In September 2009, various European part makers and big-name companies, including Renault, gathered at water-based coating manufacturer Dacralfs meeting in Apremont, France. During the meeting, the main focus was on the use of zinc-flake coatings for automobiles.

Anti-corrosion solutions based on zinc-flake technology are widely used by car and truck manufacturers. This technology, which was invented and developed by Dacral, was established in the market in the 1980s. Geomet coatings are made from waterborne and chrome-free chemicals containing aluminium and zinc flakes, and are therefore more environmentally friendly than solvent-based coatings.

During the meeting, Renault representatives made clear the groupfs expectations concerning anti-corrosion technology and shared ideas with part makers and applicators.

Dacral managing director Jean-Marie Poulet said: gThe Renault group has always backed us in our strategic choices. Their experience of the behaviour and mechanical properties of parts is very precious. They provide us with feedback about the performance of parts on vehicles in real conditions. This is very useful for us to improve our coatings and their application technologies.