Bridging the crack: paint technology reaches new heights

A more mature and discerning customer has forced key players in the Middle East paint and coatings sector to develop innovative products as a means to capitalise on the broadening market, which has led to some companies enjoying strong financial returns.

These new products, which offer a range of benefits over conventional goods, have been developed to ensure the increasingly complex demands of the UAE market - which spans healthcare, residential and commercial development - are met.

 

One such company, ICI Dulux, illustrates this growing diversity with the recent launch of products in the UAE that fight harmful bacteria. Sterishield is a new water-based coating designed to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria on walls and ceilings, and is clearly targeting the healthcare and hospitality sector, both of which are burgeoning areas in Dubai.

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"We have seen in the UK and other parts of Europe that the MRSA superbug is a serious threat to health. Globally, the spread of harmful bacteria is a major concern for all hospitals and clinical institutes," says Philip Mathew, general manager, Al Gurg Leighs Paints (AGLP).

Sterishield is a new paint, developed to promote a more hygienic environment. Its effectiveness lies in its active silver-based bactericide formula that combines with the durable and washable nature of the paint film.

Launched last year in Europe, Sterishield has been independently tested in real-life conditions created to assess its impact on harmful bacteria such as MRSA, E.coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In all cases Sterishield demonstrated a dramatic rate of decline in bacteria population compared to standard paint.

Independent laboratory tests in the UK revealed that after 12 hours, 99% of bacteria are eliminated on contact with Sterishield, compared to regular paint. After 24 hours, bacteria are still detectable on standard paint, but not on Sterishield. Furthermore, the coating is notified under the Biocidal Products Directive for the Product Type 2 standard and is designed especially to prevent bacteria-related problems, while assuring durability and a good finish.