Henkel launches APNR 2.0 no-rinse adhesion promoter for metal pretreatment

Henkel is introducing APNR 2.0, the next generation of its no-rinse adhesion promoter for metal pretreatment, which replaces the traditional passivation bath with a metered spray applied at the end of the line. Compared with the previous APNR generation, based on internal Henkel evaluations, APNR 2.0 has shown potential to cut process water consumption by up to 50% and compressed-air demand by up to 20%, depending on line design. The new EcoFlex control unit adds a redesigned pump system and digital integration, and more than 100 APNR systems have been installed worldwide since the 2015 launch.

Key facts

Market context

Adhesion promoters for metal pretreatment are thin, functional coatings applied to metal surfaces such as aluminum and steel before painting, powder coating or bonding. Their job is to improve how well organic coatings and adhesives stick to the substrate and resist corrosion. Demand is driven mainly by architectural aluminum, such as window frames, facades and curtain walls, along with automotive, appliance and general metal fabrication. Traditional pretreatment often relies on rinse stages and passivation baths, which consume large volumes of process water, energy and compressed air and require wastewater handling. No-rinse, spray-applied systems reduce those utility loads and simplify line layout, which can matter to converters weighing operating costs against environmental permits. For buyers, a shift toward such systems can change demand for bath chemistry and related service support, and it can pressure suppliers of conventional rinse-based products to compete on resource efficiency as well as performance.

Source: official release on henkel.com. Summary and context written by Market Krystal.