News International News-International
PPG and ArcelorMittal collaborate for low-carbon auto manufacturing
PPG and ArcelorMittal announced a collaboration combining advanced steelmaking technologies with next-generation electrocoat solutions.
The results were presented at an automotive painting conference in France. The study revealed that greenhouse gas emissions from the steel material required to build a vehicle can be reduced by up to 30% by using ArcelorMittal’s electric arc furnace steelmaking process, along with lightweighting strategies and the application of its third-generation advanced high-strength steels. These innovations not only lower emissions but also enhance structural performance and design flexibility.
During the paint shop phase, PPG’s advanced electrocoat technologies enable a 10% reduction in emissions and save approximately 10 kWh of energy per vehicle by optimizing the heat duty of the electrocoat oven. Additionally, “PPG Zicobond” thin-film pretreatment technology increases sustainable surface treatment in the automotive industry, reducing water consumption and saving up to 35 kWh of energy per vehicle by minimizing the need for heated baths. “This case study is more than a technical achievement, it’s a blueprint for how collaboration across the value chain can deliver real climate impact,” said Thierry Destruhaut, PPG customer sustainability business partner, Automotive OEM Coatings.
ArcelorMittal’s MPI solution helps carmakers build vehicles more efficiently. It uses strong steel and special laser-welding technology to combine multiple parts into one, reducing the number of components and simplifying assembly. MPI works with all types of powertrains and is especially useful for making battery packs, chassis and body structures in electric and small vehicles. This smart design approach cuts production time, saves materials, lowers CO₂ emissions, and helps manufacturers meet their environmental goals.
“We already offer solutions that can deliver significant CO₂ reductions today,” said Elena Uta, product development manager for breakthrough products automotive, ArcelorMittal Global R&D. “That’s why close collaboration across the value chain is essential.” The presentation also explored future areas of innovation for the ArcelorMittal-PPG partnership. These include the development of bio-based materials, next-generation curing technologies, and process improvements in areas such as ovens, air intake and filtration. Additionally, the companies are investigating emerging steel grades that offer higher strength and even greater lightweighting potential.
The next large conference for experts in automotive painting is the 42. Workshop of Car Body Painting in Bad Nauheim on 10-11. November 2025, in Bad Nauheim in Germany.
More information: www.ppg.com