MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the protective coatings market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Hempel with the 2014 European Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovation. Hempel's AvantGuard® technology-enabled HEMPADUR AvantGuard® range of products addresses customer demand for superior protection of structures. The technology has pulled ahead of its peers by offering three types of protection—barrier effect, inhibitor effect, and galvanic effect—in a single system.
The HEMPADUR AvantGuard® product portfolio, comprising the HEMPADUR AvantGuard® 550, HEMPADUR AvantGuard® 750, and HEMPADUR AvantGuard® 770, are engineered to protect structures in tough environments. It ensures reduced corrosion, improved performance in extreme temperatures, and superior mechanical strength to protect iron and steel structures. Additionally, it lowers maintenance costs and increases maintenance intervals. Hempel is also developing products that can be applied on components that need to be transported to other regions for installation.
"The AvantGuard® technology has the ability to significantly integrate hollow glass spheres with a proprietary activator to activate more zinc and enhance the anti-corrosive properties of the coating," said Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Soundarya Shankar. "This effective utilization of zinc also offers considerable cost-savings, as zinc is an expensive metal."
The AvantGuard® technology's first layer of protection involves the formation of zinc salts throughout the surface to minimize water permeability. The second layer has the galvanic effect in the coating, which protects steel by preferential corrosion of zinc metal in the coating. The activation of the zinc makes the galvanic protection more efficient compared to conventional zinc epoxy coatings. The third corrosion prevention mechanism captures chloride ions, thereby protecting the surface.
Hempel has demonstrated a keen focus on maintaining high standards of quality, especially since it functions in a market with stringent regulations. Hempel follows a strict quality management system that complies with the ISO 9001 standard, as well as the Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) regulations for maintaining product quality standards.
AvantGuard® conducted the salt tests in compliance with ISO 12944 to ensure maximum anti-corrosion capabilities, while the cyclic corrosion test was aligned with the ISO 20340 standard to test for lower rusting mechanisms than is possible with AvantGuard®-free coatings.
"Apart from designing an enhanced product portfolio, Hempel delivers a seamless customer service experience," noted Shankar. "Acknowledging the need for different types of protective coatings in different regions of Europe due to varied climatic conditions, the company customizes its solutions to suit specific customer needs. Designing a global solution and tailoring it to suit customer requirements is Hempel's USP."
Hempel is striving to boost its brand value by concentrating on five major segments of business: technological innovation, supply chain optimization, human resource management, operational efficiency enhancement, and fund management. The effective implementation of its product development strategy to develop breakthrough solutions for specific customer requirements has poised the company for even greater success in the future.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased ROI it offers customers, which, in turn, increases customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
About Hempel
Hempel is a world-leading coatings supplier for the decorative, protective, marine, container and yacht markets. From wind turbines and bridges to hospitals, ships, power stations and homes, our coatings protect man-made structures from the corrosive forces of nature.
With a focus on R&D, advanced production techniques and professional coatings advice, we work around the globe to help keep our customers' investments safe and attractive for a long time. Our working concept is simple: we are curious, creative and self-critical, and we always aim to create extra value for our customers.
About Frost & Sullivan
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