Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • MATERIALS
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • FINISHING
  • RESOURCES
  • EVENTS
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • CONTACT
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Latest News
  • Market Trends & Reports
  • Price Alerts
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
  • Weekly Featured Article
  • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
  • Product News
  • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
  • Additives
  • Resins/Polymers
  • Pigments
  • Equipment
  • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • Adhesives
  • Architectural Coatings
  • Industrial Coatings
  • Nanotechnology
  • Powder Coatings
  • Solventborne
  • Special Purpose Coatings
  • Sustainability
  • UV Coatings
  • Waterborne
  • Waterborne
  • FINISHING
  • Finishing News
  • Finishing Technologies
  • Finishing Equipment
  • RESOURCES
  • Columns
  • Blogs
  • Coatings Supplier Handbook
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • PCI Store
  • eBooks
  • Sponsor Insights
  • White Papers
  • COATLE Word Game
  • Columns
  • Ask Joe Powder
  • Did you know?
  • Distribution Dive
  • Focus on Canada
  • Formulating With Mike
  • Innovation Insights
  • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
  • Powder Coating Perspectives
  • Target the Market
  • TiO2 Insider
  • Blogs
  • Editor's Viewpoint
  • Industry Insights
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • COAT-IT! Podcast
  • Videos/PCI TV
  • EVENTS
  • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
  • Paint and Coatings Academy
  • Webinars
  • Calendar of Events
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
  • Buyer's Guide
  • Equipment Directory
  • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
  • Current Issue
  • eMagazine Archive
  • China Issue Archive
  • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to eMagazine
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
    • RESOURCES
      • Columns
        • Ask Joe Powder
        • Did you know?
        • Distribution Dive
        • Focus on Canada
        • Formulating With Mike
        • Innovation Insights
        • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
        • Powder Coating Perspectives
        • Target the Market
        • TiO2 Insider
      • Blogs
        • Editor's Viewpoint
        • Industry Insights
      • Coatings Supplier Handbook
      • Podcasts and Videos
        • COAT-IT! Podcast
        • Videos/PCI TV
      • PCI Store
      • eBooks
      • Sponsor Insights
      • White Papers
      • COATLE Word Game
    • EVENTS
      • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
      • Paint and Coatings Academy
      • Webinars
      • Calendar of Events
      • Lifetime Achievement Award
    • DIRECTORIES
      • Buyer's Guide
      • Equipment Directory
      • Materials Directory
    • EMAGAZINE
      • Current Issue
      • eMagazine Archive
      • China Issue Archive
      • Editorial Advisory Board
    • CONTACT
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise
      • Subscribe to eMagazine
      • Subscribe to eNewsletters

    A Sustainable Solution to Corrosion Protection

    By Hexigone Inhibitors Ltd
    industry insights hexigone
    January 18, 2021

    Corrosion and the Environment

    NACE International, the Worldwide Corrosion Authority, estimates that the global cost of corrosion is $2.5 trillion a year or 3.4% of Gross Domestic Product (NACE International, 2016). In amongst these financial headlines is a huge cost to the environment. These range from structural failures resulting in environmental contamination, to harmful pollutants being released from iron corrosion, to the over-utilization of natural resources when repairing and replacing damaged metals (Hanson, 2011).

    Sustainability is a critical consideration for all businesses involved in the manufacture and maintenance of goods, and the longevity of the metal assets in question across key industries such as O&G, aerospace and architecture is one of the largest drivers for innovation in the coatings industry. Maintenance is extremely costly for OEMs, and the avoidable drain on natural resources for premature replacement and repair of metal assets is now a global concern.

     

    A Safe, Effective Alternative to Hexavalent Chromium

    It is evident that effective corrosion management is vital in order to protect our planet – but what happens when the world’s most effective corrosion inhibitor turns out to be toxic itself? Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] can protect metal assets from premature failure, but is also known to cause cancer in humans and animals (United States Department of Labour, 2020) – posing another environmental dilemma.

    The toxic chemical compound was brought to the public’s attention most notably in the 2000 movie “Erin Brockovich” where it was detected in groundwater samples in California and other states. The EU's REACH legislation has now banned the use of chromium VI across almost all industries, and other regions are planning to do the same, or have already followed suit.

