Coatings SA September 2020 by New Media B2B

Issue 3 | Volume 8 | 2020

Paint's 'Bomb Squad'

AND INDUSTRIAL TRADE NEWS

NESS

ILDING

Coatings industry sold out!

8 YO U R

BCF announces drop in business confidence

D WA R E B U

Don’t follow the herd!

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EDITORIAL EDITOR Johann Gerber Tel: 011-713-9042 Email: johann.gerber@newmedia.co.za SUB EDITOR Gill Abrahams Email: gill.abrahams@newmedia.co.za LAYOUT & DESIGN Kyle Martin Email: kyle.martin@newmedia.co.za ADVERTISING ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Natalie Sanders Tel: 082-450-2317 Email: natalie.sanders@newmedia.co.za

ontents Issue 3 | Volume 8 | 2020

PHOTOGRAPHS

Unless previously agreed in writing, Coatings SA owns all rights to all contributions, whether image or text. SOURCES Shutterstock, supplied images, editorial staff.

DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Felicity Garbers Email: felicity.garbers@newmedia.co.za UPDATE YOUR DETAILS HERE Email: register@media24.com Web: www.diytradenews.co.za PUBLISHING TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Dev Naidoo

News: Letter from SAPMA’s Chairman

News: Business confidence takes a knock in Britain

News: PPG launches Disinfectant 20R to assist clients

Feature: Coatings Industry at risk

Technical: Understanding Wollastonite

Products: Plascon launches two new products

PUBLISHING MANAGER Johann Gerber Email: johann.gerber@newmedia.co.za PRODUCTION MANAGER Angela Silver ART DIRECTOR David Kyslinger MANAGEMENT CEO NEW MEDIA Aileen Lamb COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Maria Tiganis BRAND STRATEGY DIRECTOR Andrew Nunneley CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Venette Malone CEO: MEDIA24 Ishmet Davidson Head Office: New Media, a division of Media24 (Pty) Ltd New Media House, 19 Bree Street, Cape Town PO Box 440, Green Point, Cape Town 8051 Tel: +27 (0)21 417-1111 Web: www.newmedia.co.za

Johannesburg Office:

Ground floor, Media Park, 69 Kingsway Avenue, Auckland Park, 2092 Postal Address: PO Box 784698, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2146 Tel: +27 (0)11 877-6111 Fax: +27 (0)11 713-9024

PRINTING Printed and Bound by CTP Printers Cape Town Published on behalf of New Media, a division of Media24 (Pty) Ltd

While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of its contents and information given to readers, neither the editor, publisher, or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom. All rights reserved. © DIY Trade News. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.

The digital age v 2.0 History teaches us about the renaissance, the industrial revolution – we had the stone age, bronze age and iron age. In our lives, we experienced the time of paper, radio and television. As a young journalist at the beginning of this millennium, I remember being hauled over the coals by our editor-inchief for contacting people on email and not phoning. As a young journalist I was excited about the prospects of new technology – e-mail rather than a fax or a phone call. I could schedule meetings and have a diary on the go, why was business so slow in catching up? Two decades later and globally we were dumped into the worst pandemic the world has seen for a century. What followed was the digital age version 2.0 – companies overnight decentralised business. The new buzzword was WFH and a movement was started that saw companies adopting adjusted processes and policies to continue high quality deliverables. Our own company saw output shoot through the roof, as employees adjusted to their new work life and in most cases, the business was the big winner.

ed’s note

As we exit the first peak and a possible vaccine gains momentum, we cannot ignore the incredible impact this pandemic had on our businesses. How did we adjust to the world of Johann Gerber digital space? We meet online, our work is stored in a cloud and digital innovation has become a cornerstone of what will be delivered in the next decade. Coatings SA is part of the new version of the digital age – we have always had a printed magazine, and this will continue. However, the publication since inception has been available online – www.diytradenews.co.za to read it. During the first six weeks of lockdown (level 5), I was fortunate to lead a team to host our first-ever digital events, and as of 1 September, we have hosted 20 successful events. As I take a moment to reflect on the past year and the positive impact it has had on us, I invite you to engage with us over exciting opportunities to help you engage with your clients.

From the SAPMA Chairman

Members must now learn to give – to gain With the Covid-19 lockdown having brought most of the industrial world to its knees, coatings producers aiming for future prosperity will need to market themselves as never before. It will call for enlightened marketing. Marketing based on facts, not a thumb suck.

y message to all SAPMA members right now is: don’t expect SAPMA to provide important market indicators for your company’s future planning if you refuse to supply meaningful statistics for SAPMA to analyse and provide for you. How often have we tried to get this point across? It is universally accepted and was highlighted at a recent AGM by Tom Bowtell, chief executive of the British Coatings Federation (BCF) who spelt out the immense value of annual individual company statistics to help his association provide a comprehensive service to members. But, whereas British members appreciated this give-to-receive situation when it comes to statistics, SAPMA members are still leaving us in the dark to create an appalling and potentially self-destructive apathy. Only a handful of members

