Chemetall and Londian Wason Form Strategic Partnership to Advance Sustainable Copper Foil Technologies for the Next Generation of Energy Solutions
Chemetall, a leading global provider of innovative surface treatment solutions and the Surface Treatment business unit of BASF Coatings, has announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Londian Wason (Shenzhen) Holdings Group Co., Ltd. (Londian Wason), a globally recognized leader in new energy and electronic materials. Londian Wason is one of the world’s largest producers of lithium battery copper foil, a key material in the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy industries.
This collaboration represents a major milestone for both companies and is expected to play a critical role in driving innovation, performance, and sustainability across the battery materials supply chain. The partnership centers on the implementation and joint development of Chemetall’s newly launched Gardolene® D technology — a chromium-free and fluoride-free passivation solution designed specifically for copper foils used in advanced battery applications.
Driving Sustainable Innovation in the Battery Materials Industry
The demand for electric vehicles and advanced energy storage systems is growing at an unprecedented pace, fueled by the global transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. As nations and industries work toward achieving carbon neutrality, the need for environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes has become increasingly urgent.
Chemetall’s Gardolene D represents a significant step forward in addressing this challenge. As the first global passivation technology for copper foils that eliminates both chromium and fluoride compounds, Gardolene D aligns perfectly with global sustainability goals and the tightening of environmental regulations worldwide.
The partnership with Londian Wason will allow both companies to accelerate the adoption and optimization of this groundbreaking surface treatment technology in China, the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond. China, as the world’s largest EV market and the leading producer of lithium-ion batteries, offers an ideal environment for large-scale deployment and validation of the technology’s potential.
A Milestone in Green Transformation
Londian Wason is the first customer in China to adopt our new Gardolene D technology, confirming our leadership position in the surface treatment industry,” said Frank Naber, Senior Vice President, Global Surface Treatment at BASF Coatings. “This innovation is more than just a technological achievement; it is a key enabler of the green transformation that supports the electrification of transportation and the expansion of renewable energy. By integrating Gardolene D into Londian Wason’s manufacturing processes, we are not only improving the performance of electric vehicle batteries but also helping our partner achieve their sustainability and operational excellence goals.
The partnership reflects Chemetall’s long-standing commitment to collaborative innovation. By working closely with strategic partners across the value chain, Chemetall continues to develop high-performance, sustainable surface treatment technologies that support the evolving needs of the automotive and energy industries.
Combining Global Expertise for Industry Leadership
From Londian Wason’s perspective, the partnership is a natural fit. With over 20 years of experience in copper foil manufacturing, Londian Wason has built a reputation for technical excellence, product innovation, and quality. Its copper foils are widely used in lithium-ion batteries, electronics, and new energy systems, making it a cornerstone of the modern energy transition.
“By combining Chemetall’s global surface treatment expertise with Londian Wason’s proven technical capabilities, we can jointly push the boundaries of what is possible in copper foil technology,” said Guangling Zhou, CEO of Londian Wason Group. “This collaboration will drive not only product performance and efficiency but also sustainability across the entire value chain. Together, we are helping to shape the future of energy materials.”
The two companies will focus on both the implementation of Gardolene D in Londian Wason’s production lines and on ongoing research and optimization to tailor the technology for various applications and substrates. Their collaboration will also explore future innovations in surface treatment chemistry, process optimization, and battery material integration.
Strengthening Chemetall’s Presence in Asia-Pacific
China is the world’s largest market for electric vehicles and the dominant global hub for battery production,” said Evelyn Shen, Vice President, Chemetall Asia Pacific. “Our partnership with Londian Wason reinforces our strategic presence in this vital market and accelerates the adoption of our most advanced and sustainable technologies. Chemetall is fully committed to creating customer value by delivering innovative, efficient, and environmentally responsible surface treatment solutions for high-growth markets across Asia-Pacific.
The agreement also supports Chemetall’s broader strategy to expand its regional footprint and align its product portfolio with emerging megatrends in mobility and energy. As the transition toward renewable energy accelerates, Chemetall aims to provide next-generation chemical solutions that meet stringent environmental standards while maintaining the highest levels of performance and reliability.
Gardolene D: Pioneering a New Era in Copper Foil Passivation
At the heart of this collaboration is Gardolene D, an innovative and environmentally friendly passivation technology that sets a new industry benchmark. Traditional passivation processes for copper foils often rely on chromium (VI) compounds and fluoride-based chemicals, which, although effective, pose significant environmental and health risks. Gardolene D eliminates the use of both, offering a safer, more sustainable alternative without compromising on quality or performance.
This advanced formulation provides excellent corrosion protection and improves the surface characteristics of copper foils, leading to better adhesion of anode active materials in lithium-ion batteries. It also reduces electrical resistivity, enhancing energy efficiency and power output in battery systems.
According to Chemetall’s internal testing, copper foils treated with Gardolene D demonstrate improved durability and energy retention. Batteries incorporating these foils can achieve up to 6% longer lifespans after 1,000 charge-discharge cycles at 25°C compared to batteries using foils treated with traditional chromium-based passivation. This improvement translates into greater overall energy density, longer driving ranges for electric vehicles, and lower lifecycle costs for battery producers and end users alike.
Seamless Integration and Broad Compatibility
Another major advantage of Gardolene D is its compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure. The solution can be easily integrated into current copper foil production lines without requiring major equipment modifications, making it an attractive choice for manufacturers seeking a smooth and cost-effective transition to sustainable technologies.
It is suitable for both electro-deposited (ED) and rolled annealed (RA) copper foil substrates, ensuring broad applicability across different production methods and end-use requirements. Beyond electric vehicle batteries, Gardolene D can also be utilized in energy generation and storage systems, such as renewable energy storage batteries, hybrid vehicle applications, and high-performance electronic devices.
Supporting the Global Energy Transition
The collaboration between Chemetall and Londian Wason exemplifies how strategic partnerships can accelerate the global shift toward cleaner energy and more sustainable industrial processes. By leveraging their combined expertise and complementary capabilities, the two companies are positioned to make a meaningful contribution to decarbonization efforts and to advance the materials technologies that underpin the future of mobility and energy.
As governments, manufacturers, and consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, solutions like Gardolene D demonstrate that environmental responsibility and technological excellence can go hand in hand. This partnership not only benefits both companies but also sets a new standard for the entire industry, inspiring further innovation toward safer, more efficient, and more sustainable materials.
