Henkel APNR 2.0 Cuts Water Use in Metal Pretreatment
The new system eliminates conversion baths to lower water and energy demand for architectural aluminum processors.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Chemistry
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Henkel has announced the launch of APNR 2.0, a metal pretreatment technology designed for architectural aluminum operations. The system functions by applying an adhesion promoter via a metered spray, eliminating the need for traditional conversion baths and downstream rinsing.
Why it matters
The technology addresses increasing industrial pressure to lower water and energy expenditures while complying with tightening environmental mandates. By removing chemical bath stages, it streamlines production lines and reduces resource intensity for metal processors.
APNR 2.0 integrates an EcoFlex control unit to manage a metered spray of adhesion promoter applied directly to metal surfaces. The process allows for the removal of conversion baths, achieving a 50% decrease in water use and a 20% reduction in compressed air requirements compared to conventional multi-stage pretreatment systems.
The players
Henkel
A German chemical and consumer goods company that develops industrial adhesives and surface treatment technologies for automotive and construction sectors.
The details
The technology works by replacing traditional multi-stage dip tanks with a single-step, metered spray application of an adhesion promoter—a substance that enhances the bond between the metal and paint. By eliminating the rinse stage typically required after conversion baths, the system bypasses a significant source of water waste and compressed air usage. The included EcoFlex control unit regulates spray patterns, ensuring consistent coverage even on complex geometries.
Timeline
2015: Henkel launched the original APNR system technology.
October 29, 2026: Henkel introduced the APNR 2.0 iteration.
The Tech Race
This release follows the deployment of over 100 first-generation APNR systems since 2015, signaling a continued transition toward leaner, spray-based pretreatment architectures. Henkel is currently working on further iterations, including improved nozzle designs for complex part geometries.
Metal processors can expect to integrate APNR 2.0 into existing finishing lines to immediately reduce water and energy overhead. While deployment requires updating standard spray and control hardware, the system is designed to replace traditional multi-stage baths currently standard in architectural aluminum finishing.
The takeaway
APNR 2.0 shifts metal pretreatment toward a more resource-efficient model by eliminating high-water-volume conversion baths. Processors should monitor Henkel's upcoming developments in nozzle geometry, which aim to expand this water-saving capability to more complex aluminum components.
Further reading
For more on industrial chemical advancements, explore the Chemistry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Products Finishing.
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