Accelerating Sustainability through Smart Marine and Automotive Solutions

Sika Industry is redefining sustainability in both marine and automotive manufacturing by introducing breakthroughs that lower greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and optimize resources. 

Sika’s Ultralight Floating Floor system drives progress in shipbuilding by combining ultra-lightweight aluminum panels with an advanced, renewable technology – cutting floor weight by at least 24kg/m². Comparing the data for a specific cruise ship with 17,023 m² of floating floors, versus an existing Litosilo Steel floating floor weighing 48.1 kg/m², the study¹ found out that the Ultralight Floating Floor system contributed to a 0.41% reduction of marine gas oil consumption (MGO) – the equivalent of more than one ton of fuel per day.

These flooring panels are not only easier and faster to install, but are also 98% recyclable, supporting circular economy principles. Rigorous tests confirm exceptional strength, withstanding over 2,500kg load without deformation, ensuring durability without compromising sustainability. The lighter construction enables ships to carry more passengers, sail further, or move faster, which translates into significant CO2 reductions across operations and supply chains.  

Learn how Sika’s floating floor systems are moving shipbuilding forward >> Ultralight Construction Massive C02 Savings | Sika 

In automotive manufacturing, Sika’s low-bake adhesives are enabling a major shift toward energy-efficient and low-emission production. These adhesives cure at 135-140°C, as opposed to the conventional 160-200°C, allowing body shops to cut oven temperatures by up to 25°C. This reduction means notable savings in energy consumption, faster production cycles – saving up to 10-15 minutes per cycle in hard-to-reach parts.  

To create its low-bake range, Sika teamed up with leading OEMs and component suppliers, who were interested in working more sustainably. Together, they identified key requirements and challenges for the automotive body shop. By taking a collaborative approach on sustainability and working as a strategic partner to automotive customers, Sika is developing solutions that reduce costs, simplify processes, and support carbon reduction efforts. 

Learn how Sika’s low-bake adhesive solutions are moving forward >> Body Shop Excellence - The Low Bake Way | Sika 

From the shipyard to the car factory, Sika’s innovative systems are demonstrating that sustainability and high performance can go hand in hand – empowering industries to meet their environmental targets while achieving real-world operational gains. 

_{¹ independent study from GSR Services, more infos on Sikafloor® Marine UL FF white paper}