US transport provider Lyft has selected PPG’s Envirocron LUM retroreflective powder coating technology to use on a fleet of e-bikes under the company’s DIVVY bike-share programme.
PPG said its proprietary Envirocron LUM coating is designed to reflect maximum light back to its source. While liquid-based retroreflective coatings are commonly used to increase the visibility of road markings and street signs, Envirocron LUM coating is the first retroreflective powder coating.
Inspired by the reflective properties of deer eyes, the coating uses a formulation employing embedded glass beads, with the single-layer coating refracting light and retroreflecting it directly back to a vehicle’s driver to enhance visibility. According to PPG, Envirocron LUM also delivers a non-solvent solution with high transfer efficiency, and provides exceptional scratch and mar resistance that allow the e-bikes to withstand a high volume of riders. It also meets Lyft’s goal of a durable and sustainable solution.
“PPG has been at the forefront of retroreflective powder coating technology for several years as part of our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Paul Bradley, Technical Manager Industrial Coatings at PPG. “We are proud to partner with Lyft in its efforts to produce high-visibility e-bikes as part of our shared commitment to enhance on-road safety.”
PPG said powder coatings such as Envirocron LUM are part of its commitment to innovative sustainable solutions, with the company striving to achieve 40 per cent of sales from products and processes with improved sustainability by 2025.