This success builds on Rodi’s strong partnership with AkzoNobel, based on shared goals of resource protection, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
Cycling is an increasingly popular and eco-conscious mode of transport, and manufacturers like Rodi, Portuguese producer of aluminium rims and wheels, are constantly seeking to improve their sustainability. To move away from anodising, Rodi turned to AkzoNobel’s
Interpon powder coatings for a more environmentally friendly solution.
The challenge was to find a coating that delivered on durability, sustainability and aesthetics. The answer came in the form of a bespoke Interpon ultra matt powder coating with just 3% gloss, offering a smooth, soft finish. Enhanced with X-Pro technology, it gives Rodi’s rims excellent scratch resistance, durability, and UV/weather protection. The coating is already in use, with plans to expand production.
“It’s a formula that attracts the trust of some of Europe’s largest bicycle manufacturers including ACCELL, Pon Holdings and Decathlon. We are serving an environmentally conscious sector of consumers and buyers, all of who are pushing a more sustainable agenda which we take very seriously. For us, this starts with the suppliers we work with and the products we use, and it is why we use Interpon powder coatings,” has stated Rui Mendes, Manager of Rodi’s Rims and Wheels business.
The partnership began nearly two years ago when AkzoNobel showed Rodi how switching to Interpon 610 Low-E could reduce energy consumption. The coating cures at 170°C (compared to 195°C for their previous supplier) and allows 20% more rims per box, leading to a 25% drop in gas usage. In addition to Interpon 610 Low-E, Rodi uses Interpon Textura black
to provide a fine textured finish where needed. But it’s not just about the powder—it’s about the people.
“Achieving greater energy efficiency is one of our main objectives, so the impressive test results made the decision to buy Interpon easy. Using Interpon means we are able to coat our rims by consuming less energy and using less powder coating. So, with Interpon our business has found value and performance, as well as being able to significantly reduce our impact on the environment,” has added Rui Mendes.
“When we were investing in our cycling accessories paint line our team found the new technology and processes to be completely different. It was the Interpon team who shared their expert product and technical knowledge to help us get things right. They knew the right adjustments to make and the fine tuning that was required to optimise process flows and reduce waste to achieve optimal efficiency and productivity in our paint line,” has added Rui Mendes
Rodi’s history spans back to the 1970s, when it began producing metal accessories for motorcycles. Later, the company innovated in kitchen sinks and entered the bicycle industry in the 1990s, where it now produces around three million rims and 500,000 wheels annually at its 60,000 m² site in Aveiro.
“With the Interpon team’s technical support we have created the most efficient production line possible, with minimal powder wastage, and high-quality output so no resources or energy are wasted. We believe we have an exciting future ahead and one in which Interpon powder coatings will play an important role,” has concluded Rui Mendes.