Solving a solvent problem

• Hazardous liquid painting method replaced by powder coating requiring no solvents
• Reduces up to 98 % of VOC emissions, produces better, more efficient results, and less toxic waste 

Delvalle designs and manufactures electrical enclosures, cabinets, boxes, junction boxes, consoles, racks, etc. The company’s production process starts with laser cutting of the various pieces that make up the enclosure. After this, each part is moulded and then welded together. The last step is the painting process.

In the past, the company mostly used liquid paint, which contains a solvent that has to be evaporated during the drying process to avoid being mixed in the dry coating. This evaporation releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which have negative effects on the environment and the health of people exposed to them. Moreover, as the solvent is a toxic chemical, waste generated during the painting process is considered hazardous (empty contaminated packaging, paint leftovers, etc.).

Delvalle decided to reduce VOC emissions and hazardous waste by replacing the liquid paint with a cleaner product that still guaranteed the same finish and quality. After some research, powder coating was chosen because it does not require a solvent. The company did not need to invest in new machinery to start using powder coating because it already had a fully operative paint tunnel.

Key benefits

• 92-98 % reduction in VOC emissions, which is beneficial to the environment and staff health and safety
• No solvents means reduced hazardous waste generation (cloths, empty contaminated packaging, paint leftovers, etc.)
• More efficient paint consumption:
  • 98 % of the overspray (powder that does not stick to the object) can be recovered and reused while running liquid paint is wasted
  • Considerable reduction of pieces that have to be repainted because powder coating does not run or drip, allowing for a better final finish
  • Powder coating requires just one paint coat, while liquid paint requires several coats, so less paint is used and less time is needed for the process
• Cost savings: no material mixture and additives are needed, which also means space, time and work hours saved
• Efficiency gains as powder coating requires less time (worker hours) than liquid paint
• Cost savings on hazardous waste collection, storage, and processing (and external costs related to waste management are reduced)