Company to replace use of toxic chemical compound with safer, high-performing alternatives
Jotun has revealed its plans to phase out the use of lead chromates, a toxic chemical compound, from all of its paints and coatings formulations worldwide. The move is consistent with the company's current environmental initiative, 'Jotun GreenSteps' and is scheduled to start in 2014, wherein Jotun will apply with new EU REACH regulations. This initiative reflects continues commitment from Jotun Paints towards greener environment following the boycott of Coal Tar from their products globally last year.
Amidst the scheduled phase out, Jens Christoffer Markmanrud, Project Manager, Jotun, has explained that lead chromates are still legal in many markets where the company is active, "This global phase out applies to paints and coatings in all segments, worldwide. It is a bold step, but we are confident that by replacing lead chromates with safer, high performing alternatives, we can make a big difference."
According to Markmanrud, the phase out supports 'Jotun GreenSteps,' which was launched in 2011 to improve Jotun's environmental performance over a broad range of areas, which includes Hazardous Materials, Carbon Footprint, Reducing VOC Emissions (Volatile Organic Compounds), Energy Consumption and Waste Recycling. "Jotun GreenSteps also broadcasts the work that the company does in order to develop safer, more effective paint and coating solutions helps customers improve their environmental performance."
In addition to investing more resources in R&D to produce safer, more environmentally responsible products, Jotun is exploring new ways of managing pigments and colours to achieve better results. By combining primer colours and topcoat colours, Jotun can offer a superior finish compared to less advanced alternatives. The global phase out of lead chromates is an important step in strengthening Jotun's reputation as an environmentally responsible company.
"Over the years, Jotun has always kept true to its commitment of being an environmentally responsible company--implementing best practices that promote sustainability, developing products that leave less of an impact on the environment and rolling out environmental-based initiatives like 'Jotun GreenSteps.' The move to phase out lead chromates is a landmark move as it seeks to stop the use of a toxic compound and replace it with a component that is safer to use but with the same, albeit, even more benefits to be gained," concluded David Wright, Managing Director for Jotun Saudi Arabia.
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About Jotun SaudiaJotun Saudia Company Limited, an offshoot of the Norwegian giant Jotun Paints, is the top paint manufacturing as well as selling company in the Middle East. The company, which was started more than 25 years back, is now the leader in decorative paints in the Kingdom with a market share surpassing all the other international brands. Jotun Paints is also a well established paint brand among end users for its variety of quality paint products suitable for any decorative and protective necessities.
Jotun has become synonymous with innovation and ground breaking concepts in paint manufacturing with the launch of many new products in Saudi market over the period. Jotun has been at the forefront in terms of developing products specifically suited to local conditions.
More than two decades of experience in the Kingdom, has helped the company produce a variety of conventional and specialized coatings - each incorporating the latest technological developments while offering performance with economy - catering to the various product segments and demands of the different markets. Today, Jotun's diverse product range includes Decorative, Protective, Marine, Floor/Concrete Protection, Powder Coatings and Intumescent Coatings, bearing a solid testament to the company's reputation of being truly a single source solution for clients, consultants and contractors alike.
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© Press Release 2013
