How Green Solutions Deliver High Performance.
A CALL FOR CHANGE
In December 2019, the European Union launched the Green Deal: a bold commitment to become the first climate-neutral continent. The goal is a clean and circular economy where raw materials are used more efficiently and reused wherever possible, while emissions are drastically reduced.
This ambition is now reshaping European legislation with new proposals driving industries toward safer chemistries, smarter materials and more sustainable manufacturing. Powder coatings already offer a sustainable advantage, but there’s still room for improvement.
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION: THE BELGIAN PLANT
At the Protech Group, we translate ambition into daily practice. Our Belgian powder coating facility is on track to achieve ISO 14001 certification by Q3 2025 (Environmental Management System). An extensive review of production and waste streams has already led to meaningful change.
Smarter raw Materials
Many powders still rely on conventional inputs, but alternatives are emerging. Bio-based and recycled raw materials are gradually entering the supply chain. We use an eco-footprint tool to quantify impact and guide smarter choices.
Energy and process efficiency
With guidance from external consultants, we’ve optimized production lines:
- Energy consumption is now monitored at machine level.
- Idle time and overproduction are minimized.
- Even standard interventions (LEDs, insulation) are fine-tuned for real-world savings.
Clever Waste management
Ultra-fine powder particles (<5µm) are filtered and repurposed, not discarded. We also upgraded our water treatment system, which is now running with higher energy efficiency and in line with Flemish environmental standards. To further improve our waste handling, more recovery initiatives are set for 2025.
HELPING OUR CUSTOMERS SAVE ENERGY
The Protech Group’s powder coatings don’t just lower our footprint, they help you do the same. Here’s how:
LB-SERIES: Cures as low as 140°C, which reduces curing time, energy use and CO₂ emissions. LB-SERIES is available in nearly all technologies and growing exponentially, with performance proven by the Surface Innovation Award (2010).
EF26: A dry-on-dry technique curing primer and topcoat together, cutting energy and boosting productivity.
HD-KOTE: A polyester-based technology offering enhanced corrosion resistance in a single-layer system. With D-SERIES, you get 10+ years of durability; Z-SERIES reaches 20+ years, without needing a primer.
THE IMPACT OF GREEN COATINGS
A coating that lasts 20 years dramatically lowers its environmental footprint. Yet many still opt for cheaper options that degrade faster.
A cheaper coating comes with hidden costs:
- No primer? Early rust formation.
- Industrial polyester? Faster color fading.
- Lower film build? Weaker resistance ⟶ shorter lifetime.
Longer-lasting coatings reduce the total cost of ownership and minimize the need for recoating.
GREENER LIQUID COATINGS
Though powder coatings are naturally more sustainable (solvent-free, recyclable overspray, durable), we’re developing green liquid coating technologies:
- Water-based systems to replace harmful solvents.
- Low to zero VOC formulations to improve air quality.
- High-solids content for greater coverage with fewer emissions.
The Protech Group is committed to sustainable materials, environmentally responsible processes, and showing what’s achievable when we think greener.
