September 2020 Introduction to Umicore We Are a Global Materials Technology and Recycling Group

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

September 2020 Introduction to Umicore We Are a Global Materials Technology and Recycling Group Umicore Investor Presentation September 2020 Introduction to Umicore We are a global materials technology and recycling group One of three global A leading supplier of key The world’s leading leaders in emission control materials for rechargeable recycler of complex waste catalysts for light-duty and batteries used in electrified streams containing heavy-duty vehicles and transportation and portable precious and other for all fuel types electronics valuable metals 3 With a unique position in clean mobility materials and recycling Internal Plug-In Hybrid Combustion Engine Electric Vehicle Umicore provides: Umicore provides: Emission control catalysts Battery cathode materials and emission control catalysts Full Electric Vehicle Fuel cells Umicore provides: Umicore provides: Battery cathode materials Electro-catalyst and battery cathode materials Present across all drive trains and offering sustainable closed- loop services 4 Built on sound foundations Supportive Unique business Industry leader in megatrends & model sustainability legislation resource scarcity more stringent emission control electrification recyclingrecycling of the automobile We help improve air quality, make electrified transport possible and tackle resource scarcity 5 5 With a robust financial performance and a global presence Key figures (FY 2019) Adj. Revenues EBITDA € 3.4 bn € 753 m Adj. EBIT ROCE € 509 m 12.6% 40% - Europe Revenues* by Clean geography 14% - North America mobility and R&D Recycling 6% of 4% - South America 75% of revenues revenues 39% - Asia-Pacific * 2019 data 3% - Africa 6 We deliver on our Horizon 2020 strategy Clear leadership Doubled the size in clean mobility of the business in materials and terms of earnings recycling Rebalanced the Turned portfolio sustainability into & earnings a greater contributions competitive edge 7 With a focused & balanced Group structure CATALYSIS ENERGY & SURFACE RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES Automotive Catalysts Rechargeable Battery Materials Precious Metals Refining Precious Metals Chemistry Cobalt & Specialty Materials Jewelry & Industrial Metals Electroplating Precious Metals Management Electro-Optic Materials Capital employed* Revenues* Adj. EBIT* (excluding metal) (average) 13% 20% 33% 35% 34% 43% 37% 52% 33% * FY 2019 data; corporate not included 8 Unique position in Automotive Catalysts CATALYSIS Strong growth drivers: Umicore best positioned to Tightening emission norms for capture growth in growing LDV and HDD, in particular in gasoline segment; largest share China, Europe and India of cGPF platforms won in China and Europe Significant value uplift especially in gasoline catalysts Umicore well positioned to Increasing share of gasoline capture growth in HDD segments platforms in the global mix Umicore expanding capacity in Increasing uptake of fuel cell fuel cells drivetrains 9 Unique position in Rechargeable Battery Energy & Surface TechnologiesMaterials for xEV Electrification confirmed as main avenue to drastically reduce vehicle emissions in mid- and Umicore uniquely positioned to address long-term long-term requirements of this industry, while managing short-term fluctuations Strongly supported by legislation and evidenced with agility by massive roll-out of car OEM’s e-mobility strategies Full spectrum of highest quality cathode materials Increasing electrification drives strong market demand in mid and long-term Process technology and ability to scale up fast Technology roadmap offers ample room for Innovation pipeline spanning next innovation and differentiation 20 years Product Integrated supply chain and battery Process recycling Closed loop offering 10 Unique position in Recycling RECYCLING Metallurgical leadership and proprietary technologies for Increasing resource scarcity and need for closing the treating complex residues and by- loop products Growing complexity of materials to recycle Closing the loop Increased availability of complex materials, in particular in product businesses by end-of-life materials offering recycling services Eco-efficient recycling processes are becoming the norm Over 200 different input streams Umicore uniquely