ECOEFFICIENCY ANALYSIS - A NEW METHOD FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF COATINGS RAW MATERIALS

摘要

The ecoefficiency analysis method allows an assessment of products or processes regarding economical and ecological properties. This method reviews the entire life cycle of a process starting from the production of raw materials until the cost of waste disposal or recycling. By this method an ecological profile is established and is linked with the economic performance. In this article the ecoefficiency analysis is described and its usefulness demonstrated by using an example from the coatings industry. Newly developped crosslinkers for aqueous stoving finishes can be used in paints and can provide systems which are used up to 100 %. The overspray of the painting process is collected by the rinsing water of the spray booth, is concentrated by ultrafiltration and can be re-used without restrictions. The consequences for environmental protection and economic performance are calculated. In addition the ecoefficiency analysis does not only allow to select suitable raw materials and to identify critical parameters, but can depict scenarios for further improvement of the whole process.