Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) were introduced in 1969 by company
Alusingen, as a joint-invention with BASF. Alusingen was bought by Alusuisse
which was then subsequently acquired by the giant multinational firm Alcan in 2000
(today Rio Tinto). The brand Alucobond has been since then synonymous to the
product, like “Jeep” or “Rockwool”. Alusingen patented the process of Alucobond for
20 years, that was between 1971 and 1991.
Upon the expiry of the patent, several players have then entered the field, such as
Alcoa (brand Reynobond), Etem (brand Etalbond),Mitsubishi (brand Alpolic) etc.
The industry used to be knowledge intensive until the first years of this century, but
then the technology was widely diffused and several smaller producers arised.
The material is essentially comprised with two aluminium sheets thickness 0,5 mm,
and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) 3 mm thickness. Total thickness, along with
adhesive layers and glues, is 4 mm.