Kawneer's chrome-free processes are judged best in class

Sustainability Wed, Mar 29, 2017 11:39 AM

The pre-emptive move by Kawneer, leading UK manufacturer of architectural aluminium systems, away from using chrome in its production pre-treatment processes has been recognised at the highest level.

Kawneer, part of the Arconic group, had used chrome as a typical anti-corrosion coating prior to powder coating for 25 years.

But the company recognised it needed to review this practice in light of a European Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) ban which is due to come into force in September 2017.

The review prompted a six figure investment in new and improved production processes including two new de-mineralisation units, stainless steel lined tanks, laboratory equipment, dedicated storage area for test panels ... and customer viewing platform. These changes warranted an earlier than scheduled Interpon D approved applicator audit for 2017.

The report (Indr17/007) by auditor Akzo Nobel said: "The new levels of process control installed with improved monitoring, analysis, corrective action and communication are commendable and propel Kawneer to the highest current performance level within the industry for pre-treatment and process control.

"Involvement of staff at all levels giving increased awareness, responsibility and ownership for quality improvement is again commendable and appears to have been adopted positively throughout the plant.

"Upgrading of the laboratory with new test equipment will enhance the already high levels of quality control and capabilities that have been evident over the years of auditing at Kawneer."

The report added: "Looking ahead, the completion of Qualicoat Approved Applicator Status will further enhance Kawneer's reputation within the industry."

Gareth Jones, Continuous Improvement Manager for Kawneer, said: "There are plenty of chrome-free solutions on the market so we trialled several and picked the one which best suits our processes. The highest quality is the driving focus so this new nano-technology solution has Qualicoat as well as GSB approval.

"We are not the first company in our industry to change over to chrome-free but our aim was to have the best-in-country pre-treatment plant and systems and indeed, the auditors have ranked our pre-treatments and control systems best-in-class. Customers will have increased confidence with the new process controls in place."

Featured News

Specification news
Knauf Insulation announces new low-carbon rock mineral...

Knauf Insulation, one of the leaders in sustainable building materials, is proud to...

Read More >>

Specification news
Aluprof Adds CAB’s Closed Loop Recycling to Their...

Aluminium is a strategic raw material with distinctive characteristics that enable...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra super durable case studies Brochure

Colorcoat HPS200 Ult...
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

Confidex® Guarantee datasheet Brochure

Confidex® Guarantee...
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

Colorcoat Prisma® colour card Brochure

Colorcoat Prisma® co...
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® colour card Brochure

Colorcoat HPS200 Ult...
By Tata Steel

Download Now >>

Amtico Bio Support Document  Brochure

Amtico Bio Support D...
By Amtico

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

PAVAFLEX
PAVAFLEX

A flexible, natural and ecological thermal insulation board based on wood fiber. PAVAFLEX is placed...

Read More >>

SOPRALENE FLAM 180 TF
SOPRALENE FLAM 180 TF

SOPRALENE FLAM 180 TF is composed of elastomer modified bitumen and a non woven polyester...

Read More >>

SOPRALENE OPTIMA C3 GmF
SOPRALENE OPTIMA C3 GmF

Membrane composed of elastomer modified bitumen and a composite polyester reinforcement. Used as an...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Mira Vista Heatloop
Mira Vista Heatloop

Mira Showers is delighted to introduce the new Mira Vista HeatloopTM – an innovative and stylish...

Watch Now >>

Why our Canopies Last Longer
Why our Canopies Last Longer

https://www.aandslandscape.co.uk/ Find out why A&S Landscape Canopies last longer than alternatives....

Watch Now >>

Enclosed Dining Canopy - Hampton Gardens School
Enclosed Dining Canopy - Hampton Gardens School

A&S Landscape designed and installed a large enclosed, curved roof canopy for Hampton Gardens School...

Watch Now >>