Mar 17 2008
Soliant LLC has been awarded the Global Plastics Environmental Conference (GPEC(R)) 2008 Achievement Award for "Enabling Technologies in Processes and Procedures" -- for developing Fluorex(R) bright film. Fluorex(R) bright film is currently used on a variety of plastic substrates to provide a chrome finish comparable to chrome plating. This sustainable alternative to chrome plating offers very low emissions, excellent impact performance and 100% recyclability. Fluorex(R) bright film is used in insert molding, extrusion lamination and thick sheet thermoforming.
Soliant met all GPEC(R) Award criteria for "Sustainability and Recycling for a Greener Environment". The award was presented by the Plastics Environmental Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) at a banquet during the GPEC(R) conference March 11-12 in Orlando, Florida.
Soliant also won the 2006 GPEC(R) Achievement Award for "Emerging Technologies in Materials, Processes and Applications" for their Fluorex(R) paintfilm technology. "Soliant was deserving to win again as they met all criteria with a different product -- Fluorex(R) bright film -- which offers further environmental benefits as an alternative to the hazards of chrome plating," said Larry Koester, VP Communications for the GPEC(R) Awards and the SPE Environmental Division. "Soliant is in a small group of elite companies who are multi-year winners of our Environmental Stewardship awards," continued Koester.
As permits for chrome plating are becoming more difficult to obtain, this technology is very timely. It is a solution for manufacturers to provide the appealing, marketable look of chrome on plastic components while being environmentally compliant and responsible. Compared to chrome plating, Fluorex(R) bright film significantly reduces the amount of VOCs generated. It uses less energy, consumes less water and improves air quality making it a green alternative.
Fluorex(R) bright film and paintfilm are used in a wide variety of applications including Columbia Freightliner heavy truck bumpers and sun visors, Jeep(R) Wrangler Sahara front and rear bumper covers, and Toyota Avensis door steps. Other uses include nameplates and badges, grilles, hood scoops, rocker panels, body side moldings, roof strips, and fascias.
Over 50,000,000 parts with Soliant Fluorex(R) bright film and paintfilm have been performing in the field for the last 6 years without issue. Soliant has an impressive 20-year history as a producer of paintfilm products. Automotive OEMs are showing great interest in Fluorex(R) bright film and paintfilm and are encouraging suppliers to adopt this green technology.