    Driven by his interest in sustainability, Hexigone’s Founder and CEO embarked on a mission to develop a safe corrosion inhibitor of comparable performance to hexavalent chromate. During his EngD at Swansea University, Dr Patrick Dodds trialed hundreds of combinations of active ingredients in order to eventually develop a highly effective, safer alternative to chromium VI. A true ‘eureka’ moment!

    The technology - known as Intelli-ion – utilizes novel active ingredients that are attached onto a smart, micro-reservoir system and react ‘on demand’ to corrosive activity. Unlike zinc phosphate, which causes harmful algal blooms through leaching, the Intelli-ion product range does not leach out into the environment. The technology has since been independently proven to protect metal assets for longer when compared to the current market-leading alternatives, prolonging asset lifecycles across a range of markets and reducing the strain on natural resources.

     

    Low-Carbon Offices and Manufacturing

    But it’s not just Hexigone’s products that are sustainable in nature. The manufacturing is also driven by our environmentally conscious ethos. The new Hexigone HQ was designed with energy efficiency in mind, achieving an A-Rated Energy Performance, the most efficient rating possible.

    The energy reduction strategy of the office and manufacturing units involves reducing energy demand through thermally efficient building design, as well as supplying building systems with onsite renewable technology.

    The manufacturing units are supplied by a 20kW solar PV system that is utilized within the building to offset CO2 emissions and substantially supplement the power requirements. Heating is supplied using a highly efficient air source heat pump powering an underfloor heating and radiator system. This reduces the reliance of importing electricity from the national grid and ensures that our manufacturing facilities run off low-carbon energy supplies where possible.

    Furthermore, Hexigone’s manufacturing process adheres to a circular economy, not only recycling virtually all raw materials used within production, but also utilizing the waste stream from an adjacent industry comprising up to 60% of its product.

     

    To Wrap Up

    Corrosion evidently has huge implications for the natural environment, and nowadays society and industry are much more aware of issues related to sustainability. Engineers are increasingly encouraged to design and manufacture products that can minimize negative environmental and societal impact (Industry Europe, 2019), and this directly aligns with Hexigone’s vision – to create a safer and more sustainable world through chemical intelligence.

    CEO and Founder, Dr. Patrick Dodds, commented:

     “Environmental sustainability runs through everything we do at Hexigone. Firstly, our materials are chromate-free, contain no metals or phosphates. Our manufacturing process involves recycled materials and renewable energy. And finally, by plugging the performance gap and offering a highly effective inhibitor, we are able to protect metal assets for longer, reducing the drain on natural resources. We’re proud of this and are always looking for ways to improve our green credentials”

     

    References

    1. Hanson, C. (2011). The Impact of Corrosion on Society. Metallurgical & Materials Transactions, 16.

    2. Industry Europe. (2019, 11 30). Time To Fight Corrosion – For The Environment’s Sake. Retrieved from Industry Europe : https://industryeurope.com/time-to-fight-corrosion-for-the-environments-sake/.

    3. NACE International. (2016). International Measures of Prevention, Application and Economics of Corrosion Technologies Study. Retrieved from NACE: http://impact.nace.org/documents/Nace-International-Report.pdf.

    4. United States Department of Labour. (2020, 8 19). Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Retrieved from United States Department of Labour: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hexavalentchromium/.

    Corrosion and the Environment

    NACE International, the Worldwide Corrosion Authority, estimates that the global cost of corrosion is $2.5 trillion a year or 3.4% of Gross Domestic Product (NACE International, 2016). In amongst these financial headlines is a huge cost to the environment. These range from structural failures resulting in environmental contamination, to harmful pollutants being released from iron corrosion, to the over-utilization of natural resources when repairing and replacing damaged metals (Hanson, 2011).

    Sustainability is a critical consideration for all businesses involved in the manufacture and maintenance of goods, and the longevity of the metal assets in question across key industries such as O&G, aerospace and architecture is one of the largest drivers for innovation in the coatings industry. Maintenance is extremely costly for OEMs, and the avoidable drain on natural resources for premature replacement and repair of metal assets is now a global concern.

     

    A Safe, Effective Alternative to Hexavalent Chromium

    It is evident that effective corrosion management is vital in order to protect our planet – but what happens when the world’s most effective corrosion inhibitor turns out to be toxic itself? Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] can protect metal assets from premature failure, but is also known to cause cancer in humans and animals (United States Department of Labour, 2020) – posing another environmental dilemma.