positioned to capture growth as the Recovery of more than 20 different metals world’s largest and most complex precious metal recycler with world class environmental and quality standards 11 Solid framework for value creation Focus on Strong Focus on cashflows and growth returns solid capital structure • Multiple growth drivers • Earnings growth objective • Prioritize cash for strategic • Secular trends • Group and segment organic growth projects • Supporting legislation returns > cost of capital • Currently in accelerated investment phase • Privilege organic growth • 15%+ ROCE target • Strong self-funding capacity • Complementary M&A, with • Value creation precedes ROCE maximization (normalized excl. current focus on value creation acceleration) • Cash return to shareholders 12 Maintaining a healthy capital structure 35.2% 33.6% 31.1% 28.6% 23.2% 24.4% 14.3% 13.8% 14.1% H1 20 net financial debt of € 1,349 m, million € 1.92 1.75 slightly below the level of end 2019 1400 1.48 1.40 1.60 1.19 Gearing 1200 0.99 1443 1.10 ratio Corresponds to robust credit ratios : 1000 0.56 0.64 1349 0.39 0.60 800 1059 Net debt • Net debt / LTM Adjusted EBITDA 0.10 861 600 840 / LTM Adj. EBITDA ratio of 1.75x 400 -0.40 556 Consolidated net -0.90 • Net gearing ratio of 34 % 200 429 financial debt, end of 298 296 0 -1.40 period H1 H2 H1 H2 H1 H2 H1 H2 H1 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 Further extended and diversified 2016 strong liquidity base in June 2020: Long-Term Fixed Rate Debt Maturity Profile • € 125 m 8-year EIB loan million € 500 • € 500 m 5-year convertible bond 400 • € 1.2 bn cash on balance sheet at 30 300 June in addition to appr. € 1 bn of 200 committed undrawn credit lines 100 0 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 13 Business Group Overview Catalysis Catalysis A world leader in emission control catalysts for light-duty and Automotive heavy-duty vehicles and for all fuel types. Complemented by Catalysts smaller stationary catalyst applications (marine, power generation, …). Precious Develops and produces metal-based catalysts used in chemistry, Metals life sciences and pharmaceutical applications. Also has a Chemistry complete portfolio of catalyst technologies for fuel cells. 15 Automotive Catalysts: business model We develop technologies which allow our customers to meet automotive emission legislation at the lowest Total Cost of Ownership Complete catalyst systems Customer to reduce exhaust focus gas emissions People Operational engagement excellence Global manufacturing & technical footprint 16 Automotive Catalysts Production Footprint 17 plants in 14 countries, 9 R&D / tech. centers in 7 countries Frederikssund Karlskoga Lyngby Nowa Ruda Songdo Denmark Sweden Denmark Poland Korea Onsan Burlington Hanau Korea Canada Germany Tokoname Auburn Hills, MI Florange Japan USA France Kobe Japan Rheinfelden/ Bad Säckingen Himeji Germany Japan Houston, TX USA Tianjin China Americana Suzhou Brazil China (2) Production plant R&D/Tech. center Joinville Port Elizabeth Pune Rayong Production plant/R&D Tech. center Stationary Brazil South Africa India Thailand 17 Catalysis – major milestones in 2019 Capacity expansions Sustained investments Opening of new plant to support growth of in product and for fuel cell catalysts Automotive Catalysts in process innovation in Korea China, Poland and India 18 COVID-19 outbreak: impact on auto-industry H1 2020 YoY evolution of passenger car production across all powertrains (source: IHS & Umicore - 20/07/2020) China Europe North America Global market 2,500,000 2,500,000 2,500,000 9,000,000 -47% -34% -27% 8,000,000 -12% -54% -39% -67% -62% 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 -26% 7,000,000 -21% -93% -34% 6,000,000 -31% -85% 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 -30% -99% 5,000,000 -88% 4,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 3,000,000 2,000,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 1,000,000 0 0 0 0 January February March April May June January February March April May June January February March April May June January February March April May June 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 H1 2020 global car production down 35% YoY Catalysis H1 2020 performance Revenues -20% and Adj. EBIT -75%; severe impact from COVID-19 and related car OEM production shutdowns REVENUES 800 600 743 717 709 652 633 620 Automotive Catalysts 400 598 571 565 Widespread car OEM production shutdowns and car 200 sales plunging 0 Severe impact on revenues and volumes H1 H2 2016 H2 2017 H1 2017 H2 2018 H1 2018 H2 2019 H1 2019 H2 2020 H1 Further outperformance of LDV market in China 2016 H1 H2 HDD less down than market given higher demand for Adjusted EBIT China V technologies 120 100 80 99 87 86 85 82 Precious Metals Chemistry 81 60 78 75 Revenues down due to COVID-19 impact on 40 automotive industry 20 Continued strong demand for pharmaceutical 0 21 ingredients and fuel cell catalysts H1 2016 H1 2016 H2 2017 H1 2017 H2 2018 H1 2018 H2 2019 H1 2019 H2 2020 H1 million € 20 Impressions Bad-Säckingen plant AC, Germany Catalyst elements Test bench Nowa Ruda plant AC, Poland Canned catalyst Installation stationary DNox catalyst 21 Business Group Overview Energy & Surface Technologies Energy & Surface Technologies Rechargeable A leading cathode material supplier for lithium-ion rechargeable Battery batteries used in electrified vehicles and portable electronics. Materials Cobalt & Refines and recycles cobalt and nickel; produces cobalt and Specialty nickel specialty
Recommended publications
  • Umicore Intends to Launch Squeeze-Out for Remainder of Agosi
    Press release 3 February 2021 – 08:30 am CET Umicore intends to launch squeeze-out for remainder of Agosi shares Umicore has informed its listed subsidiary Allgemeine Gold- und Silberscheideanstalt AG (“Agosi”) that it intends to purchase the 8.8 % shares it does not yet own from Agosi’s minority shareholders through a merger squeeze-out in accordance with German law. To determine the cash compensation for Agosi’s minority shareholders, a valuation of Agosi will be carried out by an independent valuer appointed by Umicore and a court-appointed auditor. Following a squeeze-out and subsequent delisting, Umicore would have flexibility to consider strategic options for the Jewelry & Industrial Metals activities within Agosi. These activities perform well from a commercial and financial point of view and Umicore wants to explore the best conditions for their further development. Umicore expects that the merger squeeze-out would be resolved upon by the general meeting of Agosi in the second or third quarter of 2021. Note to the editor: Umicore acquired Agosi upon the acquisition of the Precious Metals Group (“PMG”) in 2003 and currently holds 91.2 % of its shares. Agosi shares are listed on the Munich Freiverkehr stock exchange. Agosi, headquartered in Pforzheim, Germany, has an international presence and offers the full precious metals cycle and other precious metals services for the jewelry and coin industries, as well as for various industrial applications in electrical engineering, in automotive, in the chemical industry and in medical technology. Agosi’s activities are integrated in Umicore’s Jewelry & Industrial Metals business unit and one Agosi subsidiary is part of Umicore’s Electroplating business unit.
    [Show full text]
  • UMICORE SA (GROUP) Brussels - Belgium | Manufacture of Basic Precious and Other Non- 2020 Ferrous Metals Significant Operations in at Least One Risk Country
    EcoVadis Scorecard www.ecovadis.com UMICORE SA (GROUP) Brussels - Belgium | Manufacture of basic precious and other non- 2020 ferrous metals Significant operations in at least one risk country Publication date: 24 Jul 2020 Valid until: 24 Jul 2021 CSR Performance Insufficient Partial Moderate Advanced Outstanding Average score OVERALL SCORE ENVIRONMENT LABOR & HUMAN ETHICS SUSTAINABLE RIGHTS PROCUREMENT 73 /100 80 /100 80 /100 60 /100 60 /100 99th Weight Weight Weight Weight percentile Overall score distribution Theme score comparison 100 UMICORE SA (GROUP) ENVIRONMENT LABOR & HUMAN 100% 80 73 RIGHTS 60 75% 40 20 50% 50.36 41.55 25% 0% 4.36 3.74 SUSTAINABLE ETHICS 0 0 25 45 65 85 100 PROCUREMENT All companies assessed by EcoVadis in this industry UMICORE SA (GROUP) score All companies assessed by EcoVadis in this industry Strengths and Improvement Areas Environment Weight Strengths (38) Policies Strengths Quantitative objectives set on some relevant issues [i.e. GHG emissions, water] Comprehensive policy on a majority of environmental issues Endorsement of external initiative on environmental issues [i.e. The International Platinum Group Metals Association (IPA), Eurometaux, CIRAF, Fachvereinigung Edelmetalle] Actions Strengths Company-specific emergency