Leading paint company calls on Middle East region’s construction industry to adopt more ‘green’ building policies

September 25, 2011

Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of paints and coatings, and the Emirates Green Building Council (Emirates GBC), an organisation aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices in the UAE, will jointly host a networking event on ‘Paints and Building Sustainibility’ on September 27, 2011, at the Novotel Hotel, Dubai. Jotun Paints is a key corporate member of Emirates GBC, and this joint initiative is part of the leading paint company’s continued call to the Middle East region’s construction segment to adopt more ‘green’ building policies. The networking event is expected to draw in the participation of key stakeholders in the construction industry like consultants, developers, architects, interior designers and contractors.

The event will feature a special panel discussion with resource speakers and senior officials from the Emirates GBC and Jotun including: Bent Haflan, Group Vice President R&D - Decorative, Jotun A/S; Malek El Husseini, Business Development Director, GE Healthcare; Tyrone Lawson, Sustainability Technical Director, WSP Group and Samuel Keehn, Environmental and Sustainability Manager, EMS. At the event, Haflan will make a presentation on ‘Paints contribution to Sustainability’, and Jotun’s latest line of eco-friendly paints, ‘Jotashield Extreme’. The new product line, which is the result of Jotun’s extensive research and development efforts, addresses the growing need for heat reflective and eco-friendly paints in the Middle East region. The panel discussions will touch on key topics like ‘Is being Green a trend or a response to a true awakening in the Middle East,’ ‘Are the terms ‘Green Building’ and ‘Green Construction’ misused?,’ ‘The growing concern towards Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect’ and ‘The challenges of building sustainability in the Middle East.’

“Our co-operation with the Emirates GBC will allow us to further our commitment towards calling for the adoption of more ‘green’ building policies in the Middle East region, in general and the UAE in particular,” said Bent Haflan. “In line with this, we are jointly organising the ‘Paints and Building Sustainability’ networking event to increase awareness on the significance of following green building policies for the major projects ongoing in the UAE. This also proves to be an opportune time to demonstrate our new ‘Jotashield Extreme’, which has unique heat reflective capabilities and can help cut energy consumption.”

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman, Emirates GBC, said: “The networking event on ‘Paints and Building Sustainability’ organised with Jotun Paints underlines our commitment to actively involve various stakeholders in the building supply chain and promote the importance of sustainable built environments. Every aspect of building development can be managed effectively to make it environmentally sustainable, and a concerted approach by all our partners will help us to achieve our vision of a greener city.”

Jotun is considered as one of the key members of Emirates GBC in the field of paint manufacturing. Over the last few years, the company has remained steadfast in its commitment to raise the benchmark of environment friendly production techniques and the creation of products that conform to international standards. In fact, Jotun’s long years of experience in the Middle East alone have resulted in the development of conventional and specialized paints and coatings that have made use of technological developments. With its continuous call for the production of more eco-friendly products and call for adoption of more ‘green’ building regulations, Jotun is aiming to set an example for other companies to follow suit.

USD 180 billion worth of infrastructure and housing projects underway in Saudi Arabia

June 27, 2011

Saudi Arabia continues to be the GCC’s largest and most dynamic infrastructure market with over USD 100 billion worth of infrastructure projects underway and USD 80 billion worth of pledged housing projects, according to the latest edition of the Saudi Arabia Infrastructure Report for the Third Quarter of 2011 from Business Monitor International (BMI). The large number of projects has created an accompanied demand for heat reflective and eco-friendly paints. To help address this, Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and distributors of paints and powder coatings, has revealed the launch of ‘Jotashield Extreme’, Jotun’s superior range of exterior paints that provides thermal indoor comfort and a longer-lasting finish with superior exterior protection at a competitive price.

