Werner Kunz is a professor of physical chemistry at the University of Regensburg and explains the interrelationships in detail.
Imminent plans for a better tomorrow:
modern lacquer systems to achieve a sustainable future
As a family-run company with intergenerational history, we feel compelled to assume responsibility for subsequent generations. We have therefore decided to restructure our product range: by 2030 we will have replaced all solvent-based products in our product range with sustainable alternatives and will be making greater use of regenerative raw materials. Our goals are to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and to achieve maximum resource conservation. This will enable us to make an active contribution to preserving a world worth living in for future generations and to meet future market requirements.
What does this mean for you?
The restructuring of our product range will result in some changes for our customers: we will be removing our nitrocellulose lacquers, solvent-based stains and solvent-based, acid-hardening lacquers from our product range by the end of 2023. Hesse Lignal will therefore no longer be offering such products from January 2024. A further step involves us replacing all other solvent-based lacquers with sustainable alternatives by 2030.
Take a look at our video message on the switch to sustainable lacquer systems
Our brochure "Now for tomorrow - modern lacquer systems to achieve a sustainable future" contains further information on the restructuring of our product range. It provides greater detail on the background to our decision, our goals, and the resulting options for industrial and craft companies.
All details
Successful pioneer: a craftsman shows how to make the switch a success
Craftsman Thomas Hammermeister has impressively demonstrated that the switch to sustainable lacquers is worthwhile: he had been using solvent-based products in his Hammermeister Raumobjekt joinery workshop for many years, but in 2016 this interior fitter decided to switch to climate-friendly Hydro lacquers. He wanted to use the switch to protect his employees from the solvent vapours that arise when processing solvent-based lacquers.
Thomas Hammermeister did certainly have to overcome some challenges to implement his plans, but the effort was worth it: using Hydro lacquers has eliminated the emission of harmful solvent vapours. The joinery shop now also enjoys a more consistent finish, lower drying times and faster, cleaner production.
Mr Hammermeister personally describes in an interview the specifics behind the conversion process at his Hammermeister Raumobjekt joinery workshop.
Facts about Hydro lacquer
You can read all about the advantages and disadvantages surrounding Hydro lacquer in this white paper.
Industrial yacht-builder reduces VOC emissions by switching from solvent-based to Hydro lacquer
What can be achieved in industry by switching to sustainable lacquer systems is shown by the example of a Hesse Lignal customer from the yacht building sector. The company's managers decided in 2021 to switch from solvent-based UV spray lacquer to a water-based product. This meant they could act more sustainably and become less susceptible to potential raw material crises.
Switching to HYDRO-UV lacquer enabled the yacht-builder to reduce the VOC content of its spray application by 79 per cent within a month. It therefore succeeded in reducing its VOC emissions from production in 2021 by around 17,000 litres compared to 2020.
Biorenewable carbon
Want to learn more about how you can increase the sustainability level of your products?
We will support you during the switch
You will not be on your own during the impending restructuring. You can benefit from our equipment and technology consultancy to assist you on your path to using coatings in a climate-friendly manner, and we will actively support you in your project. Together we'll find the appropriate, eco-friendly alternative products, and we'll draw up a suitable plan for converting your equipment and processes.
Simply get in touch with your familiar Hesse Lignal sales representative or contact our sales team. Our specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the restructuring of our product range and our sustainable lacquer systems.
Contact
Call us by phone on +49 (0)2381 96300 or send us an email
Further facts regarding sustainability
Sustainable action for a secure future - for generations, we at Hesse Lignal have been aware of our ecological responsibility as a lacquer and stain producer. We feel committed to present and future generations, so our focus is on responsible dealings with people, the environment and resources. We are making our corporate contribution among other things in the form of climate-friendly production, high standards of occupational safety and environmental protection, strong health management, numerous training programmes and our diverse social commitment. We have already implemented many approaches. Our environmental and energy management was certified years ago. Our goal is to constantly reduce our ecological footprint by becoming ever more efficient.
Facts about climate change
Here are a few other interesting links if you want to delve deeper into the topic
Climate Central: A Science & News Organization