preparedness and response procedure regarding local pollution Measures to minimize odor generation in rendering plant operations Control measures to monitor and/or prevent contamination of groundwater Measures to reduce CO2 emissions from transport Formalized procedure related to materials / chemicals management (e.g. storing, handling, transportation) Purchasing of renewable energy Registration of substances to the ECHA Reuse by-products from the process as raw materials or as raw material substitutes in other processes Monitoring of pollutant concentrations into waste gas (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Investor Presentation June 2021
    Umicore Investor Presentation June 2021 Introduction to Umicore We are a global materials technology and recycling group One of three global A leading supplier of key The world’s leading leaders in emission control materials for rechargeable recycler of complex waste catalysts for light-duty and batteries used in electrified streams containing heavy-duty vehicles and transportation and portable precious and other for all fuel types electronics valuable metals 3 With a unique position in clean mobility materials and recycling Internal Plug-In Hybrid Combustion Engine Electric Vehicle Umicore provides: Umicore provides: Emission control catalysts Battery cathode materials and emission control catalysts Full Electric Vehicle Fuel cells Umicore provides: Umicore provides: Battery cathode materials Electro-catalyst and battery cathode materials Present across all drive trains and offering sustainable closed- loop services 4 Built on sound foundations Supportive Unique business Industry leader in megatrends & model sustainability legislation resource scarcity more stringent emission control electrification recyclingrecycling of the automobile We help improve air quality, make electrified transport possible and tackle resource scarcity 5 5 Unique position in Automotive Catalysts CATALYSIS Strong growth drivers: Umicore best positioned to Tightening emission norms for capture growth in growing LDV and HDD, in particular in gasoline segment; technology China, Europe and India leader in cGPF platforms in China and Europe Significant value uplift
    [Show full text]
  • Umicore 2020 FY Presentation
    Umicore FY 2020 performance 11 February 2021 Overview Highlights 2020 2021 outlook Maintaining strategic course while responding effectively to COVID-19 crisis 2020 business review 2020 financial review Wrap-up Q&A Umicore FY 2020 performance 2 Highlights 2020 Record earnings in unprecedented conditions ENERGY & SURFACE CATALYSIS TECHNOLOGIES RECYCLING Significant impact of pandemic Impact of pandemic on several end-markets Record performance with a on automotive market in H1 nearly doubling of adj. EBIT Umicore disproportionately Excluding impact of excess YoY, reflecting strong growth exposed to market recovery in inventories, Umicore’s EV across all business units H2 due to strong position in cathode materials volumes grew gasoline for LDV broadly in line with EV battery Exceptional metal price demand environment Strict cost management and operational excellence Adj. EBIT reflecting underutilized High activity levels despite initiatives capacity and pricing pressure in COVID-19 crisis and favorable China, as well as costs related to trading conditions recent and ongoing expansions Umicore FY 2020 performance 3 2021 outlook 2021 outlook Umicore expects to achieve substantial growth in earnings in 2021, with growth in all business Groups Given the current limited visibility, this outlook statement is made under the assumption that the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak would not result in additional material or protracted disruptions to the economy or Umicore’s operations CATALYSIS ENERGY & SURFACE RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES Substantial growth in sales volumes of Favorable metal prices Further benefit from leading edge cathode materials for EVs technology offering in gasoline Supportive supply mix and applications for LDV in China and Persisting Chinese overcapacity and moderate volume growth in Europe pricing pressure Precious Metals Refining Initial impact of China VI legislation Some € 50m increase in fixed costs in If current elevated metal price for HDD applications Rechargeable Battery Materials levels were to prevail throughout the year, Adj.
