October 31, 2022

Henkel wins Suppliers Partnership Award

Pallumina thin-film process for automotive production recognized for sustainability contributions 

Düsseldorf – More than 4 million vehicles are pretreated annually with Henkel’s portfolio of thin-film metal pretreatment processes. Henkel was recognized with an award from the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment for demonstrating outstanding innovation in an advanced manufacturing process leading to significant environmental and economic impact. The award recognizes the use of the (Pallumina) thin-film process on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and Tundra.

Metal pretreatment is an essential part of vehicle production, as it enables paint adhesion to the vehicle body, while preventing corrosion. Henkel’s innovative thin-film process reduces the manufacturing steps of a conventional metal pretreatment process from seven down to just four. Key environmental advancements include the elimination of heavy metal phosphates, such as zinc phosphate, nickel phosphate and manganese phosphate, the reduction of up to a 90 percent in sludge generation and a significant reduction in water usage. 

The process uses a metal-oxide conversion coating versus a zinc phosphate-based conversion coating, significantly decreasing sludge generation by reducing the need for metal etching and the use of fluoride additives. In turn, the need for regular tank clean outs is reduced and annual chemical clean outs are completely eliminated – reducing sludge disposal costs and labor costs.

“Today’s automotive OEMs are looking for solutions that enhance sustainability, while reducing costs, simplifying processes and delivering high performance,” said Cris Naida, Vice President Automotive OEM Americas, Henkel. “Henkel’s thin-film processes deliver on all of these – offering an exceptional solution for paint shop processes.”

The Pallumina thin-film process is effective across all major metals and can process up to 100 percent aluminum, further enabling the use of this lightweight metal. Use of aluminum is expected to double from approximately 13 percent on passenger cars and trucks today to 26 percent by 2040, according to the Center for Automotive Research. Aluminum plays an essential role in improving fuel economy standards of internal combustion engine vehicles and off-setting added weight of Battery Electric Vehicles.

The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment represents organizations from across the automotive value chain, including several of the world’s largest automakers and suppliers. The organization works toward a shared vision of an automotive industry with positive environmental impact.

Learn more about Henkel’s metal pretreatment solutions for the vehicle body-in-white here.

PALLUMINA™ is a trademark of Nihon Parkerizing. Henkel has a license with Nihon Parkerizing and supplies Pallumina thin-film to Toyota North America.

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2021, Henkel reported sales of more than 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of about 2.7 billion euros. Henkel employs about 53,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

Contact	Carrie McGuire	
Phone	+1 248 840 6879	
Email	carrie.cioffi-mcguire@henkel.com

Henkel was recognized with a Suppliers Partnership Award for sustainability contributions 
in automotive pretreatment.