Coatings World: Why is AkzoNobel putting greater emphasis
on Asia?
Jeremy Rowe: In 2015, 27 percent of AkzoNobel’s revenue came
from Asia Pacific, the second largest market next to Mature
Europe ( 36 percent). And the demand for decorative paints in
this region will continue to grow the next few years as infrastructure developments continue to fuel the countries. In Q2 in
AkzoNobel’s decorative paints area, positive developments in
Asia contributed to an increase in volumes and also drove an
improvement in EBIT which was up 2 percent.
As global trends such as population growth, urbanization,
climate change and lack of natural resources are also rapidly
changing the region, and there is a high demand and potential
for coatings technology to improve urban living. These come in
the form of sustainable, clean, energy-efficient, and productive
solutions for tall commercial and residential buildings, hospitals
and schools.
To better serve the trade professionals in South East & South
Asia, Middle East, we decided to consolidate our coatings portfolio through the launch of Dulux Professional for the projects
market.
CW: What specific investments and initiatives is your company
making in this region?
Rowe: This year, we launched Dulux Professional in Vietnam,
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Plans are in place to launch
it in other Asian markets. Dulux Professional is a one-stop paints
and coatings solution for trade professionals such as developers, architects, and interior designers, with a focus on education, residential, leisure, commercial, healthcare, infrastructure,
industrial and repainting sectors.
AkzoNobel is equipped with an extensive knowledge of sec-
tor specifications and regulations around the region. And with
the newly integrated Dulux Professional platform, customers
across markets can now tap on this shared knowledge for an
optimum customized solution.
CW: What specific products are you launching for the Asia
region?
Rowe: Dulux Weathershield Powerflexx, which was launched
across South East Asia in 2015, was designed specifically for the
region’s tropical climates.
It uses state-of-the-art Powerflexx technology to protect exterior walls against hairline cracks besides being able to stay
clean longer by resisting dirt and stains. Formulated with special
pigments, the premium paint deflects UV rays, keeping the heat
out from your home and your electricity bill low.
CW: What are the key end-user markets for Asia?
Rowe: While all end-user segments are active in Asia, we are
seeing great activity in the Buildings and Infrastructure, as well
as and Transportation segments.
Coatings World recently had the opportunity to interview Jeremy Rowe, managing
director, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints, South East & South Asia, Middle East about the
company’s ramped up activity in Asia.
AkzoNobel Putting Greater
Emphasis on End-user
Segment in Asia
Jeremy Rowe, managing director, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints, South East &
South Asia, Middle East.