    [Show full text]
  • IEA: the Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions
    The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions World Energy Outlook Special Report INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY The IEA examines the full spectrum of IEA member countries: Spain energy issues including oil, gas and Australia Sweden coal supply and demand, renewable Austria Switzerland energy technologies, electricity Belgium Turkey markets, energy efficiency, access to Canada United Kingdom energy, demand side management Czech Republic United States and much more. Through its work, the Denmark IEA advocates policies that will Estonia IEA association countries: enhance the reliability, affordability Finland Brazil and sustainability of energy in its 30 France China member countries, 8 association Germany India countries and beyond. Greece Indonesia Hungary Morocco Please note that this publication is Ireland Singapore subject to specific restrictions that Italy South Africa limit its use and distribution. The Japan Thailand terms and conditions are available Korea online at www.iea.org/t&c/ Luxembourg Mexico This publication and any map included herein are Netherlands without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty New Zealand over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the Norway name of any territory, city or area. Poland Portugal Slovak Republic Source: IEA. All rights reserved. International Energy Agency Website: www.iea.org The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions Foreword Foreword Ever since the International Energy Agency (IEA) was founded in world to anticipate and navigate possible disruptions and avoid 1974 in the wake of severe disruptions to global oil markets that damaging outcomes for our economies and our planet. shook the world economy, its core mission has been to foster secure This special report is the most comprehensive global study of this and affordable energy supplies.
    [Show full text]
  • DNX® SCR Catalysts and Technologies
    Comply without compromise DNX® SCR catalysts and technologies High-performance DeNOx catalysts and efficient SCR system designs 02 Umicore is a global materials technology and recycling group with over 11,000 employees and a turnover of €17.5 billion in 2019. We generate the majority of our revenues and dedicate most of our R&D efforts to clean technologies. These include emission control catalysts, materials for rechargeable batteries and recycling. Umicore’s overriding goal of sustainable value creation is based on an ambition to develop, produce and recycle materials in a way that fulfils its mission: materials for a better life. 03 Comprehensive solutions for DeNOx applications Reduce NOx by up to 99% with proven Umicore technology Complying with emission standards without compromising performance or profitability is a challenge many industries are facing. With decades of broad experience, Umicore DNX® SCR applications, our high-efficiency solutions can reduce catalysts and system designs are meeting the challenge NOx by up to 99% with maximum reliability, even for customers around the world. For stationary when operating under severe conditions. The scope of SCR DeNOx products and services UMICORE Waste Stationary Biomass incineration and marine fired boilers SCR DENOX engines General Coal, oil Gas turbines FCC units, industrial and gas fired single and crackers, heaters processes boilers combined and other cycle processes Benefits at a glance: Our Services include: 1. Our SCR process designs have been implemented at • SCR system management including onsite inspections, over 2,000 sites worldwide performance assessments, and assistance with catalyst regeneration or disposal 2. Our engineering services make sure the value of investments is maximized • Catalyst sample retrieval, activity testing, accumulated poison analysis and remaining service life projection 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Innovation Roadmap in Clean Mobility Materials
