Polyurea & Polyaspartic coatings have become integral in various industries, from construction, leisure & hospitality, to automotive, due to their exceptional durability, versatility, and rapid curing properties. VIP Coatings is a leading provider of high-performance surface protection systems regarding waterproofing, flooring, roofing, as well as industrial coating needs, including the OEM sector.
Under the visionary leadership of CEO Alexander Voelkel, VIP Coatings continues to innovate from its headquarters near Munich, Germany, with a global reach extending across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, serving a diverse clientele worldwide.
Interview with Markus Albersmann, Sales Manager at VIP Coatings Europe GmbH.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Markus Albersmann: Our “BeSafe” Concept, sets new standards in safety, quality assurance, performance, and reliability. It means being a one-stop shop for our customers, providing one solution, one point of contact, and one warranty. Our mission is to deliver hi-tech sustainable systems for specific coating requirements, with a focus on supply and apply solutions that serve direct asset owners. This concept ensures peace of mind for our clients since we as a supplier are responsible for project specification, product manufacturing, qualified application and after sales service, while providing a warranty for the complete package.
Next to the Be Safe holistic approach, we also offer our Polyurea Hot Spray Systems to our VIP approved applicator network across the globe. Together with local distributors, developers and asset owners, we help specifying our systems, like LeisureLine, Liquishield, VIP-Shield or Cleancoat for a large variety of projects in all corners of the world. Our roller applied coating systems and joint fillers complement our product offering.
E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?
M.A: We recently launched roller applied systems for the retail market, which are sold through our distribution network as part of the FDA approved Cleancoat flooring systems or VIP-Shield roofing systems. These materials are easy to use for the professional and eliminate the need for expensive equipment, and perfectly suited for the smaller application.
E.E: What are the ranges of products/services?
M.A: We offer a full range of Polyurea & Polyaspartic solutions, which are segmented in systems, like Leisureline for waterparks and pools, Liquishield for liquid containment, drinking water applications and water treatment. VIPshield for all kinds of roofing applications and Cleancoat for hygienic and anti-bacterial flooring. This is complemented with our OEM systems for the finishing of all kinds of surfaces through manufacturers of specialty vehicles and heavy duty parts.
E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
M.A: We see an ever growing need of liquid waterproofing in a large variety of industries and our systems are well regarded in many different areas. There is growth visible in many regions and more and more developers and OEM manufacturers are choosing Polyurea & Polyaspartic as a durable and sustainable solution.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
M.A: Growing Demand: The polyurea & Polyaspartic Coatings market has been experiencing steady growth due to increased awareness about the benefits of these innovative technologies over traditional waterproofing methods. This demand is driven by industries such as construction, automotive, and manufacturing.
Rising Popularity of Polyurea Coatings: Polyurea coatings are gaining popularity due to their superior properties such as seamless application, super-fast curing time, excellent chemical resistance, and durability. This innovative technology is increasingly being used for waterproofing applications in various sectors including residential, commercial, and industrial.
Focus on Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on environmentally friendly products and practices in the construction industry. As a result, manufacturers are developing eco-friendly polyurea formulations with low VOC (volatile organic compound) content to meet sustainability requirements and regulations. Our aliphatic systems also reduce the impact on the environment, as one single coat is all that is needed for a long lasting, highly aesthetic and sustainable finish.
Technological Advancements: Ongoing research and development efforts are leading to technological advancements in polyurea & polyaspartic coatings, resulting in improved performance characteristics such as increased flexibility, UV resistance, and enhanced adhesion to substrates.
Application Versatility: Polyurea coatings offer versatility in application, making them suitable for a wide range of substrates including concrete, foam, metal, wood, and fiberglass. This versatility is driving their adoption in various applications such as waterproofing of roofs, flooring, bridges, pools, tanks, and pipelines.
Market Expansion: The polyurea waterproofing & flooring market is witnessing geographical expansion, with emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East showing increasing demand for this technology. Rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and growing construction activities in these regions contribute to market growth.
Focus on Quality and Performance: With increasing competition in the market, there is a growing focus on product quality, performance, and durability. Manufacturers like VIP are investing in research and development to enhance the quality of polyurea coatings and differentiate their integrated systems in the market. Strong technical expertise required for application is an integral part of VIP´s unique position.
E.E: What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
M.A: Our innovative Leisureline Supreme aliphatic system, in combination with our BeSafe concept is at the forefront of innovative solutions in the Leisure industry and is becoming the choice in waterparks and lagoons across the globe. The first project in Romania, at Central District Lagoon in Bucharest, together with Forty Management is just being completed, and will be open to the public very soon.
Secondly our VIPshield Silver Protect system is enabling climate neutral, seamless roofing in combination with insulation foam, thus reducing energy use and the impact on the environment.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2024?
M.A: We are predicting another year of double digit growth across our markets and will focus on product innovation and further Be Safe projects, especially in Europe this year.