Over the years, 30 ideas arising from this challenge, either aimed at either developing new products, or improving or developing new processes specific to organic coatings, have been incorporated into research projects, including the specific “Organic Coating (OC) Renewal” project which acts as an incubator to supply future and innovative product offerings to the market.
Over the years, 30 ideas arising from this challenge, either aimed at either developing new products, or improving or developing new processes specific to organic coatings, have been incorporated into research projects, including the specific “Organic Coating (OC) Renewal” project which acts as an incubator to supply future and innovative product offerings to the market.
“ArcelorMittal is the European leader in pre-painted steels. Retaining that leadership position requires constant innovation, in partnership with suppliers but also with contributors from the academic world or from start-ups. Today, products must have a longer life, be "smart", sustainable, healthier and safer.
“At the same time, competition is increasing, both with the arrival of new players on the market and with alternative materials. It is therefore vital to offer products and services that are differentiated from those of our competitors, to anticipate the organic coated steels of the future by seeking breakthrough ideas on products, paint application technologies or the digitalisation of processes. Our objectives are leading us to devote almost a quarter of our budget to research into breakthrough products, processes and services in this field. And the PSIA are an important source of new ideas.” says Jean-Luc Thirion, Director of Flat Products Research and Development at ArcelorMittal.
The annual awards event has once more revealed some promising ideas. Judging panel members from various ArcelorMittal departments in Europe and Canada - research and development, purchasing and marketing - have designated the following winners in four distinct categories:
1. The Smart Coating Beyond Incremental Innovation Award for the performance improvement when new functional and active coating technologies are used was awarded to Salchi Metalcoat.
2. The Sustainability & Circular Economy Award, in recognition of the optimal use of scarce resources (raw materials and energy) and by-products for coil coating industry, was presented to Sherwin Williams.
3. The Industry 4.0 Award in recognition of differentiated products & services by means of digitalisation went to AkzoNobel.
4. The Best Innovation Partner Award of Merit honours the service and support provided to innovation throughout the new product launch process. The judging panel, based on the number of products launched in the last five years, as well as the number of innovative ideas proposed, decided to grant this award to Beckers Group.
Innovation dedicated to increasing products offered to the market
ArcelorMittal’s collaboration with its suppliers has led to six new products being launched in the last two years, including: