Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it's a comprehensive approach that touches on various aspects of industries today. The growing positive attitudes toward sustainability are helping drive change, and every step counts in building a more sustainable future.

The Connection Between Sustainability and Manufacturing

In manufacturing, sustainability is defined by several principles, such as reducing material usage, cutting energy consumption, minimizing emissions, and reducing waste. These principles apply to many industries, but they are especially crucial in the paint and coating industry, one of the fastest-growing sectors, where products are essential for both protection and decoration. The next big challenge is transitioning this industry toward more sustainable practices.

Key Factors in Sustainable Manufacturing

There are three key factors to consider when evaluating whether an industry is truly embracing sustainability: the production process, the application of products, and the results for the end-users.

Optimizing the Production Process

In the paint and coating industry, the production process plays a major role in achieving sustainability. One of the most energy- and time-consuming processes is pigment dispersion. To improve sustainability, it’s essential to select the right dispersing agents that optimize efficiency without compromising the final product quality.

BASF’s Efka® PX and Dispex® Ultra PX dispersing agents are designed to tackle this challenge. These dispersing agents allow for superior color development, viscosity reduction, and stability—while still prioritizing sustainability. Efka® PX is ideal for solvent-based systems, while Dispex® Ultra PX is designed for aqueous applications.

Applications for a Greener Future

Another important factor in sustainable manufacturing is the application process. While water-based paints are often considered more sustainable, they can face challenges, such as lower pigmentation and reduced shelf life due to pigment sedimentation. Rheology modifiers like BASF’s Rheovis® PU and PE can help address these issues. They reduce dripping and spattering during application and also allow for lower paint usage with equal or improved durability.

Meeting End-User Expectations

Lastly, sustainable manufacturing must meet the expectations of end-users. Customers in the paint and coating industry look for long-lasting colors and well-protected surfaces. Achieving these requires using film-forming agents that resist dirt pickup and help surfaces maintain their integrity over time.

BASF offers several film-forming agents, including Loxanol® CA (coalescent agents), Loxanol® OT (open-time prolongers), and Lexanol® PL (plasticizers). These agents are ideal for creating paints with low environmental impact. They contain no mineral oils and have extremely low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, making them perfect for producing environmentally friendly, long-lasting coatings.

Partnering for a Sustainable Future

If you're looking to enhance the sustainability of your manufacturing processes, Bahtera Adi Jaya is here to help. We offer a wide range of high-quality products that can help you achieve your sustainability goals without compromising performance.

Click here to discover the right solutions for your sustainable manufacturing needs.