#Japan #Eco-Friendly #Tokyo #Sumitomo Bakelite #Sumilite Resin

Introducing Eco-Friendly Epoxy Powder Coating: Sumilite Resin® ECP

Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has unveiled its innovative Sumilite Resin® ECP, an environmentally friendly epoxy powder coating developed specifically for the insulation of coil ends in automotive motors. This new lineup includes two products: the room-temperature storage development and the low-temperature curing development, aimed at supporting energy reduction throughout the logistics and application processes while maintaining durability and coating performance comparable to existing products. The initiative is part of their commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across the entire supply chain.

Background of Development

The automotive industry is facing increasing pressure to meet reliability standards and accelerate efforts toward carbon-neutral practices. Not only is it essential to reduce energy consumption in the painting process at customer facilities, but there is also a growing need to address energy usage throughout the entire supply chain, including transportation and storage. Sumitomo Bakelite has historically provided coatings with high durability for coil-end insulation. Now, with these developments, the company endeavors to tackle energy consumption challenges in logistics and storage phases through the new room-temperature storage product and to enhance energy efficiency in customer painting processes with the low-temperature curing product.

Key Features of the New Eco-Friendly Coating Products

1. Room-Temperature Storage Development (ECP-383KA)

This product contributes to lowering the logistical and storage burdens. Traditional products for the same application required refrigeration for transport and storage at temperatures below 10°C. However, this new development improves stability, allowing for transport and storage at room temperature (10-35°C). Thus, it helps to decrease energy consumption associated with refrigeration and low-temperature transportation.

2. Low-Temperature Curing Development (ECP-382WA)

This innovation aids in energy efficiency during the painting process. Previously, the curing temperature range for similar products was between 160-200°C, but the new product allows curing at 130°C. By optimizing the formulation of hardeners and resins, it maintains equivalent curing performance and insulation properties, decreasing energy requirements in the painting and curing processes.

3. Comprehensive Solutions Addressing Supply Chain Challenges

In the quest for carbon neutrality, the automotive sector seeks to minimize environmental impacts not only from product performance but also from manufacturing and logistics throughout the supply chain. The newly developed room-temperature storage and low-temperature curing products each target energy consumption at specific stages of the process.

- Room-Temperature Storage Product: This enables transport and storage at room temperature, thereby reducing energy usage and operational burdens associated with refrigeration.
- Low-Temperature Curing Product: By decreasing the curing temperature, it cuts down on energy required during heating and curing post-painting.



These developments not only aim for a reduction in CO₂ emissions but also promise cost-cutting benefits. For instance, the room-temperature storage design alleviates stringent temperature management requirements during transport and storage, lowering overall costs, while the low-temperature curing product reduces electricity consumption and costs attributed to lower curing temperatures. It’s important to recognize that these benefits might differ based on specific usage conditions and environments; hence, individual evaluations and validations are recommended.

4. Environmentally-Friendly Features and High Reliability

Both products are solvent-free powder coatings that contain no VOCs. They also offer excellent adhesion, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength, allowing for uniform coating and film thickness control, which are critical for the reliability required in automotive motor applications.

Future Developments

The room-temperature storage and low-temperature curing products are currently being evaluated by several customers, garnering positive feedback. The room-temperature storage product is projected to launch by 2030. Sumitomo Bakelite plans to enhance its proposal activities, especially focusing on the xEV and eVTOL markets, while promoting the adoption of materials that contribute to reducing environmental burdens.

For more information, contact Sumitomo Bakelite’s Materials Solutions Sales Department at +81 3-5462-4079.