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APEX paint detackification technology - ECOLAB

APEX paint detackification technology - ECOLAB

Type of measure: Substitution

Introduction and problem setting

There is still room for improvement in making the world a cleaner, safer and healthier place, and in protecting people and vital resources. In certain industries, for example the automotive industry, hazardous and/or carcinogenic chemicals are still being used. Fortunately, during the last decade, the automotive industry has increasingly demonstrated a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. Mainly the paint detackification systems have been an area of interest. These systems are used in automotive paint booth maintenance to float or sink paint residue in order to make it easier to clean and dispose the waste. The systems have been an area of interest because melamine formaldehyde was used to treat it. Concern was growing among environmentally conscious manufacturers about the potential environmental impact of formaldehyde, as well as occupational health organizations, due to the fact that formaldehyde is a carcinogen.

Solution

Ecolab is seen as the global leader in water, hygiene, and energy technologies and services. Ecolab developed through extensive research and rigorous field testing the so-called “APEX paint detackification technology”. This chemistry does not use formaldehyde and is made entirely of renewable resources. This means it does not contain hazardous or carcinogenic chemicals, and is completely biodegradable.

Results

The APEX program helps to reduce chemical use, solid waste, water use and total cost of operations while providing superior performance. It therefore has received recognition for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance from the Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers Contribution to Excellence) Award in 2012. APEX technology has been successfully implemented in paint booth systems using all kinds of paint types (polyurethanes, 2K clear coats, high solids primers, high solids solvent-borne basecoats, and high solids water-borne basecoats). Ecolab has been focusing on minimizing the carcinogens in other industries too, for example in the metal and water industries.

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Published November 20, 2017
Please note that this substance or some of it's compounds are listed in Annex XIV (REACH regulation). This substance some of it's compounds are only allowed to be used, imported, or brought into the market, if authorisation requirements of REACH are fulfilled.
Please be aware that for this carcinogen you need to be more cautious when determining potential skin contact and how to regard dermal exposure in your risk reduction strategy.
About this case
Company:
Ecolab
Country:
Germany
For more information please contact:
Ecolab
General facts

Facts about cancer-causing agents:

  • The direct costs of carcinogen exposure at work across Europe are estimated at 2.4 billion Euros per year.
  • Every year, about 120.000 persons get cancer from exposure to carcinogens at work
  • Annually more than 100.000 people die because of work-related cancer.