    The toxic chemical compound was brought to the public’s attention most notably in the 2000 movie “Erin Brockovich” where it was detected in groundwater samples in California and other states. The EU's REACH legislation has now banned the use of chromium VI across almost all industries, and other regions are planning to do the same, or have already followed suit.

    Driven by his interest in sustainability, Hexigone’s Founder and CEO embarked on a mission to develop a safe corrosion inhibitor of comparable performance to hexavalent chromate. During his EngD at Swansea University, Dr Patrick Dodds trialed hundreds of combinations of active ingredients in order to eventually develop a highly effective, safer alternative to chromium VI. A true ‘eureka’ moment!

    The technology - known as Intelli-ion – utilizes novel active ingredients that are attached onto a smart, micro-reservoir system and react ‘on demand’ to corrosive activity. Unlike zinc phosphate, which causes harmful algal blooms through leaching, the Intelli-ion product range does not leach out into the environment. The technology has since been independently proven to protect metal assets for longer when compared to the current market-leading alternatives, prolonging asset lifecycles across a range of markets and reducing the strain on natural resources.

     

    Low-Carbon Offices and Manufacturing

    But it’s not just Hexigone’s products that are sustainable in nature. The manufacturing is also driven by our environmentally conscious ethos. The new Hexigone HQ was designed with energy efficiency in mind, achieving an A-Rated Energy Performance, the most efficient rating possible.

    The energy reduction strategy of the office and manufacturing units involves reducing energy demand through thermally efficient building design, as well as supplying building systems with onsite renewable technology.

    The manufacturing units are supplied by a 20kW solar PV system that is utilized within the building to offset CO2 emissions and substantially supplement the power requirements. Heating is supplied using a highly efficient air source heat pump powering an underfloor heating and radiator system. This reduces the reliance of importing electricity from the national grid and ensures that our manufacturing facilities run off low-carbon energy supplies where possible.

    Furthermore, Hexigone’s manufacturing process adheres to a circular economy, not only recycling virtually all raw materials used within production, but also utilizing the waste stream from an adjacent industry comprising up to 60% of its product.

     

    To Wrap Up

    Corrosion evidently has huge implications for the natural environment, and nowadays society and industry are much more aware of issues related to sustainability. Engineers are increasingly encouraged to design and manufacture products that can minimize negative environmental and societal impact (Industry Europe, 2019), and this directly aligns with Hexigone’s vision – to create a safer and more sustainable world through chemical intelligence.

    CEO and Founder, Dr. Patrick Dodds, commented:

     “Environmental sustainability runs through everything we do at Hexigone. Firstly, our materials are chromate-free, contain no metals or phosphates. Our manufacturing process involves recycled materials and renewable energy. And finally, by plugging the performance gap and offering a highly effective inhibitor, we are able to protect metal assets for longer, reducing the drain on natural resources. We’re proud of this and are always looking for ways to improve our green credentials”

     

    References

    1. Hanson, C. (2011). The Impact of Corrosion on Society. Metallurgical & Materials Transactions, 16.

    2. Industry Europe. (2019, 11 30). Time To Fight Corrosion – For The Environment’s Sake. Retrieved from Industry Europe : https://industryeurope.com/time-to-fight-corrosion-for-the-environments-sake/.

    3. NACE International. (2016). International Measures of Prevention, Application and Economics of Corrosion Technologies Study. Retrieved from NACE: http://impact.nace.org/documents/Nace-International-Report.pdf.

    4. United States Department of Labour. (2020, 8 19). Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Retrieved from United States Department of Labour: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hexavalentchromium/.

    KEYWORDS: Corrosion Control

    Share This Story

    By Hexigone Inhibitors Ltd., Port Talbot, UK
    You must login or register in order to post a comment.

    Report Abusive Comment

    Blog Topics

    Editor's Viewpoint

    Journey to Sustainability

    Industry Insights

    Recent Comments

    clearly and in detail

    Broken Planet Stargazing Hoodie

    Can we apply form the out of USA...

    Education for Kids

    The team at window film brooklyn is...

