and are suitable for a variety of technical applications. Cognis has recently received the 2005/2006 environmental award from the Federation of German Industries (BDI) for this significant contribution to the sustainable development.
Environmentally sound defoamers combine performance and sustainability
Among the products Cognis presented at the Chinacoat show was Foamaster 350, a mineral-oil free liquid defoamer based on renewable raw materials. Designed for use in the manufacture of synthetic latex, water-based matt to satin-finished (architectural) coatings, plasters, and aqueous adhesives, the new product offers a number of benefits. It is biodegradable, and even after prolonged storage of the paint, its defoaming performance remains constant. Foamaster 350 also reduces manufacturers’ dependence on the petrochemical industry, which in a time of soaring oil prices also makes it a more economical solution.
Another result of Cognis’ ongoing quest for innovative solutions that meet the demand for sustainable products is DSX 3800, an associative polyurethane thickener for green water-based coatings. The product is based on renewable raw materials, and is free from heavy metals, solvents and APEOs, yet does not compromise on performance. DSX 3800 performs very well at high shear rates, meaning it provides excellent flow and leveling, good gloss and a significant reduction of spatter in roller applications. It also improves the scrub resistance and hiding power of coatings, and exhibits excellent sag and UV resistance. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including interior and exterior latex paints, as well as aqueous wood, industrial and parquet coatings, adhesives, resin-based plasters, aqueous anti-corrosion paints and printing inks.
Reliable performance under extreme conditions
Modern protective coatings used in marine and civil engineering applications need to offer fast curing under the most demanding conditions, combined with ease of application in all kinds of weather. At the Chinacoat, Cognis exhibited its patented Versamine S range of curing agents which was specifically developed for this kind of application. This is another technology based on renewable raw materials. Compared to other solutions, it offers a higher share of solids at lower viscosity, lower color and temperature curing, and improved adhesion to imperfectly prepared substrates – attributes that make it particularly suitable for heavy-duty equipment and marine environments. Versamine S products enable coatings manufacturers to develop products that are easy to use and deliver reliable performance under all weather conditions encountered in marine, protective and civil engineering applications.
Sustainability and performance as the keys to growth in Asia
The issue of sustainability is one that is increasingly important in Asia, due to the region’s rapid economic growth and high population densities. “It’s not just in Europe, that environmental issues are moving up the agenda – it’s happening in Asia too,” says Uwe Held, Technical Sales Functional Products. “And Cognis is committed to helping customers all over the world find environmentally responsible technical solutions. Our products are not only fully compliant with all applicable regulations relating to occupational health and safety, and environmental and consumer protection, they also deliver outstanding performance. This is an approach that is really helping our customers to succeed in their markets.”
About Cognis
Cognis is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 8,000 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, textiles, as well as agriculture and mining. The company holds a 50-percent stake in the joint venture Cognis Oleochemicals, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of oleochemicals.
Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and SV Life Sciences. In 2005, Cognis recorded sales of 3.18 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and exceptional items) of 356 million euros.
Contact
Jochen Moser, Global Marketing Services Functional Products
Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
Phone: +49-2173-4995-139
E-mail: jochen.moser@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com
Raquel Ark, Corporate Communications Manager
Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
Phone: +49-2173-4995-464
E-mail: raquel.ark@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com