    Seoul, Korea 6 June 2018 Innovation roadmap in clean mobility materials SPEAKER Denis Goffaux Chief Technology Officer Executive Vice-President Energy & Surface Technologies 2 Agenda Well to wheel efficiency considerations Key developments in xEV battery materials Key developments in fuel cells Wrap-up 3 On the road towards clean mobility Well to wheel efficiency considerations Well to wheel – efficiency to convert fossil energy into motive energy Well to tank – energy consumed to Tank to wheel – energy extract and transform fossil fuel into consumed to transform usable fuel (by extension, electricity) the chemical energy from fuel into motive energy 4 On the road towards clean mobility There’s nothing like BEV in terms of tank to wheel efficiency ENERGY CONTENT (Wh/kg) Gasoline 13,100 Diesel 12,700 Hydrogen 39,400 Li-Ion battery 280 APPROXIMATE TTW PER DRIVETRAIN Gasoline 25% Diesel 30% Tank to wheel – energy FCEV 50% consumed to transform the chemical energy from BEV 90% fuel into motive energy 5 On the road towards clean mobility Well to wheel sets a clear trend towards BEV…. 140 120 …. but it is an 2021: 100 95 g/km evolution and not a revolution 80 /km 2 Beyond During which 60 2021: gCO we need: <95 g/km 40 20 1 2 Typical C-segment car 0 Sources: JEC consortium, Cleaner and more Roland Berger study and Umicore estimates Diesel ICEs xEVs Gasoline CNG (EU-mix) BEV (renewables) FCEV (50% renew.)BEV (EU-mix 2030) Full Hybrid (gasoline)PHEV (30% electric) Tank to wheel Well to tank 6 Agenda Well to wheel efficiency considerations Key developments
    [Show full text]
  • B2136annex2.Pdf
    FEBELIEC vzw/asbl BluePoint Brussels, Bld. A. Reyerslaan 80, 1030 – Brussel/Bruxelles Tel: +32 (0)496 59 36 20, e-mail: [email protected], www.febeliec.be RPR Brussel - TVA/BTW BE 0439 877 578 Febeliec answer to the CREG consultation on the request for derogation from Elia on the minimum level of capacity to be made available for cross-zonal trade Febeliec would to thank CREG for this consultation on the request for derogation from Elia on the minimum level of capacity to be made available for cross-zonal trade. Febeliec would like to stipulate that it is not at all in favour of derogation on the 70% minRAM requirement, as any derogation leads to lesser cross-zonal trade and as such to less European market integration. However, Febeliec understands that it is important to ensure the integrity of the system and under that premise can accept derogations to the 70% minRAM requirement to the extent that these are only intended to ensure the integrity of the system without any additional margins and after all remedial actions have been applied, and this only as a last resort measure and on a temporary basis until the structural bottlenecks have been taken care of. As such, Febeliec will not oppose the proposal by Elia as this should ensure that as much cross-zonal capacity is given to the market, insofar indeed all available remedial actions have been taken to maximize this cross-zonal capacity. Febeliec also supports that the derogation for 2021 also is limited to only one of the three derogations on the 70% minRAM that were granted in 2020 and this as far as Febeliec is concerned only for non-predicable circumstances on critical grid elements.
    [Show full text]
  • Umicore 2.0 Clean Mobility and Recycling
    Environment and Resource Needs Impact Analysis Intent 3 Umicore 2.0 Clean mobility and recycling Umicore is a global materials technology and recycling group. Umicore dedicates its efforts to clean technologies, such as emission control catalysts, materials for Product Impact 3 3 Business Practices rechargeable batteries and recycling. Umicore’s ambition is to develop, produce 2.5 1.5 and recycle materials in a way that fulfils its mission: materials for a better life. Product Impact Intent Business Practices Umicore has high product impact in the context Umicore has undertaken a significant Challenges around safety appear to be at the Umicore of Positive Change holdings. The breadth and reorganisation of the business and has made more substantial end of things, albeit offset by depth of impact are both impressive and its significant investments to drive its strategy positives elsewhere, such as fully integrated criticality to a circular approach is likely to be for materials for the low carbon and circular sustainability across the business. increasingly important over time, particularly in economy. the context of electrification. Investment Case What challenge is the Climate change is the most significant challenge of our time and human activities are creating pollution Company tackling? in numerous forms from vehicle exhaust fumes to waste, to the detriment of land, sea and air. Umicore’s businesses aim to tackle vehicle emissions and resource scarcity, contributing to a circular economy. Reducing air pollution also helps to address healthcare challenges. The World Health Organisation Relevant Targets Relevant Products estimates that ambient air pollution causes 4 million premature deaths per year globally.