approached for statistical input on their companies’ performance bothered to respond. And then we can see that in many cases the responsibility for providing the annual statistics is given to junior staff members, and nowhere near top management level. In the end, the annual statistical input we do receive is so repetitive that it is virtually of no value for an accurate assessment of market trends or other informative aspects. Without statistics, SAPMA cannot answer members’ questions, nor can we disseminate information that could, for example, help members identify gaps in the market. Statistical analysis of the annual performance of the coatings sector shows individual companies if they are operating intelligently or merely groping in the dark. The report that SAPMA could provide would cover, for example, the average price of raw materials so that you would know if you are buying

well. It would also give you ammunition to justify price increases to customers, see how other companies in the industry are coping with health and safety issues, or complying with environmental preservation pressures. It would also tell management what the level of confidence is within the industry you and your competitors operate in. These are just a few vital reconnaissance results no company intent on survival can do without. Our members should also remember that the statistics provided to SAPMA remain confidential and we do not provide strategic information to any supplier’s competition. So, please when you are approached for assistance in this regard, give freely to gain greatly. Wishing you strength for the challenging rebuilding of your companies. c Aggie Argyrou: Chairman - SAPMA

SAPMA joins MBA Covid-19 task team SAPMA has joined the Master Builders Association (MBA) Construction Rapid Response Task Team, an important new initiative by the MBA to deal with Covid-19 and other employee safety issues.

towards the full reactivation of the ollowing the emergence of sector under Alert Level 3. Covid-19 in South Africa and Tara Benn, executive director of the start of the lockdown from SAPMA, says the team meet once a March 27 this year, the MBA month to ensure, among other relevant established the Rapid Response Task matters, that the same health and safety Team, which includes participation from a wide variety of key industry bodies to tackle the recovery of the industry during the various stages of the Covid-19 lockdown. The Task Team, which seeks participation and of all Theexpertise British Government is being urged not to alienate it from the EU. stakeholders in the industry, played a pivotal role in making key submissions

4 | Coatings SA

regulations are being carried out on all construction sites. “The meetings also act as a forum for the discussion of difficulties members may be experiencing during Covid-19. SAPMA joined the new team as we would like to assist with training, for example, when matters stabilise a little more in the construction sector. We also want to keep up to date with what’s happening in the industry to disseminate information to our manufacturing members as well as retailers and painting contractors,” Tara added. c

49 2017

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news

Polyoak Innovates through Covid Polyoak Packaging embraces the important role it plays in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential packaging for food, beverages and products needed to survive the Covid-19 lockdown. Polyoak took proactive steps very early on in South Africa’s Covid-19 crisis to ensure the safety of its people and to bolster its operations.

efore the lockdown commenced on March 26, Polyoak already had preventative measures and internal communications in place that exceeded government regulations, as confirmed by Department of Labour site inspections of Polyoak’s hand washing stations, sanitation and employee compliance around spatial distancing and correct wearing of masks. Employees were provided with personal hand sanitisers, and taxi fares were subsidised to enable spatial distancing whilst commuting between home and Polyoak. Special Covid-19 educational material was developed in numerous languages to help safeguard employees at work, but also at home with guidelines on self-isolation, home prevention and even information to assist parents with home schooling, as well as a dedicated help line for employees feeling isolated or overwhelmed. POLYOAK AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE Polyoak’s sites nationwide were granted Essential Services Certificates to operate throughout lockdown levels 5 and 4, albeit under extremely strict and challenging conditions. The company took this opportunity to carefully review the finest detail of its operations, from clocking-in systems to site layouts and shift patterns, to absolutely minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission. “Covid has changed the way we work. Polyoak embraces this chance for continued improvement. Our business is robust, and we have succeeded through some tough conditions. We salute our customers and suppliers who continue

to support us through the lockdown, as well as our dedicated employees working under difficult conditions, to ensure that we don’t let our customers and the nation down. We remain focused,” says Jeremy Mackintosh, Polyoak Group managing director. OPEN FOR BUSINESS The business continues to operate under strict safety protocols with temperature checks, hand washing and sanitising stations at entrances, specific routes for movement of people, well-developed contact tracing processes and even emergency isolation pods in case employees experience symptoms at work, requiring immediate isolation.

The recyclable bottles are embossed on the side with measurement markings to assist with mixing concentrates to the required ratio and can be screen printed for impactful branding or usage instructions. PET MEDICAL SPACER Covid-19 has presented some unexpected opportunities. “Polyoak relished the chance to innovate outside of our usual field of expertise.

Although there were limitations on what sort of packaging could be sold during lockdown levels 5 and 4, there has been significantly higher demand for drums and bottles used for sanitisers, cleaning detergents and chemicals. NEW BELL BOTTLE RANGE Polyoak launched a new range of 28mm neck Bell bottles with trigger sprays to facilitate the dispersion of liquids such as cleaning detergents, sanitisers and pesticides.

6 | Coatings SA

We partnered with the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town to bridge the gap between expensive commercial asthma spacers and the need in low income communities, by creating a custom blow-mould base

news with an indentation in the shape of an asthma pump nozzle,” explains Karl Lambrecht, technical director. Prof Michael Levin, head of Allergy at Red Cross adds, “During production when the bottle is blown and the plastic is still soft, air is blasted into the bottle base which creates the inhaler size extrusion. So, after that, the only small manual task is to slice off the end of the indentation leaving a perfect-fit attachment hole for the inhaler.” Polyoak’s PET Medical Spacer is recognised by the Western Cape Government’s Social Development Department and has also been taken on by all major government hospitals and clinics in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KZN regions. This medical spacer is fully recyclable.

