IONOMY™ Partner Spotlight: Novacel

Supporting surface control and protection in energy-cured coil coating

Energy curing is reshaping how coil coating lines are designed, operated and optimised. While much of the focus is understandably on coatings chemistry and curing technologies, successful implementation depends on maintaining precise control over surface quality as processes become faster, more compact and more integrated.

Within the IONOMY™ ecosystem, Novacel contributes specialist expertise in protective and process films applied to metal surfaces that support surface finish control and protection as coil coaters explore UV and electron beam (EB) curing. A specialist in electron beam systems and integration.

A specialist in surface protection, with a wider process perspective

For more than 40 years, Novacel has been a leading developer of process and protective films for a wide range of materials, including pre-coated steel, aluminium, and stainless steel. Its solutions are used to protect metal surfaces from manufacturing through to transport and installation, helping preserve appearance and performance throughout the value chain.

As coil coating processes evolve, Novacel’s experience in surface protection and process integration becomes increasingly relevant — particularly as energy curing accelerates curing times and reduces overall line footprints. PCT’s role within the IONOMY ecosystem.

Novacel’s role within the IONOMY ecosystem

Novacel brings valuable market insight and technical innovation. Working alongside other ecosystem partners, Novacel helps shape system-level thinking around how coatings, curing technologies, line engineering and surface protection must work together.

This integrated approach reflects the ecosystem’s ambition to provide coil coaters with a coherent pathway to energy curing, rather than a collection of individual technologies. Designed for the realities of coil coating.

Enabling energy curing through film innovation

Novacel’s core innovation is a patented process and protective film technology designed to support energy-curing applications.

The technology allows control of paint gloss without adding additives to the coating, enabling controlled levels across a wide range from 5 to 90 GU. This capability opens up new possibilities for managing surface finish in UV- and EB-cured coil coating processes, where curing happens almost instantaneously.

Novacel has already carried out trials on pilot lines, providing insight into how process and protective films can play a more active role in next-generation coil coating systems. Working within the IONOMY ecosystem.

Integration across the coating line

Coil coating has always been about engineering the surface. Energy curing does not change that outcome – it changes the speed, intensity and integration of the processes used to achieve it.

Process films sit at the end of the global process, but their influence reaches upstream. Novacel’s solutions are developed to integrate with dedicated lacquers and new curing technologies, ensuring that surface finish and protection are maintained as lines become faster and more compact. It will be the first patented solutions specifically adapted to new energy-curing technologies, supporting consistent surface quality as the industry transitions away from traditional thermal ovens.

Industry readiness: awareness is growing

Sustainability pressures and energy efficiency goals are sharpening interest in UV and EB technologies across the global steel and coil coating industry.

The challenge now is no longer why energy curing matters, but how to implement it. Knowledge, skills and economics are central to this discussion, and the complexity of transitioning from traditional lines to new models can be difficult for coil coaters to manage alone. Surface finish management remains a critical concern — one that must be addressed through the right combination of lacquer and protective film.

Why Novacel joined IONOMY

Novacel is partnering with AkzoNobel and the wider IONOMY ecosystem to help accelerate industry readiness — through collaboration rather than isolated innovation.

IONOMY enables clearer, more structured discussions, supported by available solutions and simplified communication around what a complete energy-curing package can look like.

This approach aligns closely with Novacel’s own long-term strategy and values: fostering a human, sustainable and responsible industrial community, while protecting what truly matters – product quality, process reliability and environmental performance.

Looking ahead

Novacel is excited to be part of the future potential of energy curing and to collaborate on international innovation that highlights expertise across the ecosystem.

Through IONOMY, energy curing is moving out of theory and into real production environments — supported by proven solutions, shared expertise and a clear path to adoption. As UV and EB technologies continue to mature, Novacel sees its role as enabling coil coaters to manage surface finishes and protection with confidence in this new era of manufacturing, to ensure that performance, quality and sustainability progress together.

This article was developed with Sirine Kettou, International Market Manager, Pre-coated Metals at Novacel SA, a partner in the IONOMY™ ecosystem.