Signed, sealed, delivered
The region’s demand for adhesives and sealants is huge, but many projects are turning to foreign suppliers due to favourable exchange rates and the ‘green’ products on offer. Three international manufacturers tell us more
The trend towards green and sustainable building is continuing in the UAE and reaching out into the GCC, which is why France-headquartered adhesive supplier Bostik is commercialising products that minimise environmental impact and promote health and well-being of customers, says Bostik Middle East area manager Stefan Carpentier
We have a large range of LEED compliant products, which meet VOC requirements for low-emitting adhesives and sealants,” he explains. Bostik, backed by the resources of international oil company Total, designs, manufactures and markets adhesives, sealants and coatings for three key sectors; industry, construction and consumer
The company supplies a range of products, a wide variety of which are technological solutions for projects in tiling, flooring, waterproofing, fire protection, MEP, renovation, decorating and specialist assembly. Furthermore, in response to a growing demand for its products, especially those that are considered ‘green’, Bostik is expanding its operations in Saudi Arabia and plans to secure a foothold in Iran this year. “In Saudi Arabia, a significant amount of hospitals, schools and universities are being built or schedule
The requirements are huge, though the market itself is very competitive. To meet the market requirements a distribution network is being put in place, which will also provide local support and assistance,” says Carpentier. And Bostik is not the only overseas headquartered adhesives and sealants supplier expanding in the region.
Everbuild UK-based sealants, adhesives, fillers and building chemicals manufacturer, Everbuild Building Products Ltd, identifies the Middle East as one of its biggest export markets
Every building within the Middle East requires sealing to avoid temperature loss and Everbuild is well placed to provide the cost-effective acrylic sealants; the market demands for these types of applications,” says export area manager – Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe Rob Dugdale
There are a number of local manufacturers within the Middle East, however, with sterling being at its lowest level, the cost of goods manufactured in the UK is very attractive, therefore people are turning to UK-based manufacturers, like Everbuild, to supply their sealant and adhesive requirements,” he adds.
Everbuild’s core products are silicones (neutral cure and acetoxy), acrylic sealants, fire-rated sealants, grab adhesives (solvent, non-solvent, MS), building chemicals and fillers
These, along with a wide range of other products, are manufactured at the company’s 250,000ft² manufacturing facility in England. Dugdale adds that the products are regularly put through stringent quality-control tests.
Also new to the region is US-based Dow Corning, which recently opened its first office in the Middle East in Bahrain.
The joint venture owned by The Dow Corning Chemical Company and Corning Incorporated produces silicon-based materials and solutions under its Dow Corning and Xiameter brands. The Bahrain office will house engineers, chemists and sales professionals with expertise in silicon based technology
While the company has been active in the region for a number of years, its Bahrain operations will supply construction-, textiles-, petrochemical- and oil and gas industries throughout the region, according to regional business development manager Alan Collins. “Most recently, Dow Corning’s silicone materials were used in the construction of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The company worked closely with the building’s structural engineers to ensure that the building can withstand the region’s high winds and extreme heat,” recalls Collins
Acknowledging opportunities for international suppliers in the region, Dow Corning is seeking collaboration with academic, government and other research organisations looking to boost efficiency and environmental sustainability through materials used, says Collins.