The company’s passionate engineers set about producing a new face shield that is ergonomically designed for comfort, being lightweight and spacious enough to accommodate goggles or spectacles to be worn underneath. These fully recyclable face shields provide secure and comfortable personal protection. c

FACE SHIELDS Face shields are an effective tool to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, but they are often extremely uncomfortable to wear. COO2-4.pdf

2020/08/25

For more information, visit www.polyoakpackaging.co.za.

09:32

CMY

7 | Coatings SA

news

Business confidence at all-time low As with other manufacturing sectors, the UK coatings, printing ink and wallcoverings industries have experienced challenging trading conditions since the end of March. Whilst retail paint, woodcare, packaging (coatings and inks) sales have been strong during lockdown, industrial coatings, professional decorative coatings and publication printing inks have experienced 20-50% lower sales than normal.

his overall uncertainty is reflected in the latest BCF Business Confidence Index, based on research with coatings and printing ink manufacturers in June 2020. Overall confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the survey began in 2012. The June 2020 results (37.0) represent a drop of almost 50% compared to the long-term average of 71.3%. However, business confidence differed amongst sector groups. For example, decorative paints and woodcare are optimistic, with 67% expecting to see UK sales volumes higher in the second half of 2020 than in 2019. This reflects the growth in DIY sales experienced in lockdown with householders spending more time at home, which is expected to continue into the autumn. It’s a very different outlook for industrial coatings, with 95% of companies predicting lower sales in the second half of 2020, in the region of 10-30% and 50% of printing ink companies also forecasting a decline. Overall, smaller companies are more likely to be predicting lower sales (72%). On a more positive note, 47% predicted no change in staff numbers, and only 20% are expecting to reduce

headcount. This is likely to be reflective of the furlough scheme, which has been a great support to many organisations through this period. The outlook for our sector will be heavily linked to how quickly the UK manufacturing and construction sectors recover. The majority of BCF members don’t expect a return to preCovid-19 business conditions until at least the end of 2021. “It’s clear from the latest confidence

8 | Coatings SA

index that our members have been through a hugely challenging period and are now faced with the possible implications of at best, a hard Brexit, likely to include a separate chemicals regulatory regime for the UK. We urge the UK Government to conclude the EU FTA talks with a deal, which includes the closest alignment of chemical regulations as possible,” concluded Tom Bowtell, BCF Chief Executive. c

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news

Dulux wins Kasi Star Award Dulux remains a firm township favourite in the annual Kasi Star Brands Awards as it has been named the most loved paint brand for the eighth consecutive year

ulux has been named the most loved paint brand for the eighth consecutive year, in the Kasi Star Brands Awards. Hosted by Ask Afrika, South Africa’s largest independent market research company – Dulux has scooped the title of Category winner brand for the 2020/2021 benchmark. The coveted award celebrates Kasi Star Brands who are crowned worthy of a special place in the hearts and minds of South African township residents, irrespective of living standard and background. Defined by ‘solus usage’, which means consumers are loyal to only that specific brand within its product category. Dulux is proud to have retained this prestigious title for eight years

in a row. South Africa has a vast and diverse market and it knows that there is no one approach to reach the market, the company said in a recent media statement. “We are humbled to know that our marketing strategy and efforts, backed by quality products, have yet again met the mark and won over consumers’ hearts,” says Nathalie Sweeney, marketing director for Dulux South Africa.

“We are humbled to know that our marketing strategy and efforts, backed by quality products, have yet again met the mark and won over consumers’ hearts” - Nathalie Sweeney

The survey measures brands across a total of 163 categories, and the brands with the highest overall scores per category were identified. A robust sample of 7 794 South African township consumers that represent over 10 million consumers have voted with their wallets and hearts. “At Dulux, we always strive to provide our innovation and technology to all consumers through our wide range of products and resources. We’re grateful for our kasi consumers’ consistent support and will continue to bring even more colour to people’s lives for years to come,” concluded Sweeney. All Kasi Star results were independently audited by auditing firm BDO and statistical expert Dr Ariane Neethling. c

We’re grateful for our kasi consumers’ consistent support and will continue to bring even more colour to people’s lives for years to come” Nathalie Sweeney

10 | Coatings SA

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The polymer that creates colour Synthetic Polymers produces high-quality polymers for various myriad sectors such as decorative coatings, automotive coating, medium to heavy industrial coating and wood coating etc. Solvent based polymers are Synthetic Polymers core focus; however, our plant also has the capability of producing water-based polymers. A wide variety of resins including acrylics, aminos, saturated polyesters and the more popular alkyd resins as well as some specialist resins are produced using the strictest quality standards in our plant. Research and development take place in our state-of-the-art laboratory with the latest equipment and highly qualified polymer chemists. Convenient delivery with our twenty-metric ton bulk delivery vehicle with lead times between twenty-four and seventy-two hours.

