Lindéngruppen company Beckers Group has been testing how different materials withstand harsh conditions on the island off the west coast of Sweden since the 1960s.
Bohus-Malmön is home to two key testing sites: Kvarnvik, which faces the sea, and Kattesand, which is further inland. These two sites allow researchers to compare how materials degrade in different environments, with Kvarnvik experiencing more aggressive corrosion due to constant exposure to salty sea air.
But Bohus-Malmön is not just a test site – it is a hub for shaping the future of sustainable materials. This has included discoveries like chrome-free, bio-based coatings and polyester primers.
For years, Beckers has invited customers to visit the island and see the tests in action. These trips allow them to witness firsthand how different coatings and materials hold up over time. Seeing the results in real-world conditions helps businesses make informed choices when selecting the best coatings for their products.
By comparing conventional paints with new more sustainable alternatives, companies can better understand the long-term benefits of switching to more sustainable solutions. This was especially important when the industry transitioned from chromated coatings to safer, chrome-free alternatives. Now, similar testing is helping Beckers to promote the adoption of bio-based paints.
Beyond its role as a test site, Bohus-Malmön also serves as a space for collaboration. Experts, researchers and customers gather here to exchange ideas, reflect on findings, and discuss the future of more sustainable materials. And, of course, no visit is complete without enjoying the island’s freshly caught prawns and crayfish.
Bohus-Malmön may be a small island, but its impact on innovation in more sustainable materials is anything but small. Through continuous research and real-world testing, it is helping to shape the next generation of materials – proving that nature itself can be one of the best laboratories for progress.
