SIGMA Paints has once again demonstrated its core strength with the launch of a high-performance paint system that is extremely durable and environment-friendly.

Sigmacryl Ecoplus – the first ‘zero VOC’ (volatile organic compounds) paint system in the Gulf – represents the highest sustainability paint concept not only in the Middle East but also across the globe, says Steven Rijkaard, brand manager for Dammam-based Sigma Middle East.
“The introduction of the product follows Sigma Middle East’s launch a year ago, of the revolutionary nanopaints – Sigma Guardian Nano – a giant leap since the introduction of water-based paint half century ago,” he says.
Sigmacryl Ecoplus comes close on the heels of Sigma’s recent introduction of the Eco Protection concept, a wide ecological product line bearing the eco protection label that indicates the products are water-based, lead-free and contain low amounts of VOC.
All these products bear testimony to Sigma’s commitment to innovation, which is its core strength and the foundation for its 300-year-old heritage.

All eco-protection systems meet the specific VOC criteria set by the most commonly used international legislation. In line with this, Sigmacryl Ecoplus is a leap forward in its compliance with the highest environmental standards. These water-based products are absolutely 'clean' paints with no harmful substances that can affect human health, Rijkaard states.
VOCs are a type of gas present in chemical substances evaporating in the atmosphere contributing to changes in the environment and known to have an influence on the greenhouse effect. Hence, various ‘green building’ regulations stipulate their content in paint. The sources of VOC emissions are multiple.
“Sigma’s new innovative product range provides many benefits to various client segments, amidst an increasing awareness of sustainability and a change in consumer behaviour. A rapidly increasing number of European consumers are realising the effect of individual contribution to sustainability by consciously seeking and buying green products that reduce the damage to our environment. Companies are re-evaluating their processes and specifications in pursuit of a more sustainable world,” he points out.
Rijkaard continues: “An emerging trend in the construction sector is to take into consideration the VOC levels of a product that are subsequently incorporated into the specification of projects. More and more consultants take pride in their green designs and specifications. Yet, this positive movement can be only maintained if the construction market has access to environment-friendly products that do not compromise on overall performance.”
Rijkaard also elaborates on the cost benefits that can be derived by using this range of paints. “To the professional painter,” he says, “Sigmacryl Ecoplus helps cut costs due to its high opacity and scrub-resistance qualities, which translates into good coverage with a smaller quantity in addition to less damage to the environment.
“The high durability feature contributes to extended maintenance that in the long run again means less environmental burden and a reduced need for paint and therefore, cost for the painter (subject to maintenance contract), property owner and end-user.
“The abundant colour options give an added value for all segments. End-users, in particular, will appreciate the health-promoting properties coupled with the sustainable colour and design flexibility afforded by the zero-VOC paint.”
The Sigmacryl Ecoplus product range carries the EU Eco-label – the ‘Flower’ – which represents a unique certification meeting the most stringent environment rules in Europe.
Elaborating on this label, Rijkaard says: “While no human activity is completely ‘environment friendly’, there are opportunities to reduce the impact. The Eco-label scheme follows the cradle-to-grave approach, taking into account all aspects of a product’s lifecycle – from production and use to disposal.
“And only if the products can be guaranteed to be equally efficient as conventional products – hence simultaneously meeting the performance criteria – can they be awarded the 'Flower’. The coveted logo, launched in 1992, is widely recognised all over Europe and provides consumers a chance to contribute in protecting the environment and taking action in their own daily lives to reduce their ecological footprint.”
Sigma’s marketing manager Antoine Lejuez, who was responsible for the implementation of VOC-compliant products as well as the zero-VOC product launch across the company’s division in France, Spain, Italy and Greece before coming to the Middle East last year, explains: “The launch in Europe got excellent feedback, because both the consultants and the consumers are ever more concerned about health and environment issues.
“For a long time, various ‘green’ construction materials had to meet certain criteria to qualify, but within the paint industry the only requirement was to use water-based paint. Now green buildings are becoming standard in Europe and hence paint has to meet increasingly stringent guidelines, such as being water-based with zero-VOC and toxic substances. In Germany this trend is not novel, with Germans being the pioneers in championing the environmental cause. Hence that market has been driven by zero-VOC products for some time, with France now following the lead,”Lejuez points out that Sigma has a long history of producing environmentally-sound products. “We are achieving success by incorporating green values into our production and are leading the way towards green thinking in a broader spectrum, being a role model in this region,” he adds.
According to Lejuez, Sigmacryl Ecoplus stands out in the “green paints” sector as it combines superior sustainability, durability and performance. It has the highest European certification with verified low impact on the environment, without jeopardising the technical features of the product, he says.