• Long oil alkyds • Medium oil alkyds • Short oil alkyds • Short & Medium chain stopped alkyds • Urethane alkyds & Oils • Styrenated alkyds • Hydroxy functional acrylics • Thermoplastic acrylics • Specialty alkyds • Amino resins • Thermoset acrylics • Saturated oil free polyesters

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news

Local paint manufacturers join forces to lend a helping hand Local Paint manufacturers Excelsior and Promac Paints recently joined forces to bring fresh new colour to a dilapidated school to honour Mandela Day.

aerskool Ebenhaeser, based in Krugersdorp West was in dire need of a fresh coat of paint. Its newly appointed principal, Renier du Preez, set out to make the school a better place for all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pupils, parents, teachers and the community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and requested assistance in the form of funds for various products including food, paint, hardware and grass. The school is over 100 years old and deteriorating. The children that attend the school come from a poverty stricken environment where their families rely on SASSA grants to support

them. Many of the children come from environments of alcohol, drug and physical abuse or are abandoned or orphaned. Despite this exposure to the ugly side of life they always have a smile on their faces and their school becomes their sanctuary. New Media followed up on the request for help and approached local paint manufacturers Excelsior Paints and Promac Paints for their assistance.

As expected, they immediately heeded the call for this project, put their heathy rivalry aside and as fully South African owned, non-corporate companies, worked together to help fellow South Africans. Between the two companies all the paint, paint brushes, rollers and other products needed to get the job done was donated. Their generosity is greatly appreciated. c

"Between Excelsior and Promac Paints the two paint manufacturers donated all requirements to repaint the school in Krugersdorp"

12 | Coatings SA

news

Hau to lead Evonik’s EMEA-Region Matthias Hau has been appointed as Evonik's Regional president for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Region.

his goes hand in hand with the merger of the former Eastern Europe and Middle East and Africa Regions and the countries of Western Europe which will be consolidated into the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Region. The Evonik EMEA Region will consist of five regional clusters: Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Russia, Turkey and Western Europe (without Germany). “We are bundling our competencies and bringing together our expertise combined with the proximity to our markets and customers. Thus, we can tap even more

into the potential of the EMEA Region for the Evonik Group,” explains Hau. He joined Evonik in 1982. Since then, he worked in different management functions and locations across the world including England, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, India and Germany.

Prior to this appointment, he was responsible for the Eastern Europe Region and the functional unit Sites Western Europe. COMPANY INFORMATION Evonik is one of the world leaders in speciality chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €13.1bn. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. More than 32 000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow. c For more information visit https://mea.evonik.com/en

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news

PPG introduces Disinfectant 20R to help consumers return to business during pandemic PPG announced the introduction of Disinfectant 20R (D20R), an antiviral and antibacterial disinfectant developed specifically to help PPG customers and their employees return to business safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.

20R is a water-based, odourless, non-corrosive and ready-to-use disinfectant for hard surfaces, including floors, handrails, plastic surfaces, furniture and bathroom fixtures. Using its existing expertise in bacterial technologies, PPG designed D20R to maximise efficiency against viruses. “PPG has introduced D20R to proactively support our customers and help them protect their employees and businesses during these uncertain times,” said Ram Vadlamannati, PPG senior vice president, protective

and marine coatings, and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. The disinfectant is qualified to European regulatory standards for its virucidal (EN14476) and bactericidal (EN13697, EN1276) efficacy. It has already passed national biocidal registrations in France, Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom. Through spray application or direct wiping on a surface, D20R is proven to deactivate the toughest bacteria and viruses within five minutes, so that the surface is clean and the risk of pathogen transmissions are

"D20R is currently being used by PPG customers in the aerospace, automotive, industrial, architectural, packaging and refinish sectors"

Image Credits: Shutterstock

16 | Coatings SA

reduced. The disinfectant can be used to sanitise any hard surface at regular intervals, providing a hygienic environment and supporting the safe reopening of businesses. The company’s experience in bacterial and virucidal technologies uniquely positioned the company to develop, test and mass produce a high-quality disinfectant. The company is manufacturing the disinfectant at its Architectural Coatings facility in Genlis, France. D20R is currently being used by PPG customers in the aerospace, automotive, industrial, architectural, packaging and refinish sectors in Austria, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Beginning in September, the product also will be available in Denmark, Norway, Portugal and Sweden. Additional countries to be added in the coming months include Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia and Slovakia. The disinfectant has been tested across a wide range of PPG coatings products to guarantee its compatibility with enhanced hygiene regimes. “Providing a certified, effective disinfectant that supports a safe return to operations is essential for our customers’ businesses, the economy, and the restart of global supply chains,” said Thierry Destruhaut, PPG global portfolio director, architectural coatings. c

feature

Prep your workplace for Covid-19 By Martin Smith (CEng, BEng Mechanical), technical director - Buildings, Aurecon (rebranding as Zutari)

The Covid-19 global pandemic has triggered unprecedented disruption, impacting organisations across the world. As a result we are acutely aware of the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in. Our workplaces enable us to be productive and economically active but now pose profound risks to the health and safety of employees and continuous business operation.

