Axalta Coating Systems has been honoured with six Business Intelligence Group (BIG) Innovation Awards, recognising a series of product innovations that advance sustainability, efficiency and safety across the automotive and industrial coatings sectors.
The annual BIG Innovation Awards celebrate organisations, products and individuals that bring new ideas to life and deliver meaningful impact. Axalta’s wins underline its continued focus on developing coatings solutions that address key challenges facing its customers and industries worldwide.
Robert K. Roop, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Axalta, said the recognition reflected the company’s commitment to applied science and customer value. He noted that receiving six awards in a single year was testament to the dedication of Axalta’s global teams and their ability to translate innovation into practical, real-world solutions.
The six award-winning products span Axalta’s three business units: Refinish, Mobility Coatings and Industrial Coatings.
In the Refinish segment, Spies Hecker Permahyd® Hi-TEC 8260 Premium Waterborne Clearcoat was recognised for delivering best-in-class appearance and productivity while reducing solvent emissions by more than 65 per cent. With low odour and fewer application defects, the clearcoat helps body shops improve working conditions and comply with increasingly strict emissions regulations.
Within Mobility Coatings, Axalta received awards for two low-bake technologies. Its OEM Low-Bake Integrated Metal Body and Plastics Coatings Technology allows metal and plastic vehicle parts to be painted together at just 90°C. According to modelling by a major automotive manufacturer, this approach could cut energy use by up to 40 per cent, reduce annual CO₂ emissions by around 343 tonnes at a 100,000-vehicle plant, and significantly lower construction and maintenance costs. Lumeera™ 3250 Low Bake Clearcoat was also recognised for curing at 80°C rather than the industry standard 145°C, enabling a single-step process that can reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 20 per cent per vehicle.
In Industrial Coatings, Alesta® e-PRO FG Black was honoured for its role in improving electric vehicle safety. The flame- and heat-resistant coating helps protect battery enclosures from thermal runaway while offering strong adhesion, corrosion resistance and low smoke emissions.
Axalta’s Total Cabinet Coating Solution was recognised for combining high-quality aesthetics with sustainability. Its 100 per cent solids UV-cure enamel contains zero VOCs and enables immediate handling, while complementary primers and topcoats reduce waste and rework for cabinet manufacturers. The sixth award went to Voltatex® 1255 Electrical Steel Coating, which supports high-speed dot-bonding processes in the automated production of efficient electric motors.
Entries for the BIG Innovation Awards were assessed by a panel of experienced business leaders and executives from across industries.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the collision repair industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the African automotive sector forward.
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