The industry is becoming electrified - in the best sense of the word. What was seen as a future vision only a few years ago has already become reality in several OEM plants: the transition to CO₂-reduced and, in some cases, CO₂-neutral painting processes.
A systemic approach to decarbonization
A key driver of this change is the systematic avoidance of fossil fuels in energy-intensive process steps. One example of this is the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico, where Dürr has implemented a fully electrified paint shop as a turnkey project. The switch to electric drying systems such as EcoInCure in particular marks a breakthrough. When powered by renewable energy, the plant’s CO₂ emissions can be reduced by up to 40 percent compared with conventional systems..
Electric systems such as Oxi.X.RV, which do not require an open flame and are particularly energy-efficient thanks to autothermal operation, are now also being used for exhaust air purification. The combined use of such systems shows that OEMs are increasingly focusing on the end-to-end electrification of energy-intensive processes.
Flexibility as an efficiency driver
Another milestone in the CO₂ strategy is the dissolution of rigid line production. Thanks to central high-bay warehouses, driverless transport systems(EcoProFleet) and software-based control (DXQ), painting processes can now be controlled dynamically and across all models. The key advantage: process times are individually adjusted to each car body, reducing idle phases and significantly lowering energy consumption across the entire system.
Painting technology as a central lever for CO₂ reduction
What began as pioneering work by individual suppliers is now evolving into a new industry standard. The automotive industry - often criticized for its ecological footprint - is demonstrating how CO₂ reduction can be achieved even under complex production conditions. This shift also makes economic sense: modern, software-supported systems not only ensure energy efficiency, but also greater process quality and flexibility.
Current developments in automotive painting technology demonstrate that CO₂ reduction is no longer an add-on, but an integral part of the process architecture - from car body drying to exhaust air purification and application.To remain competitive in the automotive industry, companies must actively address these developments. In addition to immediate regulatory compliance, OEMs' demands on their suppliers in this area will continue to increase rapidly.