Building on the success of its award-winning Heat-Flex® CUI-mitigation coatings, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine has secured two major energy industry awards for its next-generation industrial thermal insulative system, Heat-Flex Advanced Energy Barrier (AEB). This innovative system delivers exceptional thermal efficiency while eliminating the costly and hazardous risk of corrosion under insulation (CUI). Heat-Flex AEB was recognised with the 2025 Gulf Energy Information Excellence Award for Best Coating/Corrosion Advancement Technology and the 2025 Vaaler Award from Chemical Processing.
Gulf Energy announced its award recipients on 16 October 2025 in Houston, Texas, while Chemical Processing revealed its winners on 10 November 2025. The achievements follow previous industry recognition for the Heat-Flex platform, including the 2023 Vaaler Award and the 2025 MP Corrosion Innovation of the Year Award.
“We engineered Heat-Flex AEB to replace bulky mineral-based insulation traditionally used on tanks, vessels, valves, fittings and piping to retain process heat,” said Neil Wilds, Global product director, CUI/Testing, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine. “By removing the corrosion zone between insulation and the asset, the system eliminates the potential for CUI by design. These awards underscore its ability to cut corrosion-related costs, reduce carbon footprints and significantly improve operational efficiency for energy operators.”
The Gulf Energy Information Excellence Awards highlight innovations and leaders shaping the global oil and gas sector. The 2025 programme received more than 500 nominations for technologies that help operators “find, produce, transport and process hydrocarbons more safely, economically, efficiently and sustainably.”
Established more than 50 years ago, the Vaaler Awards honour products and services that meaningfully advance operations in chemical processing plants. The biennial programme evaluates entries on contribution to plant performance, uniqueness and industry-wide applicability, continuing the legacy of long-time Chemical Processing editorial leader John C. Vaaler.
Heat-Flex AEB delivers a more sustainable, resource-efficient approach to thermal retention by eliminating the need for traditional mineral-based insulation, which can absorb moisture and lose up to eighty-five percent of thermal effectiveness. Its closed-cell structure minimises moisture ingress, ensuring consistent insulating performance throughout its service life.
The system forms a robust, insulative film directly on assets operating at temperatures up to 350°F (177°C), with excursions to 400°F (204°C). By retaining heat efficiently and performing reliably even in extreme environments, Heat-Flex AEB not only improves energy performance but also reduces burn-risk exposure for workers.
“The Vaaler Awards celebrate the spirit of innovation that drives our industry forward,” said Traci Purdum, Editor-in-Chief of Chemical Processing. “Sherwin-Williams exemplifies excellence and continuous improvement. Their Heat-Flex AEB system represents the type of breakthrough solution that enhances safety, efficiency and sustainability across chemical processing.”
For more information visit www.industrial.sherwin-williams.com
