Innovative Coating Technologies Drive Sustainability in the Commercial Vehicle Sector
Posted on Oct 07, 2025The use of high-performance coatings and finishes on commercial vehicle fasteners, fixings and components is critical to ensuring durability, corrosion resistance and operational reliability. Recent advancements in coating technologies now enable these essential outcomes to be achieved more sustainably than ever before.
Commercial vehicle OEMs specify the precise coating requirements for their components to ensure optimal protection and performance. Job coaters such as the Anochrome Group are then responsible for applying these coatings to meet stringent industry standards before returning the finished parts to the OEM.
With six operating sites – four in the West Midlands and two across mainland Europe – the Anochrome Group has extensive capacity to process components up to M24 in diameter and 250mm in length via dip-spin application, or larger components by spray.
The company currently coats parts to specifications for major OEMs including Scania and Volvo, handling tens of millions of parts weekly, with a strong focus on the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors.
Anochrome offers a wide portfolio of coating systems tailored for commercial vehicle applications, including zinc flake finishes such as Dörken, Magni, GEOMET NOF, Xylan and Atotech, alongside electroplated and mechanical finishes such as zinc, zinc-nickel and mechanical zinc.
Sustainability Driving Technological Advancements
While the coating industry remained relatively stable for many years, significant progress has recently been made to enhance the environmental sustainability of coating processes.
Denis Rainbird, General Manager at Anochrome subsidiary WEP, explained:
“Our core objective remains delivering dependable corrosion protection. However, we’ve made substantial strides in reducing the environmental impact of our processes, responding to growing customer demand for more sustainable solutions. Many OEMs now assess the carbon footprint of their entire supply chain – including surface finishing.”
This includes a move away from harmful substances such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), traditionally used in some coatings. Anochrome has partnered with a major fastener manufacturer to lead the industry in testing PFAS-free systems on behalf of global OEMs.
PFAS are increasingly being phased out due to their persistence in the environment and potential to contaminate soil and water. Their elimination not only reduces long-term ecological harm but also aligns with emerging regulations and promotes safer, more sustainable manufacturing practices.
Denis added: “Using our in-house cyclic corrosion systems, salt spray chambers and friction testing equipment we’ve been able to rigorously evaluate the performance of PFAS-free coatings. Collaborating with leading fastener engineers, we’re demonstrating that these alternatives match – or exceed – the performance of traditional PFAS-based finishes.”
Industry-Leading Testing Facilities
Anochrome’s testing capabilities are among the most advanced in the UK surface finishing sector. The company operates four neutral salt spray cabinets for accelerated corrosion testing, exposing coated components to highly corrosive conditions over extended periods.
Notably, Anochrome is believed to be the only UK-based job coater with an on-site cyclic corrosion chamber. This equipment simulates a variety of controlled climates, including fluctuating humidity and temperature, providing a comprehensive assessment of a coating’s durability in real-world conditions.
Current trials are evaluating PFAS-free zinc flake coatings from GEOMET NOF, Magni, and Dörken, alongside electroplated topcoats from MacDermid. The project is being led by WEP’s Paul Walker-Shelton (Technical Sales), Richard Chater (Group HSE & Technical Support Manager), Andy Ball (APQP Engineer), and Rob Tennant (Technical Manager at Anochrome Ltd).
Efficiency Gains Through Temperature Reduction
Further sustainable innovations include the adoption of low-temperature cleaners to prepare parts prior to coating. Previously reliant on alkaline degreasers operating at 60°C, the company now utilises alternatives that function effectively at just 40°C, cutting energy use and reducing costs.
In addition, Anochrome Technologies has introduced a low-temperature curing zinc flake system using Dörken’s DELTA-PROTEKT® KL 170 RT. Unlike traditional coatings which require ovens reaching up to 320°C, this system cures at room temperature over several days, significantly lowering energy consumption.
Ongoing development is focused on expanding these low-temperature curing solutions to further reduce gas usage and environmental impact.
Denis said: “While the coating of commercial vehicle components may go unnoticed by most, it plays a vital role in ensuring vehicle reliability and longevity. We remain committed to delivering technical excellence while supporting our customers’ sustainability goals.”