Building sustainability into the manufacture and use of wood protection coatings is increasingly important for the timber sector.
Crown believes it was ahead of the field, launching its dedicated sustainability programme, Earthbalance, in 2008. At its core is a long-term target to drive down greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of a 10% reduction by 2015 – and 25% by 2020. And we are on target, so far achieving a cut of 4%. This has been accomplished through various strategies; from energy minimisation across operations, to focusing innovation on products and processes with lowest ecological impact and looking at the environmental effects of raw material sourcing.
We also set a target of achieving zero waste to landfill, which we accomplished over a year ahead of the December 2012 deadline. Again this was done through a range of measures, from stopping using plastic cups to working with the social enterprise Nimtech to recycle plastic paint containers into raw material for decorators’ sundries such as paint trays. Nimtech now operates a recycling operation from our headquarters in Darwen, Lancashire.
Ensuring the right fit-for-purpose product is specified for individual projects can also achieve a more sustainable outcome. And developing products with superior colour retention and the ability to withstand the harshest weather means wood protection is going to last longer, extending the maintenance cycle. Advanced UV-Active Technology and UV light absorbers are used both to protect against damaging rays and aid longevity. One of our newest ranges, Sadolin Ultra, for example, includes added UV absorbers, giving up to seven years’ protection, two more than our standard translucents.
In the British climate, the ability to cope with rain and damp is also vital to ensure longer-lasting protection. Our waterproof formulations are designed to create a microporous jacket that both protects against moisture and allows wood to breathe naturally, preventing blistering and flaking.
Today’s specifiers are making increasingly educated choices in selecting wood protection products and see sustainability as a key factor. But the quality of a product does not need to be compromised to achieve green goals.
Brighter prospects
Sadolin is encouraging specifiers, retailers and end users to consider a wider colour spectrum for outdoor finishes and paints, says brand manager Sharon Smith
Think about paint and colour and most people automatically think interiors – but, used on outdoor wood products, they can deliver even more impact, and manufacturers like Sadolin today offer a much broader palette of shades and tones to choose for exterior applications. Sadolin Superdec, for example, features over 300 opaque colours and translucent Sadolin Ultra 14 shades.
When used on wood, bold, bright colours make a place warmer, more welcoming and attractive. However, combining colour and wood protection requires thought to ensure they’re matched correctly and the system delivers the necessary resilience. To help specifiers and retailers, including merchants, make informed and correct commercial choices, Sadolin published a new colour guide last year and this year a new Superdec colour card. We also issue our Colour Influences on-trend forecast annually.
In addition, we’ve just produced a video dedicated to the subject – "The Sadolin Colour Palette – Great Shades and Wood Protection as Standard". This explores the growing range of colour opportunities, identifies ways to achieve different shades, and covers translucency and opacity. It can be seen at www.sadolin.co.uk or on Sadolin Woodcare’s YouTube channel.
