Coatings World - July 2009

EUROPE

International Coatings Scene

A revised ecodesign directive is being extended to apply not just to energy-using products such as boilers, water heaters and computers but also to energy related products (ERPs) which, although they do not consume energy, have an impact on energy consumption. These would include windows, insulation materials and other energy saving products.

Similarly the scope of an energy labelling directive is being widened beyond household appliances and other energy consuming products to include products in the household, commercial and industrial sectors which are able to save energy once in use.

The extended energy labelling law is being strongly supported by glass manufacturers who have been using new coating technologies to make windows much more efficient insulators.

“It will be a powerful tool for raising awareness about energy saving among consumers and contractors,” said Bertrand Cazes, secretary general of Glass for Europe, representing flat glass manufacturers. “Our sector already uses certain energy efficiency criteria and standards but they are not particularly consumer friendly. The extended labelling directive will make the data comprehensible to consumers and small contractors to help them make the right decisions.”

Energy saving coatings on windows are becoming increasingly complex so that instead of comprising one or two layers they can now consist of seven to eight.

“A lot of R&D is now being conducted into these coatings to meet the specific demands of customers so there can be many different formulations,” said one regulatory affairs specialist in the sector. “The number of different coatings is also growing because of the different degrees of control needed on

emissions, solar reflectance and on the amount of light going through the glass. With such a huge range of options, there is a necessity for greater standardization of the various types of coatings.”

The coatings are usually made and applied by the glass manufacturers themselves, either during or after production. But with the coatings becoming more intricate, their manufacture and application is being outsourced. Also the coating of the rising levels of imported glass for windows, much of it from China, is being done by specialist applicators in Europe.

The European Commission argues

that the new regulations are necessary to harmonize and toughen up existing national rules in EU member states.

They will also help the EU achieve its objective of a 20% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The buildings sector is the largest user of energy and CO2 emitter in the EU, being responsible for 40% of the region’s total energy consumption.

The regulations are due to be approved shortly by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, representing the EU governments, so that they can come into effect in the next 2-3 years.” CW

Use grind gages more consistently.

Little Joe Industries offers the ADM Automatic Draw-Down Machine for use with grind gages. The ADM automates the draw down process controlling scraper angle, speed, and force. Since these aspects are no longer operator dependent your grind gage draw-downs will be more consistent while requiring less operator training and supervision.