PPG Industries’ aerospace business has introduced a chromate-free coating that, according to the Pittsburgh-based coatings specialist, “reduces environmental impact, lowers aircraft weight and provides a smooth, glossy and highly durable finish.”

Regional operator Jazz Aviation in Mississauga, Ontario, was the first to take advantage of the green coatings technology, according to Ron Nakamura, PPG general manager and business manager for aerospace in Canada. The paint was applied by Springer Aerospace of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

On the Jazz Aviation Dash-8 twin turboprops, Nakamura said the weight saving was 30 pounds, and he also noted that the chromate-free pre-treatment and primer formulations require no special handlings or waste disposal.