The Gulf continues to be a market of potential for German chemical company Wacker, contributing more than 60 per cent of the sales generated in the Middle East.
It said Middle East sales were up by double digits and the region continues to grow, thanks to intense construction and industrial activity in the GCC area where most of its Middle East sales materialise.
Wacker has made strong strides in recent years in the Gulf in its sales of polymer and silicon products for the construction industry. The UAE is particularly strict about environmental issues where green regulations weigh in on the selection of paints and building materials. The company’s Vinnapas dispersions have a high pigment-binding capacity providing paints with excellent scrub resistance and early water resistance.
Wacker’s polymers are used in lightweight applications such as thin-layered tile adhesives for buildings and external insulation as well as in coatings. Its silicone resins are used in coatings that are water repellant.
Recently, at the Middle East Coatings Show in Dubai, Wacker presented high-performance polymer binders and silicones for challenging coatings
applications.
The novel binder Primis AF 1000 it highlighted combines organic and inorganic components, enabling the formation of brilliant, highly durable exterior paints with reduced dirt and sand pick-up.
Also on display was the silicone resin emulsion Silres WH. Wood impregnated with Silres WH is protected against damp, moisture and damage caused by swelling and shrinkage for an exceedingly long time.
Vinnapas 5005 for versatile dry-mix applications was also showcased. The polyvinyl alcohol stabilised dispersible powder based on ethylene and vinyl acetate has been developed specifically for cost-sensitive markets where a wide range of applications is required. What makes the new product special is the fact of its being a versatile “all-rounder” for dry-mix mortars, ranging from cementitious tile adhesives and renders to self-levelling compounds and external thermal insulation composite systems (Etics). Even gypsum applications such as gypsum plasters or joint fillers can be enhanced with the novel dispersible polymer powder.
Wacker operates a technical centre in Dubai at its local subsidiary Wacker Chemicals Middle East. It has a dedicated laboratory for interior and exterior paints and coating applications. The centre and the Wacker Academy provide secor-related training and networking opportunities.
