In line with the Bayer Group’s global commitment to “Science For A Better Life” and the Bayer Climate Program, the CAS Business Unit is increasingly promoting the use of waterborne dispersions as the raw material of choice for coatings and adhesives. Waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUD) make a significant contribution to the reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). PUD's are used in coatings and adhesives formulations, textile and leather coatings and in glass fiber sizings, where they achieve or even exceed quality levels of traditional coatings in certain respects such as chemical resistance or drying time. Examples of applications include adhesives for the sole bonding of high-quality athletic shoes; film lamination of furniture facings, adhesives for automotive interiors, and coatings for furniture, parquet, vehicles, plastic parts and industrial goods.

In India, Bayer MaterialScience is also committed to driving the development of waterborne dispersion raw materials. Satish Shenoy, India Head for the Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties Business Unit said, “The Company here would like to be the leader in promoting environmentally friendly coating and adhesive raw materials. The high cost and the need to conserve non-renewable resources and protect the environment as well as health of users is a key concern area, which is driving this initiative from Bayer MaterialScience.”

There were several keynote speakers at the event, who through their presentations and discussions illustrated the need for looking at more environmentally friendly systems and processes in the business and also explained the tangible benefits of these raw materials.

Anjali Srivastava, Deputy Director & Head, NEERI, Kolkata Zonal Center was the keynote speaker for the event. She spoke on the need for VOC emission control and the regulations and actions, in the Indian context.

Chaiwat Kongnoi, Safety, Health, Environment and Quality expert from BaySystems, Thailand spoke on the international scenario on VOC & REACH.

Dr.Tongzhou Liu, Director of Business Development, Industrial Coatings, APAC spoke on the Application of Bayer’s waterborne raw materials and technology in coatings. His presentation also covered various examples wherein waterborne PUD’s have been successfully used in coatings.

Rolf Irnich, Head of Textile Coating, APAC spoke on the use of PUD’s in Textile coating applications. His presentation covered the various grades of PUD’s offered by Bayer MaterialScience, processing of the PUD’s and the technical support offered by Bayer MaterialScience for PUD based textile coatings.

Dr.Yuduo Zhu, Head of Business Development, Adhesives, APAC spoke on
the use of PUD’s for manufacture of environmentally friendly adhesives for
various applications like footwear, furniture, automotive etc.

The seminar was well attended by technical experts from leading paint, adhesives and end-use industries. The final Q&A session was very interactive with keen interest shown by the audience in asking questions and seeking clarification from the Bayer MaterialScience experts.