“Our R&D scientists are very proud having developed this advanced functional paint technology, using high engineered tailor-made polymers, smart anti-microbials and production processes. We are excited about the results and look forward to offering real added-value solutions by applying VAIRO Healthcare technology in several products for different substrates,” said Aristoteles Nikolakopoulos, R&D Director, VITEX S.A.

Extensive testing conducted in European laboratories included successful trials that tested 30 minutes up to 48 hours contact against several viruses like phi6 surrogate of coronaviruses (double stranded RNA enveloped), MS2 surrogate of norovirus (linear single stranded RNA non-enveloped), human coronavirus OC43 (type beta), human coronavirus 229E (type alpha) and SARS-CoV2 (isolate England/02/2020) the virus that causes COVID-19. Successful testing was also performed with bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus hirae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using test methods based on ISO 21702:2019 and ISO 22196:2011 standards and OECD-proposed practices for testing efficacy of biocide treated articles (ENV/JM/MONO (2018) 20:2019), painted surfaces were shown to reduce several viruses and bacteria 99% to 99.99%.

Paints with VAIRO will be available for sale from VITEX S.A following national authorization — notification procedures in the EU. The technology is already suitable for specific non-EU markets and has been already registered in some EU countries.

VITEX S.A. has been a leader in the building materials sector in Greece since 1932. Headquartered in Aspropyrgos, Greece, with two subsidiaries in Serbia and Bulgaria, the company offers integrated solutions for architectural paints (Vitex), bituminous waterproofing materials (Hermes), external thermal insulation composite systems (Vitextherm) and marine coatings (Eumaria).

ASPROPYRGOS, Greece — A functional wall paint based on VAIRO™ Healthcare Technology from VITEX S.A. has been tested to be effective against human coronaviruses and SARS-CoV2. Testing shows that after four hours of contact with SARS-CoV2, surfaces painted with the coating saw >99% of the initial population of the virus had disappeared. VAIRO increases the defense against virus transmission on the painted surfaces and inhibits bacteria growth.

The company used 90 years of knowledge and expertise within the industry, including several technologies tested before VAIRO, where smart encapsulated silver ions into inorganic matrices drive a controlled release, not only in wet but in dry conditions as well (splash simulating testing). The functional wall paint incorporating the VAIRO technology creates a slippery, modified hydrophilic coating surface that is inhospitable to viruses and bacteria.

Greek Company Develops Coating Technology with >99% Virucidal Effectiveness Against SARS-CoV-2

The Electrocoat Association Hosts Webinar in June

CINCINNATI — The Electrocoat Association continues its Finisher’s Guide to Electrocoat webinar series with “Basics of Electrocoat” on June 8, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. EST. The webinar will feature Gary Orosz, of PPG, who will discuss what electrocoat is, its chemistry, how it is applied, and components of an electrocoat bath. Additionally, attendees will learn about the different types of electrocoat and will discuss how they are used in the finishing industry. Orosz will highlight the advantages of electrocoat and discuss potential limitations. Finally, he will review items that impact applied cost and areas of focus for reducing costs and improving yields.

Orosz is an Applications Process Manager with PPG with over 26 years of experience in the electrocoat industry. In his current role, he supports the integration of PPG’s products into new and existing systems by providing process and design specifications, engineering reviews, cost justification models, pilot system design and testing, troubleshooting assistance, and training end-users of electrocoat.

For more details or to register, contact Tarah Rauch at 800/563.8831 (e-mail trauch@electrocoat.org).

Worldwide Network of STEM Sector Professionals Has Launched

LONDON — NobleNet, a new global professional network dedicated to STEM and its rapidly converging markets across science, technology, engineering and mathematics, has recently launched. The platform allows people to enhance their networking, develop their career and source useful information.

NobleNet is free to join and helps members to accelerate their career or business via fast, free networking, job advertisements, industry-leading content and sector information. Members can also converse with experts, access events and review well-targeted opportunities. Stephen Mothersole, CEO NobleNet, said, “People are increasingly looking to network professionally online, and to be able to converse with fellow STEM professionals freely. NobleNet is designed for busy people who want to be able to quickly search for jobs, information or expertise on a single, targeted platform. We welcome everyone with an interest in the STEM sectors from students, post-docs and academics, to CEOs, consultants and investors, and all professionals in between.”

NACD President Applauds Re-Introduction of DRIVE-Safe Act

ARLINGTON, VA — National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer recently issued a statement regarding the re-introduction of the Develop Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Safe Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In his statement, Byer said, “The coronavirus pandemic has worsened America’s severe truck driver shortage and is threatening to undermine America’s supply chains when we need them most. Driver availability is at an all-time low, and it’s clear that action is needed to reduce barriers to entering the trucking industry.

“NACD applauds Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) for his leadership in recognizing the importance of finding solutions to this crisis by re-introducing the DRIVE-Safe Act. This legislation will help address America’s severe truck driver shortage by lowering the interstate commercial driving age to 18 and creating pathways to employment for a new segment of the workforce.

“We urge the House to move quickly in passing the DRIVE-Safe Act to ensure our nation’s trucking workforce is able to effectively and efficiently conduct commerce across the country.”

CHEM Research Reports Contraction of the Global Coatings Market in 2020

MAINZ, Germany — The market research company CHEM Research has issued an executive report on the development of the global coatings market in 2020 with a projection for 2021. In this context, the results of the top 11 global producers, which hold a share of about 50% of this market, are analyzed.

CHEM Research reports that in 2020 the global market for paints and coatings recorded a decline of nearly 6% in Euro value, while the collective sales of the top 11 companies show a slightly stronger decrease. Companies offering decorative paints performed better in terms of sales and earnings than companies with a focus on industrial coatings, suggesting the stabilizing effect of the sustained demand for decorative paints compensated for the dramatic volume losses in the industrial coatings segment.

The divergent growth of the decorative paint and industrial coatings demand led to a shift in market shares and portfolio compositions. In terms of sales, decorative paints expanded its share by about 3% in 2020 compared to 2019 at the expense of industrial coatings. This development shows a continuing trend over the past three years during which the industrial coatings market has experienced a steady contraction.

The results are part of a new report by CHEM Research, “The TOP 11 Global Paint and Coating Producers, an Executive Annual Review 2020.”