Painting a picture of success

An Executive Interview with Heubach GmbH

In an exclusive interview Birgit Genn, Head of Global Marketing and Business Development at Heubach GmbH, reveals how the paints and coatings industry is evolving.

“The advantage is a reduction of the heat build-up that can be correlated with decreased energy consumption”
-Birgit Genn, Heubach GmbH

INFRA. For greater efficiency standards it is essential that the correct raw materials are utilised, how do Heubach see their ‘smart’ pigmentation aiding the MENA region?
Birgit Genn. Paints and coatings consist of pigments, additives, fillers, resins etc. All of these components are capable, at least partly, of absorbing electromagnetic radiation, which is able to heat up the coating of the facade or the roof of a building for example, for decorative and protection purposes.

The solar energy is absorbed and heat is captured, which intensifies the heat in the house due to the black roof tiles used, for example. The utilisation of NIR-reflecting pigments in the roof or facade coating is able to reduce the heat in the building. The advantage we can get from this approach is not only a reduction of the heat build-up that can be correlated with decreased energy consumption. The benefit is also an enhanced shelf life of the coating. Due to the significant reduction in surface temperature, thermal degradation of the roofing components, for example, is reduced. In addition temperature differences between day and night, direct sunlight and shadowed areas will also be evened out. As a consequence thermal warping becomes less pronounced.

INFRA. What are the advantages of using superior colouristic and processing properties of lead and cadmium replacement pigments as opposed to the traditionally used titanium dioxide blends?
BG. Chrome and cadmium pigments were the preferred choice for full shade coatings that called for brilliant yellow, orange, red, brown and green colours in all kinds of coatings applications but particularly in transportation and industrial coatings. Our replacement allows the coating formulator to develop the same brilliant colours, while the pigment concentration will be lower compared to the titanium dioxide and organic pigment blends, which is a result of the superior colouristic properties, such as higher colour saturation, opacity and excellent tinting strength. This contributes considerable value in use with respect to the improved cost to performance ratio than any of the traditional options.

While the inorganic part of the traditional blends allow themselves to be incorporated much more easily into the coating systems, the organic counterpart needs a much higher shear force and much more time to be homogenously distributed in the coating. The new technology resolves this problem, and cuts in half the incorporation time as compared to the traditional blends. Moreover the tendency for dusting is significantly reduced.

INFRA. How much emphasis do Heubach place in the research and development of pigments and what processes do you adopt to make sure your clients receive the best end products?
BG. In today’s world of globalisation, production sites located in the key markets along with technical and logistical global service networks are necessary to meet the specific regional demands. Heubach avails of R & D centres and extensive application laboratory facilities in Europe, USA and Asia to combine our resources and continue the strong commitment to provide value-added products and a high level of innovation in pigment technology for a wide variety of applications.

All of our R&D projects are conducted under a project management process in order to optimise the use of resources and the network of activities. Once management, triggered by internal portfolio management or market research for example, has decided to develop a new product, time to market becomes the crucial success factor.

INFRA. Heubach prides itself on providing the best corrosion protection solutions and colour competencies; what do you see are the key benefits that you can bring to the mega projects currently being undertaken within the region?
BG. The major benefit is our comprehensive product portfolio backed by outstanding expertise, high quality, innovation and know-how, built up over 200 years. Based on that Heubach is able to provide colour and corrosion protection solutions for the coatings, plastic, building and ink industry. For instance corrosion of metallic structures has a significant impact on the economy, including infrastructure, transportation, utilities, production and manufacturing. The cost of corrosion in the US alone is an estimated $300 billion/year.

Our anti-corrosives protect aircrafts, ships, bridges and many other metal structures. Heubach initiated the replacement of carcinogenic chrome-based anti-corrosives by introducing zinc phosphates, the first chrome free anticorrosive pigment, followed by orthophosphates which set new standards in the industry by doubling the performance efficiency of conventional zinc phosphates. The polyphosphate line for high performance applications such as coil coatings and aircraft primer represent the technically most sophisticated anticorrosive inhibitors in today’s market and are the preferred option wherever ultimate protection is required.