The commitment to the environment by the bodywork and paint garages can be a strong commercial argument in the eyes of their clients, whether they are companies or private clients. Being able to defend that commitment can be a profitable bet also in business terms, because it has become a more and more valued aspect by drivers, insurance companies, fleet managers and leasings as the environmental awareness grows around the world.
In addition, bodywork repair professionals are, undoubtedly, more and more aware about the impact that poor management of the products used in the repair and the refinish process can have on our planet. This is why it is smart to assure to the clients that the garage can offer an eco-friendly body repair process, minimizing the impact on our planet and supporting a circular economy. The commitment to the environment, recycling, and good environmental practices are, this way, an image asset for the clients that helps the profitability of the company.
Here are some ideas that bodywork and paint garages can put into practice, and benefit from in terms of the views of their clients, in order to minimize their environmental impact and turn it into an image asset:
The first step is investing in facilities that are as efficient as possible to help reduce the energy use of the garage. In this regard, lighting is one of the variables that can skyrocket electric consumption. Investing in LED or energy-saving lights, with sensors that help optimize their functioning, can be an alternative when trying to reduce energy use.
Likewise, the opening and closing system of the garage’s doors can contribute to reducing energy consumption. Using fast open and closing systems for the external doors can help to keep adequate temperature levels inside.
Another aspect worth considering when trying to reduce the global energy use of the garage is the spray booth. On one hand, investing in low-emission equipment and its adequate maintenance minimizes the consumption waste. On the other hand, optimizing its use by utilizing materials which help the professional to benefit from reduced primer, color and clearcoat application times, as well as minimal or non-existent evaporating and drying intervals such as the RCT process (Rapid Cycle Time) from PPG. We are talking about a proposal that reduces the cycle time at the body and paint garage, optimizes the use of the booth and saves more than 50% on energy consumption. In total, RCT allows an average reduction of 3:30 hours in each repair and up to eight cars going into the booth each day. And all that is noticeable in the electric bill and the carbon footprint of the garage.
Likewise, the use of infrared drying systems can significantly contribute, when needed, to reducing drying times and energy usage.
Investing in proper recycling of materials
Does your garage replace tires? Arrange specific areas for their storage and proper recycling through adequate channels. These products are highly polluting and must be handled carefully at the end of their lifetime. Another good idea is storing the cardboard from packaging to be recycled afterwards.
Painting materials and more leftovers, motor oils… arrange an area for their adequate storage and recycling. Or, even better, avoid or minimize waste. In order to do that with painting materials, PPG provides repainting professionals with the innovative MoonWalk™, the automatic paint mixing machine that significantly reduces product waste, saves time and transforms the mixing room into a cleaner, safer, more attractive area for car painters.
Likewise, it is recommended to separate, for its recycling, aluminum parts from the rest of metallic materials and fenders. It is always recommended to carefully manage waste to make recycling easier.
Finally, talk about it. Let your clients know that your garage is committed to the environment, resource economy and optimizing energy consumption. Make it into an image asset. Your clients will appreciate it.