A REVOLUTIONARY second-generation coating system that drastically cuts energy costs by reducing cooling energy demand will be among the latest innovations that Hempel, a leading global paints and coatings major, will showcase at gulfInteriors next month.

The newly launched Contex Thermoguard provides a building with outstanding thermal insulation properties when applied to the exterior walls, says Khaled Al Sayed, regional product manager for the Middle East, who adds that its features make the new product particularly suitable for use in the region.

“Most of the housing units in the GCC region are villas and townhouses, and the trend in the market is to paint them externally with different type of textures. Contex Thermoguard has a lower thickness (maximum 40 microns) that facilitates this demand as it can be painted over a texture façade,” he explains.

Contex Thermoguard was launched last month (March) as part of the new Purearth concept, Hempel’s green profile that focuses on environmental sustainability.

Purearth comprises a range of products that are free from alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), formaldehydes and lead and includes new zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) products that are offered in two versions: Topaz Zero and Topaz Zero with silver ions.

Al Sayed says the response to Contex Thermoguard has been outstanding as decision-makers are aware that the product has been developed by Hempel in response to market feedback. “Hempel has a continuous product development programme; it listens to market needs and then acts based on the feedback from customers. And this is the main driver behind developing a new generation of Contex Thermoguard,” Al Sayed adds.

Hempel’s new factory in Jeddah ... inaugurated early this year.

Contex Thermoguard is offered in a wide range of colours. “In fact, it is the only thermal insulation paint that is available in 178 pastel colours, 55 medium colours and 70 dark colours. The new generation coating is available in black and other four dark greys as well,” he points out.

Topaz Zero and Topaz Zero with silver ions (both in matt, silk, semi-gloss), which will also be launched at gulfInteriors, are 100 per cent acrylic coatings and have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, in addition to being zero VOC products.

“They have been tested and passed the most aggressive dual test (seven years of accelerated weathering test and anti-bacterial and anti-mould test), making these two products the most suitable for hospitals, surgery rooms, kindergartens and hotels, among other sensitive applications,” says Al Sayed.

Other new products that will be promoted at gulfInteriors include:

• Fusions Sadow, which resonates the heritage of Arab tents design and colours as well as textures;

• Fusions Charisma, which gives walls more than one hue depending on the ambient light system, thus offering new creative freedom for interior decorators;

• Fusions Arabesque, which provides an elegant pearl effect to walls; and

• Fusions Makhmelyat, which gives the look and feel of velvet with a modern approach.

Al Sayed ... developing solutions.

Hempel has been a regular participant at gulfInteriors. Commenting on the show, Al Sayed says: “The event is an excellent venue to meet consultants, applicators and clients seeking professional advice and new technologies in the paint industry, in addition to being an excellent platform to display our newly launched products.”

He adds that several deals were struck and inquiries received during the exhibition, hence the decision to return to the event this year.

Among new developments within the company, Hempel recently opened the biggest water-based paints factory in the Middle East in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The facility, which was launched in February, has a capacity of more than 32 million litres.

Also, in line with its commitment to continuous innovation, Hempel will next month (May) launch Strata, its new flooring range comprising epoxies, PU (polyurethane) topcoats, and airfield and road marking systems. These complete solutions meet diverse applications for low, medium, to heavy traffic situations and are available in various options including solvent-free epoxies and screeds.

Hempel will be exhibiting at Stand 2B29 at gulfInteriors.