SEALANTS & ADHESIVES
THE STICKY FUTURE
The growing trend for wall panels in new builds and renovations is having an impact on sealants and adhesives sales as BMJ finds out.
“I
n recent years, our merchant stockists have seen a marked increase in demand for high quality wall panels as homeowners increasingly recognise the improved choice in design and style combined with the installation and maintenance benefits compared to traditional ceramic tiles. The versatility of panels is an attractive benefit too as they are perfect for a range of projects, from private and public sector refurbishments through to new build developments.” says Scott Beattie, managing director of wall panel manufacturer Fibo.
“The market for sealants appears to be growing too, partly as a consequence of the upward trend in improving, not moving, and refurbishments in social housing. Hybrid polymers, which combine the benefits of silicones and polyurethanes, are doing particularly well. At Fibo, we launched a grab adhesive and two sealants in the UK in response to demand: both of these are hybrid polymers. The sealants have been sold for many years by Fibo in Europe as the market for panels there, particularly in Scandinavia, is more mature (significantly outstripping ceramic tiles).” Beattie says that the focus for sealants and adhesive is very much on quality, durability and being environmentally-friendly. How the product comes out of the tube is important too: a smooth, consistent flow makes it easy to apply and ensures a better finish. “Many installers are loyal to a particular sealant brand, although a number are choosing to get the ‘whole kit’ ie Fibo panels and matching accessories. A driver for sales
of Fibo sealants and adhesive is also from homeowners who go direct to buy Fibo panels and accessories, but have them fitted by a tradesman” he says.
“More recently we’ve noted an increase in demand for different colours of sealants, to complement a wider choice of panels and tiles and to work with interior design trends for grey and darker colours. We offer white and grey sealant - the latter makes up 75% of sales - but have had enquiries for other colours.” BMJ
SETCRETE SETS OUT NEW LOOK AND NEW FOCUS
Setcrete is gearing up to expand its offer to the merchant sector. A division of F. Ball and Co. Ltd, the manufacturer of flooring adhesives and floor preparation products for the contract flooring industry, Setcrete’s range has been designed to provide builders with high perfor- mance, fast-track flooring products that are also easy-to-use and deliver a high quality floor finish.
On the understanding that good merchandis- ing sells a product, the company has redesigned the packaging for its levelling compounds, to enhance the ‘on shelf’ impact and simplify product selection for customers. The new, distinctive colour coding is used to
differentiate the products in the range. High- lighting the key benefits of each product, the new packaging it emphasises both the product name and its primary application to help cus-
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tomers choose the correct product and to help stockists identify the right product for their customers. .
The new packaging helps distinguish be-
tween products such as the Setcrete Rapid Set 30 - a superfast setting levelling compound, Setcrete Deep Base for raising floor levels up to 50mm, and Setcrete High Performance, which is designed to go over flexible subfloors such as plywood.
Also benefitting from the new packaging are
Setcrete Latex, Setcrete Universal and Setcrete 2K Pro, which can be applied over old adhesive residues. Setcrete brand manager Peter Wilson said: “The new packaging has massively increased the visibility and shelf-appeal of the Setcrete range and makes it easier for builders to quickly identify the right product for the job. The re-
design also presents the products consistently to reassure buyers that the performance they experience using any specific product will be replicated in other products from the range. “This gives us a consistent style and com- municates everything we want it to do, making the customer’s choice so much easier for them. Where we have the product in the merchants we have been generating great loyalty from those customers.” Raising awareness and building the brand further with the merchants is a key focus for Setcrete this year, Wilson says. “The best product packaging can’t do its job if it’s not continued on page 36
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net June 2019
Revitalised packaging and new products are on the cards for floor specialist Setcrete.
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