“‘Jotashield Extreme’ is a result of Jotun’s extensive efforts to develop an exterior paint product that can not only reflect heat but also promote a reduction in energy use. This new offering reflects our move to raise the benchmark of environment friendly production techniques and products within the paint manufacturing industry and demonstrates our commitment to promote the adoption of more eco-friendly products and solutions to today’s businesses,” said Faisal Karim, Marketing Manager, Jotun Paints - Saudi Arabia. “These are very exciting times for Saudi Arabia’s construction market with over USD 180 billion of projects in the pipeline or are currently underway. However, the increasing number of projects has also created unique demands for unique products, particularly in paint products that can ably reflect heat and the damaging effects of the sun.”

The continuing development in urban areas in Saudi Arabia is expected to produce an Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, a phenomenon where metropolitan areas become slightly warmer than its surrounding rural areas. Studies have shown that the temperatures in urban air domes in Saudi Arabia can run up to four degrees centigrade warmer than the surrounding countryside. The UHI effect prompts an increase in air conditioning costs and also creates more air pollutants. Jotun’s ‘Jotashield Extreme’ makes use of revolutionary pigment technology that allows surfaces to enjoy a darker shade of color but with a thermal indoor comfort and longer lasting protection. To date, ‘Jotashield Extreme’ is the only product in the Middle East that provides significant temperature reductions upon application.

Jotun has invested over USD 25 million into research and development initiatives aimed at developing key eco-friendly products that conform to the growing demands presented by users. ‘Jotashield Extreme’ exceeds the international GS-11 standards for paint and offers twice the heat reflective capabilities of ordinary exterior paints. The revolutionary exterior paint product promotes indoor thermal comfort with its heat reflective pigments and protects surfaces from Near Infrared (NIR) effect by reducing temperature that also results in a reduction in energy consumption. ‘Jotashield Extreme’ also comes in multi-color tintable choices.

May 12, 2011

RAK Paints, a fast-emerging manufacturer of a wide range of high-quality surface coating solutions, and part of the RAK Ceramics Group, has announced that it has been included as Corporate Member of the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC) in recognition of the company’s continued focus on manufacturing environment-friendly paints that complement the UAE’s green building strategy. RAK Paints, which is promoted by RAK Ceramics, the world’s largest ceramic tiles & bathware manufacturing company, offers water-based lead-free, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial paints with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).

“Environmental protection has always been a top priority for RAK Paints. As a responsible corporate citizen, we believe that we have a major role to play in contributing towards long term environmental sustainability in the UAE, and receiving this certification from the Emirates Green Building Council testifies our ongoing commitment to reduce climate change and minimise ecological impact,” Peruma Reddy, COO, RAK Paints.

RAK Paints’ products have been proven to promote a healthier indoor environment and more productive workplaces that have a lesser impact on the environment. Moreover, using RAK Paints for walls, wood and metal furnishing will result in lower operating lifecycle costs associated with building maintenance.

RAK Paints currently has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah. The company mainly targets the region’s leading architects, interior designers, contractors, project developers and retail consumers who are looking for an environment-friendly, world-class brand. All products of RAK Paints undergo strict test for all parameters in a highly advanced quality-control lab, allowing the company to guarantee superior quality particularly in terms of colour consistency.

Emirates Green Building Council was established in 2006 with a view to advocate green building principles that protect the environment and ensure sustainability in the UAE. It is an independent forum that helps shape policies for built environment and facilitates collaborative solutions for the promotion of sustainable practices in the UAE. It aims to make UAE one of the five global leaders in reducing its ecological footprint of the built environment by 2015.

Manufacturer unveils latest colour collection in time for massive delivery of projects in the region

February 18, 2010

Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of paints and coatings, has announced the launch of ‘Colour Trends 2010’, the latest colour range for its decorative paints. The newest collection has been strategically unveiled in time for the massive delivery of development projects, which is anticipated across the region. Seventeen new vibrant shades comprise the 2010 collection, which have been specially formulated to meet the evolving preferences of regional customers.

