‘Our expertise contributes to products that last longer’

The opportunity to influence through others is Cotec Labs’ most important sustainability contribution.
– With our tests, we contribute to reducing waste, all over the world,’ says CEO Stefan Gustafsson-Ledell.

– Globally, it is estimated that corrosion damage in industry is equivalent to about three per cent of a country’s GDP; it is the same here in Sweden. ‘It involves extremely large sums of money, and an extensive environmental impact, when all these parts have to be replaced,’ Stefan Gustafsson-Ledell reasons.

High demands and tough conditions
Cotec Labs in Bankeryd is recognised as one of the industry’s leading laboratories for corrosion testing. The business is built around enabling testing according to current requirements regardless of where in the world the product is used. This can be anything from high temperature and humidity, to cold climate and salt on the roads.

The organisation is accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025, certified according to ISO 9001 and 14001, and is a member of the international ILAC network. Bankeryd has the equipment and expertise to carry out tests according to over 200 different methods that in turn meet various industry standards and requirements. Cotec Lab’s customers include a large number of the world’s leading truck and vehicle manufacturers and their customers worldwide. Customers are also found in the furniture and engineering industries.

Lasts longer

For Stefan and his team, it is the core business, the services, that are Cotec Labs’ essential contribution to a more sustainable society.

– If we can verify the efficacy and requirements of the coating, we help to ensure that our customers’ products last longer. Many of our customers have also started to review their surface treatment methods, looking for more environmentally friendly processes with the same or better results. Our tests help them make progress in this endeavour. I would also like to think that, with our flexible approach and tough requirements, we are helping to spread knowledge and change attitudes and practices in other markets around the world.

This is something that is also confirmed by Proton Technology’s customers. Patrik Gustafsson is Head of Cab & Bus Body, Materials Technology, YTMR, at Scania:
– ‘Today, the market has zero tolerance for corrosion damage, both in terms of aesthetics and corrosion that affects function. Scania is a premium brand and therefore we do not allow any form of corrosion on our products. Corrosion testing of our components in different environments is necessary for us to ensure the quality of our products over

time and thus also an important part of our sustainability efforts.

By ensuring that the components meet the requirements of our standards, we can achieve the premium level that we strive for. Proton Technology has been authorised by Scania to carry out corrosion tests because they meet the very high standards we have for quality, reliability and delivery.

Thomas Rönnblom, Global Test Manager at IKEA, agrees:
– ‘Continuously testing the surface quality of our products for corrosion and adhesion is a prerequisite for maintaining high quality, regardless of where in the world the product will be used. There is also a strong sustainability argument, as high quality means a long product life.

Focus on people
The environmental impact of our own operations is limited.
– We use chemicals in some of our tests, but the volume is very small and the handling is well documented and regulated within the framework of our ISO 14001 certification ‘Salt water is our biggest

consumable,’ explains Stefan.

The transport of samples from Swedish and international customers to the laboratory in Bankeryd is the part of the business that generates the largest climate footprint – however, there are no exact calculations for how much.
– However, we have established working methods to limit transport emissions as much as possible. We have comprehensive information procedures to ensure that customers send us the right samples and the right quantities to avoid unnecessary freight. By default, we also do not send the samples back but are responsible for recycling them. All shipments are done with climate-compensated logistics companies.

As a service company, Cotec Labs prioritises employees and their skills as a sustainability issue.
– We have a strong focus on the people in our organisation and work hard to offer a good and safe working environment with opportunities for individuals to develop. After all, we want our employees to choose to stay and contribute with us for a long time.