Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
Climate neutrality, CO2 footprint & environmental protection
Sustainability and environmental protection are central concerns for companies in almost all branches of industry today. Particularly when it comes to coating operations, the reduction of emissions, the use of alternative and sustainable coating materials, improved application techniques and more efficient plant technology as well as carbon accounting play a decisive role in reducing the CO2 footprint. These factors make a significant contribution towards environmental protection. Some of these measures are regulated by law through compliance with limit values.
Fraunhofer IPA works closely with companies to develop and implement effective strategies for reducing their CO2 footprint. By analyzing and optimizing painting processes and introducing innovative technologies and materials, Fraunhofer IPA helps minimize the CO2 footprint while ensuring the quality of the paint finish at the same time. Suitable measurement procedures and data analysis methods are used to calculate and continuously monitor the CO2 footprint. In this way, painting companies can measure their contribution to climate protection and better pursue their sustainability goals.
We assist you in making your processes more sustainable and gentler on resources, as well as in complying with environmental protection regulations.
Support with approval procedures for painting processes and equipment
Expert reports in terms of the 31st German Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchV), TA-Luft and carbon accounts for the painting process
- Emission measurements
- Initiation of approval procedures when planning new paint shops
- Processing approval documents if changes are made to existing process technologies or materials in paints, solvents or cleaning agents
- Assessment and evaluation of existing paint shops in terms of the 31st German Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchV).
- Preparation of a CO2 footprint (carbon account)
- Identification of the most important drivers
- Measures to reduce emissions
- Implementation support
Levers for reducing CO2 emissions in paint shops:
Use of sustainable coating materials:
The use of environmentally friendly and sustainable coating materials can reduce CO2 emissions. Examples include water-based or solvent-free coatings instead of solvent-based products.
Improved application techniques:
By deploying modern and efficient application techniques such as electrostatic painting or high-rotation atomization, painting processes can be optimized in order to lower paint and energy consumption.
Energy-efficient process technology:
Investing in energy-efficient paint shops and equipment can reduce energy consumption and thus also CO2 emissions. Examples include the use of energy-efficient dryers and heat recovery systems.
Waste heat recovery:
Energy consumption can be decreased by recovering waste heat from the painting process. Using waste heat to heat buildings or other processes helps reduce the CO2 footprint.
Process optimization:
Comprehensive analysis and optimization of painting processes can help to identify and improve inefficient workflows. This can result in a reduction in paint consumption, emission levels and energy requirements.
Carbon accounting and monitoring:
By regularly measuring and monitoring the CO2 footprint, painting companies can accurately record their environmental impact and take targeted action to reduce emissions.
Employee training and awareness:
Training courses for employees on environmentally friendly practices and the importance of reducing CO2 emissions can help boost awareness of environmental protection and contribute to the responsible use of resources.
Find out more about climate neutrality in paint shops and improve your competitiveness together with Fraunhofer IPA by using sustainable and efficient painting processes. We look forward to working with you!