Henkel’s new Colour TOC keeps metals protected with a thin, durable layer while adding colour for visual appeal, brand recognition, and anti-counterfeiting. It’s easy to apply, works with existing production lines, and maintains consistent gloss and colour even in tough conditions.
Henkel is expanding its portfolio in the field of thin organic coatings (TOC) with a new colour variant. This innovation combines the well-established properties of the technology with aesthetic appeal, targeting applications where both functionality and design matter – in this pilot project, achieved through a golden finish.
Thin Organic Coating is a hybrid system that merges passivation with organic polymers and is particularly used in the coil-coating process. It provides excellent adhesion, built-in corrosion protection, anti-fingerprint properties, and lubricity for metal strips coated with zinc, aluminium-zinc, or zinc-magnesium-aluminium. Compared with traditional passivation or primer systems, TOC allows for a thinner film of just 1 to 2 microns without compromising performance. The technology efficiently protects metal surfaces while optimising material use and supporting sustainability.
The new Colour TOC extends the capabilities of traditional TOC technologies by enabling specific colours on coil surfaces. In the pilot project, a golden variant was developed to meet the requirements of a key customer in the construction industry. This colour helps to differentiate and identify products, as conventional TOC coatings are clear and transparent, making brand recognition challenging. The golden-yellow hue enhances visual distinction, supports product authentication, and helps prevent counterfeiting.
The technology offers excellent corrosion protection, ensuring long-lasting performance even under extreme conditions. Its thin film allows efficient resource use, and the coating can be seamlessly integrated into existing production lines without major modifications. It can be applied using standard coating technologies, providing high flexibility and adaptability. Furthermore, its outstanding resistance to humidity and water ensures long-term protection. The uniform coating not only improves visual appearance but also maintains consistent gloss and colour stability. Unlike conventional clear TOC, Colour TOC delivers uniform gloss and shade, maximising the visual impact of coated coils.
“Alongside the customer-specific golden shimmer variant, we have also developed prototypes in additional colours, including bright green, red, blue, and brown, based on our Colour TOC product. These colours can be further customised to meet the specific requirements of our customers,” has stated Dipak Chaudhari, Product Development Manager IMEA for Industrials at Henkel.