e realised some time ago that occupants’ health and wellness will become a critical component in commercial buildings. Therefore we made an investment to upskill our teams to achieve the first WELL-rated building on the African continent, namely the flagship Exxaro head office in Centurion for building owner Growthpoint Properties. With the latest Covid-19 crisis on hand, there will be an increased emphasis on the design and operation of buildings for occupant health and well-being. So how can property owners respond to this challenge and best prepare their workplaces under such circumstances? We take an in-depth look at what property owners can do to prepare themselves and protect their employees. UNDERSTAND YOUR BUSINESS OCCUPANCY NEEDS Full occupancy is unlikely to be possible in the short term and possibly even beyond that. Given the tough economic time we are facing, some businesses will scale down on space and increase working from home. For some, their business continuity will depend on saving costs, whilst having a productive workforce, even if that means working from home. Your employees would have been ‘shocked’ into new ways of working, and that changes what is possible going forward. For landlords, this scenario may change the space needs of occupants and require a change in building management technology and practices. DIAGNOSE YOUR BUILDING’S INFECTION ROUTES The virus is understood to spread

through multiple infection routes, including surface contact, macro droplets, microdroplets and other contamination spreaders in your building such as your sewer systems. To get to grips with the risks within your building, a comprehensive diagnostic is needed of staff behaviour, organisational processes and the building itself. The physical operations are as important as the technology, including ventilation, air-conditioning, control systems, water and sewerage systems. All these components contribute to the functioning of the building and serve as infection routes. PREPARE IMMEDIATE, MEDIUMAND LONG-TERM RESPONSE PLANS THAT ALIGN The aim is to try and find practical solutions that close the gap between your business needs and the risk of infection. These include operational processes and controls, and building physical and technological improvements, along with emergency procedures and awareness. The challenge here is not to have a knee-jerk response with short-term actions, but to systematically reduce risk in a manner that is affordable and makes sense in the short and long term. Aurecon’s Building Health Assessment Tool is a comprehensive diagnostic of the key operational and physical factors that help property owners put in place plans to mitigate workplace risks and

17 | Coatings SA

assists them with resuming business and increasing health and productivity. We use a gap analysis to prepare a short-, medium and long-term plan that meets business needs. To help you respond to Covid-19 risks and prepare your buildings for resumed operations, we have drawn from our extensive multi-disciplinary experience to develop a customised building health assessment tool. The tool assists property owners to demonstrate to their shareholders, management, employees and clients that a systematic, balanced approach has been taken to find an optimal solution to minimise the health risk. With over 75 Green Star certified Green Star projects, and delivering the first WELL-rated building in Africa, where our team assessed and/ or designed the buildings and indoor spaces, we understand the dynamics of your building and the impact on the health of your people. c Credit: Article courtesy of Specifile.com. To give feedback or for further information, kindly visit https://bit.ly/31K7Bdk

feature

Coatings companies sold out! Coatings Companies have been sold out at the National Bargaining Council for the Chemicals Sector by a weak and biased contingent of business representatives.

n 2018, at the Annual General Meeting of SAPMA, we presented a grim future for the Coatings Sector, if things did not change at a Collective Bargaining level. CEOs and Boards in the Coatings Sector have been remiss, in not taking responsibility for what its representatives are doing, representing the sector as members of the Surface Coatings Association (SCA) on the five-chamber National Bargaining Council for the Chemical Industry (NBCCI) without a proper mandate or strategy amongst SCA Members and the larger Sector as a whole. The reality is that SCA representatives have been horribly mismatched in the Bargaining Chamber. Representatives from very large companies, that have had nothing to do with the Coatings Sector have dominated the engagement between trade unions and business. These companies have capitulated when they should have stood firm and stood their ground

on-behalf of their constituency â&#x20AC;&#x201C; business. In-fact the people representing the sector are so far removed the companies they are supposed to be representing. In short, the trade unionists, clearly more qualified than the on-theground-companies, focused on dayto-day trade, are being forced into compromises and facing opposition on all fronts. It is not them who will have to bear the consequences of bad negotiating decisions that they have agreed to compromise on in coatings businesses. Consequently, now, even in the time of Covid-19, the SCA your Coatings Business Association at the Bargaining Council, has assented and agreed to a 6.5% increase on the one hand, when

18 | Coatings SA

on the other 93% of SCA Members have acknowledged that they are engaged in Section 189 processes, which have already and may continue to lead to downsizing and retrenchments. In-reality it is an impossible task. The SCA only has 17 companies, which are its members even though, according to the Department of Trade and Industries, there are over 1 200 companies registered in the Paint and Coatings Sector. Those are large companies instead of the majority of SAPMA Members who are EMEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (less than R10m turnover) and QSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (less than R50m turnover). Your representatives in the SCA and at the NBCCI, have made a mockery generally of your ability to force a moratorium on increases or even justify retrenchments and costcutting exercises, because of their having agreed to these increases, on your behalf, without your mandate.

010 596 4444 | sgb@syntheticpolymers.co.za | www.syntheticpolymers.co.za

feature Looking at the compromise in a nutshell, what has been agreed to be implemented from mid-2020, 01 July is: 6.5% INCREASE The current entry-level minimum wage of R7 573.80 will therefore increase to R8 066. Author: Harshil Kansara, technical The increase of 6.5% will apply at every level throughout all companies.

director, Victoria International.

