Vebro Polymers Asia has today announced the launch of the company’s phthalate-free (PF) polyurethane concrete flooring formulation.
Denoted by the inclusion of the ‘(PF)’ suffix on all labelling and packaging, the company’s popular vebrocrete range has undergone a series of innovations to bring those working with the product in liquid state – and those using the cured flooring material thereafter – a healthier, safer and more sustainable product, all without compromising physical performance.
But what are phthalates (pronounced thal-ates), I hear you ask? And why do they matter? Phthalates are a large group of chemicals commonly added to plastics to increase their flexibility and durability.
From roofing, flexible adhesives and sealants to flooring and wall coverings, phthalates are typically used in building and construction products to make materials and surfaces last longer and easier to maintain.
However, some phthalates have been linked to harmful impacts on human health including asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioural issues and autism spectrum disorders.
Certain phthalates are even classified as toxic for reproduction or endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the body’s sensitive hormone messaging system. Pregnant women and children are more vulnerable to negative health impacts linked to exposure to phthalates.
Designed principally to service the heavy industry, chemical, food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, the vebrocrete polyurethane concrete range is renowned for its durability, all-round resistance and exceptional performance in highly trafficked, high temperature or hygiene critical environments.
“We have taken the decision to formulate a phthalate-free polyurethane concrete flooring range in order to eliminate these serious health and safety risks,” said Grant Adamson, Group Technical Director for Vebro Polymers speaking at the product launch event held in the Shanghai-La Traders Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Many applicators and building users may be unaware of the risks that phthalates pose in both wet and cured state, however the research suggests that regular exposure to these chemicals can adversely affect multiple organ systems.
“We have taken the decision to formulate a phthalate-free polyurethane concrete flooring range in order to eliminate serious health and safety risks”
Grant Adamson, Group Technical Director, Vebro Group
“While phthalates are a huge class of chemicals and not all have been evaluated, enough distinct phthalates have been studies to suggest that manufacturers should proceed with caution when incorporating any chemical in the phthalate class within products that are subject to daily use” adds Adamson.
“As such, we were unanimous in our decision to innovate a safer vebrocrete product”.
Following extensive trials, the improved PF formula will be put into production effective immediately at the company’s manufacturing facility located on Eco Business Park V in Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur.
Other improvements realised as part of the new formulation include an improved odour when working with the material in wet state, an improved shelf life of 12 months across all components and an easier to empty into the mix, liquid-pigment sachet.
Specific product improvements include a self-closing pigmented polyurethane concrete cove mortar, which eliminates the need to seal, an improvement to the viscosity of the Matt topcoat making it easier and quicker to install as well as the introduction of a new Satin topcoat for additional sheen and enhanced cleanability when installing slip-resistant broadcast quartz systems.
Polyurethane concrete flooring has been popular since the 1960’s, where it has been used extensively in food and beverage processing environments on account of its durability, seamless and inherently hygienic finish, which easily exceeds the performance properties of concrete – and, better still, complies with all the requirements of brands operating food safety management programmes based on HACCP principles.
Delivering all the end user performance benefits that blue-chip clients have come to expect from PU concrete surfaces, including high moisture tolerance, thermal shock resistance up to 120ºC in the high range and -45ºC in the cold range (making it perfect for blast freezers) as well as excellent resistance to exposure from a wide range of chemicals, solvents and corrosive foodstuffs, the new vebrocrete PF range from Vebro Polymers can now blaze the trail for environmental, health and safety stewardship across the Asia-Pacific region.
For more information on the new PF range of vebrocrete PU concrete visit Vebro Polymers’ website at www.vebropolymers.com
