Preservation of Value and Resource Conservation through Ultra-Durable Fluoropolymer Coatings
PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are an integral part of our daily lives – found in ski wax, outdoor clothing, batteries for electric mobility, and durable coatings like our fluoropolymer paints.
These synthetic chemicals are highly resistant to water, oil, high temperatures, and UV rays, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. However, their exceptional stability comes with a downside: PFAS are biologically persistent, accumulating globally in the environment and organisms, increasingly posing environmental challenges.
The EU is currently considering a potential ban on PFAS and initiated a consultation process last year, in which Monopol Colors actively participated. In our submission, which you can view here, we demonstrated through a cradle-to-cradle analysis that our PFAS-based architectural applications pose no health risks or environmental hazards. On the contrary, their extraordinary durability actively contributes to resource conservation, as metallic façades, in particular, remain optimally protected and visually appealing even after decades.
Condition before 2011
The building’s metallic façade was severely weathered, showing significant chalking and gloss loss. Despite repeated cleaning attempts, the degradation could not be stopped. The property owners faced the decision to completely replace the façade.
Renovation in Summer 2011
In summer 2011, the façade was comprehensively renovated by our partner Hans Gassler AG, Gretzenbach. First, the high-quality 2K epoxy primer Vernit EP C400 was applied, followed by our 2K fluoropolymer topcoat Vernidur FP D481 in the colors NCS S 7020-R80B Blue and Gold Metallic Light 30.
Condition Assessment October 2024
The blue shade NCS S 7020-R80B shows virtually no gloss loss after 13 years (Target: 55–60 GE, Actual: 54–58 GE) and only minimal color deviation (dE 1.3–1.6) – an outstanding result! Practical tests further confirm that the layer thickness reduction of fluoropolymer coatings over 10 to 20 years amounts to just a few micrometers.
Thus, the office building in Zurich remains not only perfectly protected for the next 20 years but also visually flawless.
This is a prime example of sustainable value preservation and resource conservation!
