MUENSTER, Germany — BASF’s Coatings division was awarded the Pierre Potier prize medal in the Environmentally Friendly Process category for its R-M^® eSense automotive paint line, which covers all bodywork repairs. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French Secretary of State to the Minister of the Economy and Finance, attended the awards ceremony. The Pierre Potier prize honors chemical companies that innovate and constantly strive to improve their products and procedures in an effort to preserve the environment, and thus provide solutions to the challenge of the ecological transition. The Pierre Potier prize also encourages the development of eco-responsible approaches in the chemical sector.

The innovation of the eSense line is based on BASF’s Biomass Balance approach, developed in cooperation with the TÜV SÜD certification body. This approach involves using renewable resources to reduce the share of fossil fuel resources in the feedstock right from the start of the paint product manufacturing process. The share of renewable raw material used is then allocated to a selection of end products. The use of renewable raw materials, in this case biogas or bio-naphtha, means the eSense line is part of the bio-economy. Since 2018, BASF transferred the certification to the new European REDcert2 standard for the chemical company.

By allowing body shops to significantly shorten product drying times during the repair process, the eSense line enables a considerable reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. “The challenge tackled by our teams was to provide technical solutions for bodywork repair processes which are as effective as the standard systems, while at the same time significantly improving environmental performances. This specific feature is a first in automotive paints and makes the eSense line the sustainable solution for vehicle repairs. What is more, receiving this prize in the year that R-M celebrates its 100^th anniversary is a fantastic gift,” said Fabien Boschetti, Managing Director of BASF Coatings Services France.

In practice, if a body shop uses products from the eSense line to repair the equivalent of 2.5 bodywork parts, it saves 550g of CO₂. Thanks to eSense, body shops can now use products achieving a result that equals or even betters standard products, at the same time offering superior environmental performances. This innovation is also fully in keeping with a desire of the end consumer to be an eco-responsible motorist.

With eSense, BASF confirms its commitment to effective, economical and ecological climate protection. “Climate change is one of the main challenges for society, and BASF has been innovating in this field for many years. Energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources are key levers to combine climate protection, conservation of resources and economic benefits. This prize recognizes BASF’s expertise in these fields. Therefore, I am very proud to receive this award, which crowns the hard work and commitment of our teams,“ said Thierry Herning, head of BASF France.