Thursday, 12 December 2013 00:00
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One of the world’s leading brands of eco-friendly wood finishes has entered the Sri Lankan market with the backing of Asian Paints, the India-headquartered multinational coatings company.
‘Aquaris’ water-based polyurethane (PU) wood coatings from the Italian manufacturer Renner Italia S.p.A. of Minerbio, Italy was accorded a glamorous launch party in Sri Lanka, at which it was presented to top architects and leading construction sector personalities.
The arrival of the renowned Aquaris range responds to a growing trend towards the use of water-based coatings in a market currently dominated by solvent-based nitrocellulose wood finishes and wood stains, the company said.
Because the Aquaris products are water based, they have significantly lower volatile organic compounds (VOC) than solvent-based coatings, which are associated with respiratory problems. They have lower odour, are less toxic, provide more durable protection, and are easier and faster to apply. These products are the preferred choice for buildings seeking ‘Green’ certifications for eco compliance.
“The launch of an extensive range of finishes and coatings from Renner is an important milestone in the expansion of the Asian Paints portfolio in Sri Lanka,” the company’s Director/General Manager in Sri Lanka Joseph L. Pulikottil said. “These products are used around the world, and have been extensively tested against South Asian conditions for more than one and a half years in India.”
Surpass strict European standards
He said Aquaris water-based finishes surpass strict European standards for the levels of VOCs, making it the best products for use in air-conditioned or closed environments.
They also conform to EN71 certification requirements of the European standard for low metal toxicity in toys, making Aquaris coatings child safe.
The initial product range offered by Asian Paints in Sri Lanka will comprise of more than 200 stock keeping units (SKUs) in multiple categories, classed under top coats in matt and gloss for exteriors and interiors; scratch-resistant floor coats comprising of under coats and matt, glossy and self-sealing top coats; base coats, wood preservatives, wood fillers, dent fillers and nine wood stains.
These wood finishes and stains may be used on exterior doors and windows, wooden interiors, wooden floors, pool decks and furniture, and may be sprayed on or brush or roller applied.
The gala launch of Aquaris in Sri Lanka was graced by Guests of Honour Vidyajothi Architect Prof. Laxman Alwis, Architect Prof. Chithra Wedikkara and senior representatives of Renner Italia Andrea Sissa, Lorenzo Lavarini and Giovanni Bartolotta.
Asian Paints Lanka was the first overseas acquisition of Asian Paints, one of India’s most respected multinationals with international operations in 22 countries. It manufactures and markets an extensive range of paints including Asian Paints ‘Royale,’ ‘Classique’ and ‘Premium’ Interior Emulsions, Royale Play and Royale Play Metallics special effects paints, Apex Ultima Weather Proof Exterior Emulsion with seven years of performance warranty, Apex Weather
Proof Exterior Emulsion, Ace Exterior Emulsion, ‘Decora’ Economy Emulsion & Enamels, Wood finishes, Premium Enamels and Ancillaries including AP Kote Wall Putty and AP Skim Kote.
