WACKER, a global chemical company headquartered in Munich, Germany, has launched NEXIVA®, a preservative-free powder for architectural paints.
NEXIVA® is a high-performance polymer binder suited to the production of high-quality interior wall paints. Powder paints made with this product require no added preservatives and offer easy paint storage and transport. Most wall paints are manufactured with water-based binders and water-based raw materials, and the moisture in the paint creates an environment favorable to the growth of microorganisms and bacteria. Preservatives that kill these microorganisms are therefore added to extend the shelf life.
According to the German Paint and Printing Ink Association, without added preservatives about one in every four cans of paint spoils. In monetary terms, this amounts to €470 million (approximately KRW 650 billion), with 11 million cans of paint wasted each year. Even so, preservatives cannot be used indiscriminately. As paint applied to a wall begins to dry, the moisture evaporates and the preservatives are released into the air. Such preservatives can potentially trigger allergies when inhaled or touched.
NEXIVA®, launched by WACKER, is a product based on a spray-dried polymer binder and is suitable for producing both liquid and powder interior wall paints. Like conventional liquid polymer binders, it can be used to create a wide range of coating formulations. Powder paints have the advantage of not spoiling even without added preservatives. Because the paint is diluted with water immediately before use, there is no need to add preservatives during production and distribution. When the paint dries, only water evaporates, and because it contains polymers it also offers strong adhesion and spreadability. In addition, because NEXIVA® is a powder, it is relatively light, making it easy to store and transport and delivering savings in packaging as well. Furthermore, unlike conventional water-based wall paints, powder paints do not freeze and are not significantly affected in viscosity even when exposed to heat.
WACKER stated, “Through continued analysis of customers and the market, we plan to keep introducing high-performance polymer binder products for paints that can satisfy diverse demands.” 031-697-7200