If the image of coating extenders were on par with the price to performance properties as well as durability – extender manufacturers and suppliers would be highly pleased. Unfortunately, this WHY DO I KEEP REFERRING TO ‘YOUR INTERESTS’ WHENSome YOU paint chemists have reservations on the selection of extenders for is not always the case. ARE NOT EVEN AN SCA MEMBER? paints. Because this is critically important for you to understand, even if you are not a member of the SCA and therefore ‘not a party’, to the Bargaining Council, the NBCCI, you know by now, (because again we have written to you on multiple occasions and sent you links to discussions and interviews with the NBCCI Business Representatives) that the National Bargaining Council for the Chemical Industry, has since concluding its Increase Agreement, elected to move onto its next project. The NBCCI has determined that the Bargaining Councils Party Constituency ie those businesses it indeed represents, who are members of the Associations represented in the NBCCI, are too few to support the increasingly large and complex activities of this Bargaining Council. There is not enough income to support the employment of more Bargaining Council personnel and to keep the Trade Union and Employer Representatives watered and fed in the custom to which they have become used to. So accordingly, the Trade Unions and Employer Parties to the NBCCI are now intending to approach the Minister of Employment and Labour, to ‘extend the agreement to non-parties’. That means that the Minister, who doesn't legally have a choice in such circumstances, will have no choice, but to make you, a non-party, subject to the same agreement which current parties, ie Members of the Employer Associations on the NBCCI, are subject to.

The alternative is for the SCA to withdraw from the NBCCI and together with SAPMA to establish an ‘Alternative Bargaining and Dispute Resolution Forum’ for Coatings. In a nutshell it means that even though you do not have a seat at the table and that you are not members of the Business Associations that are at that table, whatever they agree henceforth (if not retroactively from 1 July 2020) will apply to all companies in the Coatings sector. As we have outlined on numerous occasions, SAPMA is extremely concerned about this situation. Afterall, the SCA is an organisation, which was initially created and funded by SAPMA as a registered Employers Association playing a role in the formation of and activities of the Surface Coatings Association. The choices open to us are stark. One option is for SAPMA takes control of the SCA as was initially the case and expands its membership immediately to include all SAPMA members, thus getting to the table on the principle of one-memberone-vote and owns the relationship with organised labour to ensure that business takes back control of its destiny instead of selling-out to a rampaging labour acting in-concert with the DOE&L.

20 | Coatings SA

The alternative is for the SCA to withdraw from the NBCCI and together with SAPMA to establish an ‘Alternative Bargaining and Dispute Resolution Forum’ for Coatings. If the NBBCI is considered a lost cause – too - far gone in the direction of the labour – if the DOE&L power balance is to be saved, then withdrawing from the NBCCI and creating an alternative structure will require compromise and it will be an uphill battle but it may be one worth fighting. Anyway, as we speak whatever the decision it will require resolve and compromise, and will not go unchallenged by organised labour and the Department of Employment and Labour. Undoubtedly the trade unions will pull out all the stops and engage in protected and unprotected labour action. This is happening in many provinces. Nevertheless this is the time to check the imbalance, which has resulted at the Bargaining Council. Now is not the time to stick one’s head in the ground in the hope that someone else will take care of the problem. This problem is not going away. SAPMA will be sending out a questionnaire regarding the NBCCI and your company. We ask you to complete it, because it will serve as a vote and a mandate for the next course of action we will be taking. We have to collectively take charge of our workplaces, or risk the complete surrender to trade unionists who only have one thing in-mind! c

OMEGA FINE PRODUCTS – CK93 THE ONE-STOP-SHOP RAW MATERIAL SOLUTION FOR THE COATINGS INDUSTRY

Our goal is to help you achieve your goal whilst being leaders in the supply of dolomite, calcium carbonate and related products to the coatings industry. We pride ourselves on offering high quality, value adding products at a fair and reasonable price.

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• We work with you – finding solutions to your problems. • Our focus is on quality with stringent quality control standards. • Impressive service delivery – before, during and after sales service.

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Also available from Omega Fine Products – Calcined Kaolin, Talc, Silica, Wollastonite, Mica and Decorative Stones

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technical

Paint's own 'Bomb Squad' Wollastonite is a calcium inosilicate mineral (CaSiO3) that may contain small amounts of iron, magnesium, and manganese substituting for calcium.

ollastonite is a calcium inosilicate mineral (CaSiO3) that may contain small amounts of iron, magnesium, and manganese substituting for calcium. The mineral is usually white and is formed when limestone and dolomite are subjected to high pressure and temperatures. It is available in two powder grades of fineness. Some of the properties that make wollastonite so useful are its high brightness and white colouration, low moisture and oil absorption, and low volatile content. It is used primarily in ceramics, friction products, metalmaking, paint filler and plastics. Despite its chemical similarity to the compositional spectrum of the pyroxene group of minerals where magnesium and iron substitution for calcium ends with diopside and hedenbergite respectively — it is structurally very different, with a third SiO4 tetrahedron in the linked chain (as opposed to two in the pyroxenes). The mineral is used in many industries and is commonly used to improve the performance of properties in ceramic tiles. It is a preferred additive due to its fluxing properties, freedom from volatile constituents, whiteness, and acicular particle shape. In ceramics, wollastonite decreases shrinkage and gas evolution during firing, increases green and fired strength, maintains brightness during firing, permits fast firing, and reduces crazing, cracking and glaze defects. The mineral is also used in cement, serves as a flux for welding, a source for calcium oxide, a slag conditioner, and to protect the surface of molten metal during the continuous casting of steel. As an additive in paint, it improves the durability of the paint film, acts as a pH buffer, improves its resistance

