Innovative Interpon Redox powder coatings from AkzoNobel are helping HAGS, one of Europe’s foremost manufacturers of outdoor playground equipment, to protect its products from the impact of costly and unsightly corrosion, especially in difficult coastal environments with a high salt content in the air.
HAGS, which recently celebrated a 25 year partnership with Interpon, was one of the pioneers in switching from a solvent-based paint system to an Interpon powder coating that was more sustainable, and that fully supported its sustainability strategies.
HAGS first started using Interpon in 1998, looking for a more sustainable solution to protect its products against corrosion and general wear and tear. The switch coincided with a move to a new manufacturing facility in Egham, UK which the Interpon team supported with practical advice, training and support. Since then, AkzoNobel has helped HAGS to seamlessly integrate its powder coating processes into three more sites including Aneby in Sweden (2013) and Sosnowiec in Poland (2019).
Mark Grace, Marketing Director of HAGS, says that he particularly values the expertise of the Interpon team through its process audits for its ‘Approved Applicator’ registration, “It gives our customers peace of mind that our installed products will last for many years with minimal maintenance required to the power coated finish, as well as being based on a sound environmentally friendly solution. And because Interpon is a globally available powder coating system, we have been able to develop a standardise finishing system across all our European factories.”
Tomasz Kluczewski, Regional Director North Europe of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business, says he is proud of the 25-year partnership with HAGS, “Since helping HAGS make the switch we have continued to support them through partnership and innovation. These have been the key drivers not only in helping our customer to meet their sustainability goals, but also in establishing an unbeatable platform that brings benefits to both companies and reflects our heritage in building long-term relationships.”
Among the first to use Interpon’s Redox Duplex system – a two-layer system with a zinc-rich Interpon Redox PZ epoxy primer and topcoat, HAGS now offers its customers the Redox Triplex three-layer system. This provides enhanced corrosion protection in environments up to the highest corrosivity category of C5.
Most recently, HAGS introduced an optional Interpon AM topcoat, which can reduce microbial growth such as bacteria and mould by up to 99.9%. These powder coatings have been especially popular for those procuring its outdoor fitness products used in public places, since they tend to attract a high number of users from all age groups.
Andy Yates, Technical Director at HAGS, says that as a major supplier to local authorities and councils, quality and reputation are key, “What is vital to our customers is that the products have a long life-span and reflect well on the people who procured them. What is crucial to us, therefore, is working with a partner like Interpon whose products protect and enhance our equipment and ensure they keep performing in a variety of different global climates and environmental conditions.”