Press Room
May 10, 2007
German VersionCognis at the European Coatings Show 2007: Combining performance, sustainability, and efficiency
At this year’s European Coatings Show (ECS), held from May 8 through 10 in Nuremberg, Cognis’ Functional Products business unit introduced its latest innovations for the polymers, coatings and inks industry. New products and concepts displayed at the Cognis booth were the new Loxanol EFC 300 coalescent, the DSX 3800 rheology modifier, the Foamaster 350 defoamer, and the Versamine S series of fast curing agents. The company also presented market-ready and environmentally sound concepts for a variety of applications, such as the Sovermol range of natural-source, solvent-free polyols, and the latest additions to the Waterpoxy range of epoxy coatings products.
Environmental issues are the subject of much concern these days, and consumer interest in environmentally sound paints and varnishes, and especially in solvent free and aqueous systems, has risen rapidly. At the show, Cognis presented Loxanol EFC 300, a new zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) coalescent (according to 1999/13/EU or 2004/42/EU), which is based on natural resources. Its special performance features include excellent efficiency in reducing the minimum film forming temperature (MFFT), which can lead to cost savings, and faster development of film hardness compared to competing products.
Cognis also presented the new vegetable-oil-based defoamer Foamaster 350 which represents an alternative to standard mineral oil defoamers and offers independence from the petrochemical industry. Foamaster 350 combines the performance features of mineral-oil-based defoamers, and even partially exceeds them, with superior environmental compatibility.
Another highlight from Cognis at the ECS 2007 was the associative solvent-free mid-shear rheology modifier DSX 3800, which is based on Cognis’ patented “Star Technology”. As a clear, colorless fluid product, the modifier is easy to handle and offers excellent performance in all aqueous formulations like paints, adhesives and printing inks. DSX 3800 is free from VOCs, APEOs and heavy metals, which makes it ideal for use in environmentally sound paints and varnishes for both indoor and outdoor use. The product complements the DSX 3000 series and is effective with many resin types.
The number of wind turbines producing “green” electricity is growing rapidly and consequently, so is the market for protective coatings for wind turbines. At the ECS, Cognis showcased Sovermol, a range of natural-source solvent free polyols designed for this sort of application. Manufacturers in this field demand environmentally sound solutions that provide the best achievable protection, and Sovermol coatings give turbines – especially their blades – long-lasting protection against various natural hazards, including UV light, dust, salt water, and rain, offering excellent adhesion and high rupture resistance. The high quality coatings prolong the intervals of complex and costly maintenance sessions and help to improve the efficiency and profitability of such facilities.
Also on display at the Cognis booth was the Waterpoxy range of products, which enables manufacturers to offer environmentally sound coatings that serve the sustainability trend. They fulfill all regulatory requirements, while also improving the performance of thick and thin coating and flooring systems. Cognis presented Waterpoxy 760 which minimizes shrinkage of self-leveling floorings on concrete and improves low temperature curing offering superior gloss and, at the same time, chemical resistance.
Another group of products showcased on Cognis’ stand was the Versamine S range of curing agents. These are designed for use in marine and civil engineering coatings, where speed of application is vital. Coatings with Versamine S curing agents boast exceptionally short curing times also at low temperatures, while offering good mechanical and chemical resistance, excellent adhesion, anticorrosion and dust-free properties to the final paint. This means that equipment can be returned to service sooner, reducing downtime and cutting costs.
Sustainable, high-performance solutions
In today’s marketplace, both regulators and consumers are increasingly demanding about products environmental impacts. “The polymers, coatings and inks market is developing into a challenging one for suppliers: manufacturers are constantly trying to reduce costs and are demanding innovative solutions that combine superior performance, sustainability, and convenience,” says Patrice Pinsard, Vice President Marketing and Business Development Functional Products. “Cognis Functional Products anticipates the industry’s requirements, and provides value-added and environmentally sound solutions that make production processes more efficient and cost-effective – helping our customers to differentiate themselves from their competitors.”
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 2006, Cognis recorded sales of 3.37 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (operating result) of 394 million euros.
Contact
Jochen Moser, Senior Manager 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