to weathering, reduces gloss, reduces pigment consumption, and acts as a flatting and suspending agent. Its high pH is useful in maintaining the desired alkaline level of water-based coatings and it is an excellent extended pigment for powder coatings as well as other coatings. Pigment volume concentrations (PVCs) in the range of 38% to 45%, and a PVC/CPVC ratio of 0.6 to 0.9, showed the best overall coating performance when the extender package included 67,5kg per 378 litres of treated wollastonite and the anti-corrosive pigment level was 4,5kg per 378 litres. Wollastonite has a brightness value between 85% and 90% when compared to magnesium dioxide and barium sulphate. This extreme whiteness has minimal effect on a product’s colour and it can be used as a white pigment. In plastics, wollastonite improves tensile and flexural strength, reduces resin consumption, and improves thermal and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures. Surface treatments are used to improve the adhesion between the wollastonite and the polymers to which it is added. It is important for Wollastonite to be processed, as a range of particle sizes and rations are required. Garnet and diopside are removed by highintensity magnetic separators and the mineral can be chemically treated to improve binding in resin-based products. The removal can be tested in a lab by adding dilute hydrochloric acid and seeing if it foams. c

22 | Coatings SA

WOLLASTONITE PROPERTIES Chemical Formula: CaSiO3 Composition: Calcium silicate Colour: White, beige, grey, light yellow Hardness: 4.5-5 • Wollastonite is slightly alkaline in nature which can help to assist in PH stabilisation of aqueous system • It can be offered as a generalpurpose filler with a clean bright colour • The acicular shape of wollastonite recommends it as a low-chalking reinforcing extender in exterior latex paints • It has also been proposed as a replacement for asbestos in some applications such as asphalt-based coatings • Synthetic calcium silicates are also produced for use as pigment extender. Exhibiting a high oil absorption of 70 – 80 ml/100 g, the fine particles contain enclosed voids, which are claimed to contribute to opacity in waterbased emulsion paints.

technical PROPERTIES Chemical name

Calcium metasilicate

Specific gravity

2.9 Kg/L

Refractive index

1.63

Oil absorption

25-30 ml/100 g

Average particle size

1 – 30 µm

Mohr hardness

4-5

Particle shape

Acicular

Main Source

Canada, India and USA

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Wollastonite https://www.naturalpigments.com/ wollastonite.html https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs-0002-01/fs0002-01textonly.pdf

Image Credits: Omega Fine Products

Expert paint retail group strengthen ties with Plascon Paint Club and Plascon Paint Expert makes for an excellent partnership to create the ultimate paint retail stores.

he Paint Club brand has long been synonymous with Plascon excellence and exclusivity in the paint coatings industry and all that goes with this much-loved South African Paint brand. This year Paint Club and Plascon are strengthening its ties and teaming up to offer consumers an even better shopping experience, combining years of paint expertise, experience and services under the new Plascon Paint Expert joint venture, which will be exclusive to the Paint Club Group. Paint Club stores will be rebranded as Plascon Paint Expert stores showing-casing these stores as destination stores of choice when it comes to paint coatings and allied

products in South Africa, with the complete support and endorsement of South Africa’s leading paint manufacturer, Kansai Plascon. Plascon Paint Expert stores will offer consumers the best shopping experience when purchasing paint,

23 | Coatings SA

through offering a comprehensive range of quality and fit-for-purpose paint products. Accurate paint tinting of the highest order, along with colour matching and expertise, superior advice and service as well as the exclusive use of the Plascon specification tool, consumers and contractors can have a professional specification done for their projects. They will be exclusive stockists of the Plascon Easy Living range of products and will offer first access to exclusive in-store marketing tools as well as Plascon’s future innovations and launches. c

products

Paint that can help healthcare workers As the Covid-19 outbreak puts major strain on South Africa’s healthcare sector, Plascon is looking to the latest technologies, equipment and solutions to curb not only the spread of the virus, but to address the country’s general healthcare needs in the long-term.

he Plascon Professional team has two product lines suitable for use in the healthcare sector that contain a multitude of properties designed for environments where infection control and anti-

microbial performance are essential. Plascon Professional Hygiene™ low sheen paint Plascon Professional Hygiene™ low sheen uses Biodefence™ silver technology, which actively inhibits microbial growth between cleanings, promotes a more hygienic environment and helps reduce the risk of crosscontamination via painted surfaces. Biodefence™ also eliminates up to 99.9% of E.coli bacteria and provides proven protection against other harmful bacteria with low VOC, excellent washability and stain resistance. It will withstand repeated cleaning cycles and maintain its antibacterial effectiveness for its full lifetime. Plascon Professional Hygiene™ low sheen with white and pastel tint base also offers ease of application and good hiding. It is suitable for correctly primed interior, new and previously painted plaster, concrete, porous brickwork and various types of building boards.

