HALOX®: Niche solutions for corrosion protection

HALOX® continues to innovate and develop new products aiming to provide solutions to meet the evolving need of customers and industries worldwide, notes Mr Andy Waloch, Paints & Coatings -Market Development Manager, ICL, in a chat with C&ACER on a recent visit to India

Can you briefly tell me something about HALOX®?

Well, yes, HALOX® is a brand of corrosion inhibitors. We're an over 50-year-old company which has been acquired by the ICL Group, a global specialty minerals and chemicals company. HALOX® specializes in the manufacture of anti-corrosion pigments and liquid corrosion inhibitors for various markets across the globe.

They work by forming a protective barrier on the metal surface which prevents the onset of corrosion and thereby extends the asset's lifespan. It also prevents the deterioration caused by exposure to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation.

Known for its effectiveness, versatility, and durability, the HALOX® product line finds use in various sectors including automotive, marine, industrial, and construction, where protection against corrosion is crucial for maintaining the integrity and longevity of metal structures.

We have a vast array of cutting-edge products. Ours is a niche product and we are a global leader in this line. So, for example, you take a can of paint, say one gallon of around 3.75 liters. Of this, around 5% of the volume could consist of additives.

Additives are crucial because they enhance the performance of paints and coatings to extend the life of an asset.

And where corrosion inhibition comes in, it is extremely vital because infrastructure like bridges, marine vessels, trains, etc., are very expensive.

The annual cost of corrosion is US$2.2 trillion, which is over 3% of the world's GDP. This is huge!

What do you think of the market in India?

I would say, the market in India is booming, and especially one of the most growing segments is the automotive refinish sector. I think that's because of the high number of vehicles and the duration of time people hold their vehicles.