GM's Paint Sticks to Plastic and Doesn't Foul the Air

Aug. 27, 2011
Using a flame treatment technology that allows paint to stick to plastic vehicle parts like instrument and door panels without using primers is one way that GM, and hopefully other companies as well, is helping to eliminate an environmental hazard. GM is ...

Using a flame treatment technology that allows paint to stick to plastic vehicle parts like instrument and door panels without using primers is one way that GM, and hopefully other companies as well, is helping to eliminate an environmental hazard.

GM is now managing solvents through recycling, conversion to energy and superheating the gases to break them down. However, these are energy-consuming, costly processes. However, this new technology instead uses an energy-efficient, robotic system to create a molecular change to the surface of the plastic, making it bond with the paint. The process eliminates the need for an adhesion-promoting primer.

By using this technology on the Cruze as well as Sonic and Volt) GM suppliers are able to:


Reduce solid and liquid waste (filters, cleaners, solvents and coatings) from 48 tons a year to less than one.
Decrease air pollutants from 810 tons a year to 80 tons a year.

Turns out it's a good financial decision as well since the capital expense for the technology pays for itself in less than four months, according to GM.

GM learned about this technology through Suppliers Partnership for the Environment , a working group of U.S. automakers, their suppliers and the Environmental Protection Agency.

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About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health. 

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