24 | Coatings SA

products FROM SHIKKUI TO SHIQUY – AGEOLD WISDOM REFINED FOR TODAY’S APPLICATIONS Dating back 1300 years, Shikkui is a traditional Japanese plaster that is used as a protective method when infections develop. Plascon’s parent company, Kansai Paint Japan, has successfully converted the Shikkui plaster finish into a paint finish it has named Kansai Shiquy Paint, and has made

this innovation available to Plascon Professional customers. The benefits of Shiquy include an antiviral effect, the elimination of odours, humidity control and air purification. Viruses exist in moisture, such as droplets from coughing and sneezing, vomit and water vapour in the air (humidity). When viruses existing in moisture make contact with Shiquy, the strong alkaline content renders viruses inactive so that they are

unable to attach themselves to human/ animal cells. The benefits of the Kansai Shiquy Paint are upheld in a thin film finish, which can be applied onto various surfaces. The product will be imported by Plascon on request. Both Plascon Professional Hygiene™ low sheen paint and Kansai Shiquy paint are there to help medical professionals get on with the job of caring for others. c

Plascon’s 2-in-1 enamel coating for metal For over a century, Plascon has been constantly reinventing its products to ensure that customers’ needs are met. The past 128 years have been filled with exciting innovations and the most up-to-date technologies, so it was no surprise when Plascon announced its addition to an already extensive range of industrial applications.

n a world where efficiency is paramount and quality cannot be compromised, customers can trust Plascon to optimise the process of coatings applications and this new industrial product is no exception. Sprintcote is formulated as a high performance metal coating that acts as both a primer and topcoat – saving users time and money, without compromising on quality. The quick-drying, direct-to-metal formula can be effortlessly applied to machinery, pumps, cylinders and motors, with the result being a first-class, highgloss finish. The company has expertly

developed this premium product to streamline production processes and meet the needs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), engineers, contractors and operational managers alike. Sprintcote has been specially designed for easy application using a spray-on technique. Both the method of application and the coating’s high film build ensure excellent and consistent coverage over the entire surface. Sprintcote colours can also be customised via ProChroma 2 – a tinting technology that uses 50% less toner

25 | Coatings SA

than before, offering improved opacity, and reduces the overall waiting time for products to be dispensed. ProChroma 2 offers across-therange tinting capabilities, with its new, improved technology, and ensures that the end product is exactly what was envisioned. One coat of Sprintcote has the same durability and longevity as the traditional ‘primer and top-coat’ system. c

SAPMA

Your company needs SAPMA more than ever Why should my company join SAPMA? This is a commonly asked question when the SAPMA team tries to recruit new members. In essence, the answer really is – how can you afford not to? How can your company go at it alone, without collective clout, particularly as the coatings sector along with the rest of all of industry, is trying to arise from the pandemic ashes?

APMA has for more than 80 years been the sole trade association representing companies that produce paint and coatings produced in South Africa. Currently, that means 90% of all paint produced in this country. SAPMA’s diversified membership includes paint manufacturers, specialised coatings producers, raw material and services suppliers, as well as paint retailers. So, what are the main benefits of belonging to SAPMA?

HERE ARE JUST A FEW: • When it comes to dealing, or trying to contend with government and its regulations, your company needs a united front. SAPMA is recognised as the voice of the coatings sector by government • SAPMA is represented at the Bargaining Council for employers and employee unions through the Surface Coatings Employers Association • Your company’s products need no better endorsement or the winning of public trust than displaying its

membership and adherence to SAPMA’s code of ethical business practice • SAPMA membership facilitates affordable training for staff at all levels through the SA Paint Industry Training Institute (SAPITI) • SAPMA keeps its members informed and up-to-date on all industry specific information • SAPMA assists members in all aspects of adhering to, and promoting green building philosophies • There are networking and business enhancing opportunities aplenty between SAPMA members.

The training available from SAPMA/ SAPITI includes technology training, skills-based tuition, technical sales training, raw material preparation and retail staff training. Our association with the British Coatings Federation enables SAPMA to provide online training on coatings, inks, powder coatings and other subjects. The training is augmented with tutor assistance with shorter technology

Tara Benn, Executive Director - SAPMA

modules to assist employed students in the industry. Right now, with a fragile economy unable to tolerate unprofessional conduct and lack of skills, your company needs SAPMA membership more than ever. And, we must add, SAPMA also needs members to realise that only through your continuing support, and prompt payment of subscriptions, will your vital industry representative body be kept alive. United we stand, divided we fall. It really is as simple as that. c

REGION

MANUFACTURER

SUPPLIER

RETAILER

CONTRACTOR

GAUTENG

DURBAN

EASTERN & WESTERN CAPE

FREE STATE

LIMPOPO

INTERNATIONAL

MPUMALANGA

TOTAL

114

26 | Coatings SA

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Coatings SA September 2020

Articles inside

Plascon’s 2-in-1 enamel coating for metal

Paint that can help healthcare workers

Paint's own 'Bomb Squad'

Coatings companies sold out!