Our focus is on product innovation and customer intimacy, which entails understanding their needs and responding to them. In addition, we are continually pursuing
strategic acquisitions globally and continuing to invest in
our processing capabilities through a global capacity
expansion program.”
In today’s increasingly price-driven market Schmidt said,
“To stay ahead of the competition, Henkel Building Systems
offers very high-quality, value-added and innovative products. Furthermore, Henkel offers clearly positioned product
ranges answering to the different customer needs.”
The regulatory environment today is difficult and dynamic. “Different regulatory areas make it difficult to manage
our supply chain effectively as we need to have varying formulations for different parts of the country,” said Korach.
“This creates additional demands internally as product recommendations through our Technical Services Group may
need to be altered depending on the source of the inquiry,
and Customer Service and Traffic need to ensure the appropriate formulations are shipped to the proper locations.
“Rather than fighting the growing regulatory environment
here and abroad, which includes REACH, SCAQMD and
CARB, we are paying close attention to the direction being
taken and acceptance in other areas of the country or world,”
Korach continued. “We do not want to merely respond to the
immediate situation. Instead, we are using the knowledge
gleaned to develop a strategy for the future, which includes
next generation technology. In this way, we will be able to
anticipate new regulatory requirements and will be ready
with appropriate products and technologies.”
“Being ahead of time with regard to new regulations and
customer needs through the usage of new technologies is
key,” said Schmidt. “The regulatory environment has only
affected our company by more administrative work in some
countries however had only slight impact on the product
development or production processes.”
NEW PRODUCT INNOVATION
Innovation in product development these days is especially
targeted towards sustainable products. “Due to the strong
emphasis on sustainability and reductions in energy usage
as well as the growing demand for fast track construction,
air barriers, sustainable coatings and systems such as reflective coatings or vegetative roofing, and green concrete waterproofing membranes and sealants are making strong
inroads,” said Korach. “Tremco’s green concrete technology
for waterproofing membranes and sealants is innovative and
tremendously enhances performance. A new hybrid sealant
technology is also providing enhanced physical properties
and application-oriented benefits for sealants. It is moisture-curing, non-staining, offers superior UV resistance, is cost-effective and is paintable.”
“The market segment of energy-saving/efficient products
has shown a strong increase while products containing solvents or other hazardous chemical substances are showing a
downtrend,” said Schmidt. “Some examples of Henkel’s innovations are Ceresit CM 90 Easy Flex Plus, dust reduced flex-
Photo: Tremco
Demands for reductions in energy consumption and control of air
and moisture management in buildings is creating growing demand
for air barrier systems. Monolithic, fluid-applied systems such as
Tremco’s ExoAir Air Barrier Systems pictured here are used in conjunction with compatible ExoAir self-adhered membranes, self-adhered thru-wall flashing membranes and Proglaze ETA Engineered
Transitions to provide protection and simplify the transitions from
air barrier systems to window or curtain wall systems.
ible tile adhesive; Thomsit RX 20, dust-free and low emission
premium leveling compound; Ceresit CR 90, crystallizing
cementitious waterproofing slurry; and Ceresit CT 84, an
express ready to use PU-adhesive for fixing EPS insulation
boards.
“Furthermore, two break-through technologies called
Silico Tec and FlexTec are used in an increased number of
our products,” Schmidt continued. “SilicoTec technology is
used in water-based products and provides humidity protection and is particularly designed for repair work such as on
roofs. Advantages include universal protection against intrusion of humidity inside and outside, permanent elasticity,
excellent adhesion, UV-resistance and easy application.
Some products that incorporate this Silico Tec technology are
ELCH PRO FT 101 Flextec, Sista Universal Abdicht-Reparatur and Elch Pro Dach 3000. FlexTec technology
incorporates flexible tailored polymers to control properties
like speed of hardening and it contains advantages over PU
and silicone including better adhesion, higher UV-resistance,
chill flexibility and it is solvent-free. Product examples
include Thomsit P685, Pattex Supermontage and Sista
Solyplast SP 201.”
INVESTMENTS & ACQUISITIONS
Key manufacturers of construction chemicals continue to
expand operations throughout the globe. H.B. Fuller recently announced that it will invest further in its Asia Pacific
region through building a new hot melt moisture cure
(HMMC) and polyisobutylene (PIB) manufacturing facility
in China. Construction on the new facility is expected to
commence in early 2009 with production expected to
begin in early 2010. The new facility, together with the
