Environmental Sustainability | Carbon Footprint Reduction Initiatives
05/28/2024
At Vitracoat Inc., we are committed to implementing sustainable practices across our operations. These initiatives have positively influenced our Carbon Performance Indicator (CPI) in several ways:
Reduced Carbon Emissions
The use of bio-sourced materials in VitraSUSTAIN is contributing to reducing our carbon footprint.
VitraSUSTAIN Product Line Made with Bio-Sourced Materials: Our pioneering VitraSUSTAIN brand introduces biobased powder coatings that establish new industry standards with their eco-friendly composition and exceptional performance. Unlike traditional powder coatings, which rely on fossil fuel-derived ingredients, VitraSUSTAIN utilizes renewable resources, significantly reducing carbon emissions and environmental harm. Each pound of VitraSUSTAIN contains 20-50% bio-based components, depending on the formulation. This innovation ensures a reduced carbon footprint and diminished environmental impact throughout its lifecycle while maintaining high performance in UV resistance, corrosion resistance, smoothness, and mechanical properties. By choosing VitraSUSTAIN, we commit to environmental stewardship and sustainable progress.
Energy Efficiency
VitraCOOL and VitraLE are coatings that help reduce energy costs associated with cooling buildings and reduce demand for energy during the application process.
VitraCOOL Reflective Powder Coatings to Reduce Energy Use: VitraCOOL is an innovative powder coating system designed to control the heat reflection properties of surfaces, particularly beneficial for buildings with darker facades that typically absorb more solar energy. With special pigments, VitraCOOL can improve heat reflection by up to 20% and reduce surface temperatures by up to 20%, depending on the color. This leads to lower energy costs for cooling buildings and reduces mechanical stress on outdoor metals. VitraCOOL coatings are easy to handle, environmentally friendly, and available in a wide range of RAL colors.
Low Energy Coatings (VitraLE): Our VitraLE Low Energy Powder Coatings are formulated to achieve a fully cured coating at lower oven temperatures or with shorter dwell times at conventional temperatures. These coatings are ideal for heavy-mass parts, such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plastic, or assembled products, where low-temperature cure is required. VitraLE coatings not only save energy during the curing process but also provide a smooth finish with excellent performance and weatherability.
Waste Reduction and Elimination of Traditional Hazards
Replacing PFA and optimizing our manufacturing processes to minimize waste production are the current programs we are taking to continue our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and our quest to achieve environmental sustainability.
Replacing PFAs in Our Products: As part of our concerted initiative for a safer and cleaner environment, we are working to eliminate Per and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) substances from our product line. New data has shown that these chemicals present a health risk, and because they break down very slowly, they can persist in the environment for years. We are diligently working with raw material suppliers and our technical team to create products that do not contain this chemical while maintaining product performance.
Reduce Manufacturing Waste: Our manufacturing process is lean and relies on a “right the first time” philosophy to eliminate waste. In many cases, with tested and proven compatibility, unsellable material can be used in approved amounts to produce new finished goods and avoid disposal to landfill.
Each of the above initiatives and programs represents our unwavering commitment to promoting responsible manufacturing practices for a cleaner and healthier tomorrow.