Venjakob holds out hope for the would-be compliant processor

Citation

(1998), "Venjakob holds out hope for the would-be compliant processor", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 27 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.1998.12927faf.006

Venjakob holds out hope for the would-be compliant processor

Venjakob holds out hope for the would-be compliant processor

Keywords Becker Acroma, Finishing, Venjakob, Wood

Becker Acroma is working in partnership with the equipment manufacturer and contract woodfinisher Venjakob GB Limited to meet the increasingly urgent need across timber processing industries for practical assistance in implementing EPA requirements (Plate 3).

Its double identity probably gives Venjakob a unique understanding of the problems which confront manufacturers coming to terms with the EPA. Owner Geoff Allen offers encouragement: "There is no doubt that ambivalence in interpretation of the legislation from one inspectorate to another has created uncertainty in woodfinishing industries. But the authorities are now speaking with a clearer voice. This should give manufacturers the confidence to grasp the nettle."

He is, however, sensitive to manufacturers' reservations. "In a trade as competitive as the furniture industry in the UK, for example, no manufacturer relishes being the first to put up its prices as a consequence of EPA compliance. But with the deadline for observance less than a year away, to delay for much longer could turn out far costlier."

Plate 3 Equipment supplier and contract manufacturer Venjakob is working with coatings manufacturer Becker Acroma to help woodfinishers achieve EPA compliance

"Sooner rather than later, the costs will have to be confronted ­ the EPA will not go away! But there is no reason why the cost of conversion to compliant finishes should be daunting. For instance, the capital cost for converting to hot-sprayable compliant lacquer can be as low as £6,000 to £8,000. Conversion to UV curing can cost as little as £20,000. In any case, expenditure can be phased to suit the available budget."

He urges manufacturers to be wary of the "gizmos" that can send equipment prices soaring and may only add to the complexity of the process. "Simplicity is the key, allied to thorough process engineering in association with the equipment manufacturer and finishes supplier. Woodfinishers will be looking to both for input in minimising the cost and duration of the transitional period."

"For instance, there is an important role for equipment manufacturers inadapting their products for reclamation of materials, crucial to overall processing economics. For both flat-bed and vertical spray equipment, Venjakob has developed recycling systems for overspray which can reduce wastage to as little as 5 per cent."

Venjakob's UK operation is split between its Cirencester equipment engineering plant and Swindon contract finishing plant. Since developing UK-based engineering support in the UK, the company has seen a dramatic increase in sales.

"There is no doubt that woodfinishing equipment users appreciate on-the-ground engineering and service support in the UK. We have the advantage of our contract finishing plant at Swindon which doubles as a troubleshooting facility, to which we invite customers to bring products ­ in volume if they wish ­ to perfect their process."

"As well as our established annual open days, we hold open house every Friday to give finishers a hands on opportunity to trial processes and materials on their products."

At Swindon, the company has invested £1.75 million in a mix of equipment of its own manufacture and from other producers to give it a breadth of contract finishing capability which it claims is unique in the UK. Involved with virtually every type of finish, application and curing technique, Venjakob is at the sharp end of finishing for customers in the UK, Denmark, Italy and Eastern Europe. As a result the company is very familiar with the challenge of mastering equipment and materials technologies to achieve economically a quality finish with compliant products.

Opening its doors to coatings suppliers is implicit in Venjakob's dual brief, both to solve specific application problems and in the development of new products. Becker Acroma has recently taken advantage of this to trial its new DualCure UV Lacquer which, combining very high solids with low viscosity for easy spraying, plus fast and efficient curing, holds enormous potential for woodfinishers.

"Dual cure coatings are tailored to the product and are typical of compliant products which will initially demand process engineering support from their producer."

Geoff Allen continues: "Finishers knew where they were with nitro-cellulose ­ which could be relied on to stick and shine. The diversity of finishes which has sprung up in its stead is bound to cause confusion in the marketplace in the short term. In our experience, there is a place for everyone, but finishers will rely heavily on the manufacturer to match product to application."

In order to comply with the Environmental Protection Act 1990, companies must comply with the conditions laid down in the Secretary of State's Guidance Note ­ Woodcoating Processes PG6/33. The legislation applies to any woodcoater using over five tonnes of organic solvent a year (approximately 125 litres a week), either as thinners or as a component of paints and lacquers. For users of 15 tonnes and over per year, the compliance date is 1 April 1999. Users of between five and 15 tonnes have until 1 April 2007 to comply.

To stay ahead of EPA requirements Becker Acroma re-invests almost 7 per cent of group turnover in the research and development of new products, continually reinforcing its range to reflect individual customer requirements.

"Becker Acroma's products are of excellent quality, and all have a niche in the market", Geoff Allan confirms. "As a contract finisher we encounter all of them and can vouch for the company's commitment to technical support. With so many process variables across the myriad woodfinishing industries, and with everyone involved in woodfinishing on a steep learning curve, this is an essential."

Further details are available from Becker Acroma. Tel: +44 (0) 1440 703611; Fax: +44 (0) 1440 761091. Or contact Venjakob GB Limited. Tel:+44 (0)1793 702100; Fax: +44 (0)1793 701959.