October 4, 2017

Sustainable automotive surface treatment

Henkel patented two-step process for auto body surface treatment at Audi

Düsseldorf, Germany – In cooperation with Audi, Henkel has developed an auto body pre-treatment process. The patented two-step process enables surface treatment of multi-metal auto bodies with an aluminum content of up to 100 percent. In zinc phosphating, which was the conventional process, the volume of waste products increases as the aluminum content of mixed material bodies rises. These are very costly to remove from the pre-treatment bath and the surfaces that are treated in them.

Due to the different surface properties of steel and aluminum body components, the Bonderite two-step process pre-treats them in two stages. This allows more aluminum to be used, while reducing the disadvantages of the current process, i.e. energy and chemical use decrease during the production process. Servicing expenses, the associated downtime, and waste volumes are also reduced.

Audi was the first company to integrate this method into its processes. The two-step process has now become the global standard for pre-treatment of auto bodies with a high aluminum content and is applied by leading automobile manufacturers around the world.

The two-step process is a sustainable surface treatment method that offers the following advantages:

•	Resource-efficient thanks to reduced waste, energy and chemicals
•	Enables pretreatment of body shells with an aluminum content of up to 100%

Peter Kuhm, Business Director Automotive Surface Treatment Europe at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, explained: “The Bonderite two-step metal pretreatment process for multi-metal bodies provides superior corrosion performance while reducing investment- and processing costs. We are very proud of our collaboration, not only with Audi, but also with other global leading automobile manufacturers.”

Bonderit is a registered trademark of Henkel and/or its affiliates in Germany and elsewhere.

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 2016, Henkel reported sales of 18.7 billion euros, adjusted operating profit of 3.2 billion euros. Its three top brands, Persil (detergent), Schwarzkopf (hair care) and Loctite (adhesive) generated more than 6 billion euros in combined sales. Henkel employs more than 50,000 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.

Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press.

Contact	Suleika Hollenhorst	Kevin Noels
Phone	+49 211 7970	+31 164 317 011
Email		knoels@emg-pr.com

	Henkel AG & Co. KGaA	EMG

The following material is available:
Henkel patented Bonderite two-step process for auto body surface treatment at Audi. 

Henkel patented Bonderite two-step process for auto body surface treatment at Audi.