    [Show full text]
  • Surface Technology White Papers 100 (8), 1-8 (September 2013)
    Surface Technology White Papers 100 (8), 1-8 (September 2013) Cyanide-Free Electroplating of Cu-Sn Alloys by Uwe Manz,* Dr. Sascha Berger, Klaus Bronder, Klaus Leyendecker, Bernd Weyhmüller and Guenter Wirth Umicore Galvanotechnik GmbH Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany Editor's Note: This paper is a peer-reviewed and edited version of a presentation delivered at NASF SUR/FIN 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 13, 2012. ABSTRACT Copper-tin (Cu-Sn) layers are well known and frequently used to avoid the use of nickel in many decorative and some technical applications. Consequently the plating of bronze has been with us for a long time. At present industrial electroplating is still performed from solutions containing cyanide. There have been many attempts to substitute for cyanide, but so far only with minor success. The results have not been satisfying with regards to appearance, operating window, plating speed and other properties. Therefore the cyanide-free electroplating of bronze is still just a wish for many platers. However, the requirements regarding legislation and environment are increasing and the problem to get a license for cyanide, especially in China, has become severe. Therefore the need for alternative cyanide-free electrolytes is high. This paper reviews some basic chemistry and some concepts as well as recent developments in the electroplating of Cu-Sn from cyanide-free electrolytes. The influence on properties like alloy composition, appearance and operating window are highlighted. Keywords: Copper-tin electroplating, bronze electroplating, cyanide substitutes, alloy electroplating Introduction Copper-tin (Cu-Sn) layers are well known and frequently used to avoid the use of nickel in many decorative and some technical applications.
    [Show full text]
  • News Release
    NEWS RELEASE Embargoed until Thursday 15 September 2016 UMICORE PRECIOUS METALS (THAILAND) LTD ACHIEVES RJC CHAIN-OF- CUSTODY RE-CERTIFICATION LONDON - RJC today announced that Umicore Precious Metals (Thailand) Ltd, has achieved Re- Certification against the RJC Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Standard. “RJC is delighted to congratulate Umicore Precious Metals (Thailand) Ltd on having achieved RJC CoC Certification. CoC Certification provides a mechanism for Members to demonstrate how they are implementing the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains,” says Andrew Bone, RJC’s Executive Director. Umicore Precious Metals (Thailand) Ltd’s CoC Certification results from a successful verification assessment conducted by UL Responsible Sourcing, an international auditing company accredited by the RJC. “In 2013, Umicore Precious Metals (Thailand) Ltd was one of the first companies achieving the highly regarded RJC Chain of Custody-certification, and we are very proud to achieve our recertification. We believe that metal-related materials have a vital role, as they can be efficiently and infinitely recycled, which makes them the basis for more sustainable products and services. The RJC and CoC principles correspond perfectly with our ambition to combine commercial success with social responsibility and a commitment to environmental protection,” says Jeroen Dejonckheere, Managing Director Umicore Precious Metals (Thailand) Ltd. For further information please contact: Gerhard Humphreys-de Meyer, Communications Coordinator, Responsible Jewellery Council Tel: +44 (0)207 321 0992, [email protected] About RJC The Responsible Jewellery Council is an international not-for-profit standards and certification organisation. It has more than 800 Member companies that span the jewellery supply chain from mine to retail.
    [Show full text]
  • Press Release Regulated Information – Inside Information 11 February 2021 - 07:30 CET
    Press release Regulated information – Inside Information 11 February 2021 - 07:30 CET UMICORE ANNOUNCES RECORD RESULTS AND PREPARES FOR CEO SUCCESSION Record earnings in unprecedented conditions Despite the severe disruption brought by the COVID-19 pandemic in its end-markets, Umicore posted its strongest financial performance ever, boosted by an exceptional PGM price environment. This underscores Umicore’s resilience and the merits of its strategy building on the complementarity of its activities. After a solid performance in the first half of 2020, with a strong result in Recycling offsetting the impact of the automotive industry downturn on the results of Catalysis and Energy & Surface Technologies, the second half of the year was marked by a strong sequential improvement in the Group’s revenues and earnings driven by continued robust operational performance and buoyant metal prices in Recycling, as well as strong growth in Catalysis. Full year adjusted EBIT was € 536 million, up 5% compared to the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 7% to € 804 million. Revenues in Catalysis decreased, albeit less than the global car market, due to Umicore’s strong market position in gasoline technologies for light-duty vehicles, particularly in China and Europe, as well as higher sales of heavy-duty diesel and fuel cells catalysts. Adjusted EBIT declined more than revenues for the full year reflecting the significant impact of the pandemic in the first half of the year. Revenues of Energy & Surface Technologies reflected the impact of the pandemic as well as lower sales of cathode materials for high-end portable electronics and energy storage applications.
    [Show full text]