Sustainability

Small steps to make a positive difference.

Powdertech Surface Science is committed to embracing and introducing measures that will help to make our entire operation more sustainable. Our core values are respect, accountability and being responsive and these apply equally to our concern for the environment.

ISO 14001:2015 achieved, approved by LRQA

Powdertech Surface Science has underlined its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices through achieving ISO 14001 certification, approved by LRQA.

ISO 14001 is more than a certification; it’s a reflection of our values and a driving force behind the continuous improvement of our systems. Our Environmental Management System (EMS) is combined with our Quality Management System and is continuously maintained and monitored.

In achieving ISO 14001 we have shown that:

  • We have a structured approach for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving our EMS. 

  • We are complying with relevant environmental laws and regulations. 

  • We will continuously improve their environmental performance. 

  • We involve stakeholders in environmental matters. 

Powder coatings themselves are ‘greener’ than you might think

  • Powder coatings are a dry powder and emit zero or negligible volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

  • Powder coatings contain no halogens or heavy metals.

  • Powder coatings do not produce hazardous waste. The process takes place in sealed booths and 95% of what is sprayed adheres to the metal or is collected, filtered and re-used. Any powder left over is safely disposed of as an inert powder.

  • Powder coating takes place in factory-controlled conditions so there is no on-site impact.

  • Powder coating does not mean ‘end-of life’ status for the metal. The coating can be removed and the metal recycled with no adverse effect.

  • Our powder manufacturers issue Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) which follow the International Standard ISO 14025

  • Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are standardized documents that provide detailed information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle. They are based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and follow international standards, such as ISO 14025.

    EPDs are a valuable tool for assessing and comparing the environmental impact of products. They are transparent documents, indicating the environmental impact of the product and how comprehensive the assessment has been.

EPD links from our key powder manufacturers

Sherwin Williams

TIGER

Interpon

AkzoNobel

We have worked with chrome-free pre-treatment chemicals since 2001.

Hexavalent chrome was often used in pre-treatment chemicals as it is anti-corrosive but studies began to indicate its carcinogenic properties and as such it is a risk to health and the environment. Its use was finally banned on 21st September 2024 - making Powdertech 23 years ahead of the game.

As the first powder coater in the UK to install chrome-free pre-treatment in 2001, Powdertech Surface Science has extensive experience in these safe and very effective systems. Our TiZr chrome-free pre-treatments are eleven-stage Gardobond® X4591 and Gardobond® X 4707 processes.

Find out more about the ban on hexavalent chrome

Our focus on renewable energy

We introduced solar panels for electricity generation at the start of 2021.

HarvestGreen installed our SolarPV panels, making the most of our flat roof in sunny Bicester. 25% of the electricity we use is renewable, generated on site and reducing our carbon output.

We have two electric vehicle charging points on site for visitors and employees.

Reducing waste and efficient waste recycling

We have invested in equipment to compact all our recyclable waste and we manage our processes in order to reduce, reuse and recycle waste materials.

We do our best to use recyclable materials wherever possible, our latest addition to procurement being ‘WhoGivesACrap? ‘loo paper.

Lightweighting for energy conservation

From its beginning, Powdertech Surface Science chose to focus its expertise on the coating of lightweight metal alloys of aluminium.  

‘Lightweighting’ has now become a defining concept across industries like automotive, aerospace, and energy—no longer just a trend, but a core design principle. It reflects the shift toward using advanced materials and smarter engineering to reduce weight, improve efficiency, and meet demanding sustainability targets.

It means adapting processes and systems to ensure that lighter materials, such as aluminium and composite materials can be used in design without sacrificing strength or performance. Designs are optimised to support the goals of sustainability, improving energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions.

  • Aluminium alloys

    ​The adoption of aluminium alloys has surged in recent years, driven by the requirement for lightweight, fuel-efficient designs, most particularly in the automotive sector. Aluminium supports sustainability goals as the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust and is highly recyclable—around 75% of aluminium in use today has been recycled. Importantly, recycling it uses just 5% of the energy needed for primary production. Aluminium alloys are also gaining ground in aerospace, medical, and leisure industries.

    Composite materials

    Composite materials offer excellent performance in the same sectors as aluminium, and support energy efficiency and emissions reduction. We have developed PowderBondPP, a system specifically designed for joining aluminium to lightweight composite materials for hybrid assemblies used in EVs and other sectors. Assemblies made using PowderBond can be disassembled for EOL recycling.

Caring for people and quality of life

The term ‘sustainability’ has been recognised to encompass societal progress and a recognised increased in quality of life as well as protecting the Earth’s resources and climate. We adhere to those principles in our employment practices. We value our employees and promote a positive, motivated atmosphere in office and factory with mutually support and a respectful atmosphere. We contribute above the recommended pension level, all staff are covered by our sick-pay scheme and everyone is entitled to an extra day’s holiday on their birthday.

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