ECKART

Help shape the future of effect pigments. ECKART is conducting a short industry survey, and we’d value your perspective. Your feedback will help us better understand current priorities, challenges, and future needs across the market.

VERSALAN represents the next evolutionary step beyond traditional HYDROLAN® BG and PG grades. The concept behind the name reflects the technology itself: • “VERSA” = universal applicability across formulation systems. • “LAN” = the SiLAN / SiO₂ coating technology at the core of the product architecture. Technically, VERSALAN combines: • Encapsulated flaky aluminum pigments. • Advanced inorganic surface protection. • Non-ionic surfactant carrier technology. • Dust-free powder supply form. Key performance characteristics include: • High chemical and gassing stability. • Excellent hiding power. • Improved wetting and flowability. • Direct incorporation into finished paints. • Reduced raw material usage. • Successful 4.1 burn test performance. The result is a pigment preparation engineered not only for visual performance, but for process optimization, workplace safety, and long-term regulatory readiness. VERSALAN is not simply replacing existing technology. It is redefining the benchmark for modern aluminum pigment preparations.

Reducing VOCs is only part of the equation. The future of aluminum pigments must also improve safety, logistics, and operational efficiency. That is exactly what VERSALAN was designed to achieve. With a VOC content below 5% and only minimal use of volatile solvents, VERSALAN supports increasingly strict regulatory requirements while helping formulators transition toward cleaner production environments. But the technical advantages go further: • Dust-free preparation improves workplace cleanliness and handling • Non-dangerous goods classification simplifies transport and storage • No specialized hazardous-material warehousing required • Improved safety profile compared to solvent-containing pastes In burn testing, VERSALAN proved extremely difficult to ignite and showed virtually no burning behavior, a significant advancement over traditional solvent-based aluminum pigment preparations. By eliminating unnecessary solvent transport, VERSALAN also contributes to lower logistics costs and a reduced environmental footprint across the supply chain. Safer handling. Cleaner processing. Lower transport complexity. Next-generation pigment technology starts here.

Effect pigments are not one-size-fits-all. Different applications require precise control over sparkle, smoothness, brilliance, and texture. VERSALAN was developed with exactly that flexibility in mind. The portfolio includes multiple particle size options, from coarse grades delivering strong metallic sparkle to fine grades optimized for smooth, elegant metallic finishes. Available technologies include: • Silverdollar (SD) grades for high brilliance and clean metallic effects. • Cornflake (CF) grades for strong opacity and classic metallic appearance. Selected examples from the portfolio: • VERSALAN 214/80 SD → d50 = 36 µm • VERSALAN 2192/70 SD → d50 = 17 µm • VERSALAN 9160/70 CF → d50 = 14 µm Thanks to excellent wetting behavior and instant dispersibility in polar and non-polar systems, including pure water, formulators gain exceptional flexibility during production and shade adjustment. Designed for: • Automotive OEM & refinishing • Industrial coatings • Graphic arts • Plastics • UV-curable systems • Wrapping, RIM & FIM applications Precision effects. Cleaner processing. Greater formulation freedom.

Aluminum pigment technology is evolving. Meet VERSALAN, ECKART’s next-generation aluminum pigment preparation engineered for cleaner handling, broader formulation compatibility, and more efficient processing. Built on high-purity aluminum pigments protected by an inorganic SiO₂ coating: • Dust-free • Low VOC (<5%) • Free-flowing • Ready-to-use One of its most significant technical advantages is direct dispersibility in finished paints, without pre-wetting or solvent pre-mixing. Pigments can be incorporated immediately into the formulations, enabling faster processing, simplified production workflows, and more flexible color correction during manufacturing. VERSALAN is designed for compatibility across: • Waterborne coatings • Solventborne systems • UV-curable formulations • 100% solids systems This is more than a new pigment preparation. It is the future evolution of pigment technology.

ECKART offers a diverse range of effect pigments for the plastics industry, providing authentic metallic finishes and high-gloss optical effects. Made from aluminum, glass, and synthetic mica, these pigments reflect light to create striking visuals in applications such as injection molding, extrusion, and paint replacement for automotive and appliances. These versatile and durable pigments enhance the aesthetic and functional qualities of plastics across various industries, allowing for flexible and creative design possibilities with superior brilliance and opacity.