Combining classic and modern hues with an edgy twist, Jotun’s ‘Colour Trends 2010’ provide inspiration to individual home decorators and professional designers to identify the right shades and combinations for interior spaces. The 2010 collection has three ranges with six shades each, including ‘Jazz Up’, a dynamic palette designed to reflect an individual’s true colours and creativity. ‘Pure Nuture’ offers a colour scheme that is ideal for nature lovers, as it gives them an opportunity to invite the splendour of the great outdoors into their homes.   Lastly, ‘Mystic Elegance’ features a glamorous collection based on the values of traditional Middle Eastern interiors, which is favoured by sophisticated individuals who find immense pleasure in surrounding themselves with the finer things in life.

“The launch of ‘Colour Trends 2010’ is our answer to the rising demand for one-of-a-kind colours in decorative paints, as many cutting-edge projects in the region approach delivery stage this year,” said Eirik Kristensen, Regional Marketing Manager - MENA, Jotun Paints. “With our latest collection of hues, individual homeowners who wish to redecorate their new homes, as well as interior designers who are working the finishing touches of their projects, are presented with a wide range vivid colours that match both their aesthetic and quality requirements.”

Jotun’s ‘Colour Trends 2010’ range aims to give customers an early insight into this year’s fashionable colour schemes and wall designs, enabling home decorators and renovators to select the right shades and combinations. Each year, the company adds several new shades to the range, which are based on extensive research and customer feedback. Customers can know more about the ‘Colour Trends 2010’ by visiting Jotun Multicolor and Inspiration Centres, where they can also get a copy of ‘Trend’ brochure and ‘Trend’ cards to help them choose the suitable colours they require.

“The colour palettes we have launched this year are one of the most eclectic ranges we have unveiled, combining the subtle hues of nature with rich, luxurious colours and lively, dynamic shades. The launch of this collection translates the extent of our familiarity with the market, and the flexibility of our products to complement their personalities and preferences - be it creating a confident, energetic and creative world, escaping to a world of tranquillity, and rediscovering the elegance of the bygone era,” concluded Kristensen.

Company delivers unique paint products under its revolutionary ‘Single Source Solution’ concept

Per Harald Engesaeth, General Manager, Jotun Paints Egypt

Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of paints and coatings, Read the full story

Leading paint and coating manufacturer uses unique product range for largest water park in the Middle East

Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of paints and coatings, Read the full story

Participation in line with manufacturer’s aims to strengthen foothold within the LE 1.7 billion Egypt paint market

Per Harald Engesaeth, General Manager, Jotun Paints - Egypt

Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of paints and coatings, Read the full story

Move in line with company’s CSR initiatives towards uplifting the value of human life

Eirik Kristensen, Regional Marketing Manager - MENA, Jotun Paints

Jotun, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of paints and coatings, has recently organised a company-wide blood donation drive at the regional headquarters of its two divisions - Jotun Paints and Jotun Powder Coatings - in Al Quoz industrial area, Dubai. The campaign was held in co-operation with Al Wasl Hospital, Read the full story

Leading paint manufacturer encourages ‘green compliance’ among developers through its eco-friendly paint range

Eirik Kristensen, Regional Marketing Manager - Middle East, Jotun Paints

Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of paints and coatings, has announced its strong support for the implementation of ‘green building’ concept amidst Qatar’s nationwide movement to adopt measures adhering to international ‘green’ building standards. In line with its efforts to promote eco-construction, Read the full story

Company tapped to supply paints and coatings within Red and Green Lines of the metro project

Eirik Kristensen, Regional Marketing Manager - MENA, Jotun Paints

Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of paints and coatings, has supplied over 3 million litres of paint for the first phase of Dubai Metro’s Red Line, which has commenced operations. Under the terms of the contract awarded to Jotun Paints, the company is still set to deliver its paints and coatings for the remaining phases within the Red Line and the entire Green Line, which are expected to be fully opened to the public by June and December 2010, respectively. Read the full story