    Subscribe For Free!
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Online Registration
    • Subscription Customer Service

    The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

    The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

    CTT Registration Now Open

    CTT Registration Now Open

    The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

    The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

    The Coatings Minute: Why Industry News Matters More Than Ever

    The Coatings Minute: Why Industry News Matters More Than Ever

    More Videos

    Sponsored Content

    Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the PCI audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of PCI or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

    close
    • Modern arapartment complex painted in bright colors.
      Sponsored byEPS - Engineered Polymer Solutions

      Architectural Polymers Leading the Way in Coatings Innovation

    • paint sprayer in a workshop
      Sponsored byallnex

      Enabling Performance and Compliance: allnex Introduces a New Line of VOC Exempt Solvent-Borne Resins

    Popular Stories

    No. 3 AkzoNobel

    AkzoNobel to Close Two Manufacturing Sites

    A collage of products using non-PFAS

    A Surge in Non-PFAS Releases

    Modern living room interior with green plants, sofa and green wall

    Reimagining Architectural Paints with Plant-Based Acrylic Binders



    PCI Buyers Guide

    Submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to suppliers of your choice with details on what you need with a click of a button

    Start your RFP

    Browse our Buyers Guide for manufacturers and distributors of all types of coatings products and much more!

    Find Suppliers

    Events

    September 3, 2025

    Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit

    The Coatings Trends & Technologies (CTT) Summit is an annual conference for both liquid and powder coatings formulators and manufacturers to discuss innovations in coatings technology. This event combines high-quality technical presentations, a resource-rich exhibit hall, and dedicated networking opportunities to connect scientific minds, foster innovation, and cultivate game-changing new ideas!

    January 1, 2030

    Webinar Sponsorship Information

    For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

    View All Submit An Event

    Poll

    Longest-running laboratory experiment

    What is the longest-running laboratory experiment?
    View Results Poll Archive

    Products

    CTT Summit Short Courses (Live 9/3/25)

    Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit is expanding its offerings with four short courses. These short courses will offer an extensive day of interactive learning.

    See More Products
    pci  webinar april 2025

    PCI CASE EBOOK
    ×

    Keep the info flowing with our eNewsletters!

    Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

    JOIN TODAY!
    • RESOURCES
      • Advertise
      • Contact Us
      • Directories
      • Store
      • Want More
    • SIGN UP TODAY
      • Create Account
      • eMagazine
      • eNewsletters
      • Customer Service
      • Manage Preferences
    • SERVICES
      • Marketing Services
      • Reprints
      • Market Research
      • List Rental
      • Survey & Sample
    • STAY CONNECTED
      • LinkedIn
      • Facebook
      • Youtube
      • X (Twitter)
    • PRIVACY
      • PRIVACY POLICY
      • TERMS & CONDITIONS
      • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
      • PRIVACY REQUEST
      • ACCESSIBILITY

    Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

    Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

    Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
    search
    cart
    facebook twitter linkedin youtube
    • Sign In
    • Create Account
    • Sign Out
    • My Account
    Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
    • NEWS
      • Latest News
      • Market Trends & Reports
      • Price Alerts
      • Subscribe to eNewsletters
      • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
      • Weekly Featured Article
      • COATLE Word Game
    • PRODUCTS
      • Product News
      • Must See Products and Services
    • MATERIALS
      • Additives
      • Resins/Polymers
      • Pigments
      • Equipment
      • Distributors
    • TECHNOLOGIES
      • Adhesives
      • Architectural Coatings
      • Industrial Coatings
      • Nanotechnology
      • Powder Coatings
      • Solventborne
      • Special Purpose Coatings
      • Sustainability
      • UV Coatings
      • Waterborne
      • FINISHING
        • Finishing News
        • Finishing Technologies
        • Finishing Equipment
      • RESOURCES
        • Columns
          • Ask Joe Powder
          • Did you know?
          • Distribution Dive
          • Focus on Canada
          • Formulating With Mike
          • Innovation Insights
          • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
          • Powder Coating Perspectives
          • Target the Market
          • TiO2 Insider
        • Blogs
          • Editor's Viewpoint
          • Industry Insights
        • Coatings Supplier Handbook
        • Podcasts and Videos
          • COAT-IT! Podcast
          • Videos/PCI TV
        • PCI Store
        • eBooks
        • Sponsor Insights
        • White Papers
        • COATLE Word Game
      • EVENTS
        • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
        • Paint and Coatings Academy
        • Webinars
        • Calendar of Events
        • Lifetime Achievement Award
      • DIRECTORIES
        • Buyer's Guide
        • Equipment Directory
        • Materials Directory
      • EMAGAZINE
        • Current Issue
        • eMagazine Archive
        • China Issue Archive
        • Editorial Advisory Board
      • CONTACT
        • Contact Us
        • Advertise
        • Subscribe to eMagazine
        • Subscribe to eNewsletters