Gulf Construction Online - Sigma calls for environmental laws

Environment Protection

Sigma calls for environmental laws

01 December 2011

AS the first paint producer to introduce zero VOC (volatile organic compound) products in the Middle East, Sigma Paints is making all-out efforts to have green products specified on projects in the region.

However, the leading paint major cites the lack of green legislation in the Arabian Gulf, price-consciousness of clientele and limited awareness about overall paint systems as obstacles in its campaign towards sustainability.

But that has certainly not discouraged the Dammam-based paint producer from maintaining its environment-friendly policy and continuing to extend its Sigma Care concept.

The company became a trendsetter in the "green" paint products sector when it launched Sigmacryl Ecoplus, an environment-friendly paint with zero VOC. "It has the Eco-label certificate from Europe, and other (paint) companies are now trying to introduce similar products on the Saudi market," says Mark Van Diemen, Sigma’s managing director.

The EU Eco-label represents a unique certification meeting the most stringent environment rules in Europe.

Sigma Paints has already eliminated the use of lead, chromium and other heavy metals from all its paints a while ago and claims to be the only company in the kingdom to offer a zero VOC product. "Our competitors only have products with low VOCs," says Antoine Lejuez, Sigma’s marketing manager Middle East.

Sigmacryl Ecoplus stands out in the "green paints" sector as it combines superior sustainability, durability and performance, according to Lejuez. It has the highest European certification with verified low impact on the environment, without affecting the technical attributes of the product.

He says that when Sigma first launched Ecoplus, the feedback was excellent. "But there is always a gap between initial feedback and the reality of sales. Customers are concerned about the environment, but are not necessarily ready to use eco-friendly products," he states.

This is primarily due to price considerations, with Ecoplus costing more because of the "mark-up for new technologies".

"The price of Ecoplus is higher than other products, as the production volumes are currently smaller. When a product becomes widely accepted in the market and becomes a top seller, you can produce it more effectively and benefit from economies of scale," Van Diemen points out.

Van Diemen is determined to overcome the challenges of the current mindset, which sees even hospitals shying away from using the odour- and solvent-free Ecoplus because of cost considerations. "Even with a water-based paint, you can still smell ammonia and there is always some solvent. In a hospital, patient care is vital and if you expose them to these elements, it could make them worse. However, hospitals still seem reluctant to take the step towards eco-friendly products," he points out.

The managing director firmly believes that the region’s green drive will gain momentum only when government legislation mandates the use of environment-friendly paints.

"In Europe, you can no longer use solvent-based paints indoors, by law. That kind of legislation is absolutely needed in this region to push environmental issues into the market. In the region, Qatar and Dubai are taking the lead in this in line with Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and Green Seal certifications. As for Saudi Arabia, there is increased discussion on legislation in this regard, but it is difficult to put a timeframe on when it might happen," he says.

Sigma Paints is geared to adapt its production processes as and when required towards greener products. "If the Saudi government does commit to legislation banning the use of solvent-based paints indoors, our production facilities could adapt quickly, with only minor amendments to the way we manage raw materials and packaging. We are just waiting for somebody to push the button!" Van Diemen states emphatically.

Lejuez believes this legislation is inevitable and as a manufacturer that is committed to the cause, Sigma will continue to bring other innovations to the market.

In terms of decorative paints, Sigma intends to continue including its eco-friendly products into the Sigma Care concept, to broaden the range of products under the concept.

"Currently, the Sigma Care concept comprises an anti-bacterial paint – which cares for the people by killing bacteria in contact with the surface. Our environmentally-friendly products are all about care for the environment," says Van Diemen.

In the protective coatings field, Sigma intends to continue developing solvent-free products and in Qatar, it is currently supplying a water-based epoxy protective coating.