SIGMA’S latest ‘green champion’ is making waves in Saudi Arabia with the ‘zero-VOC’ (volatile organic compounds) product having been specified in numerous projects across the kingdom within a short time span.

The success of Sigmacryl Ecoplus has reached new levels with the innovation having been recommended for health ministry projects of the kingdom, says Sigma.
“This is good news not just for the ecological range but for the entire green movement in the region as well,” says Steven Rijkaard, brand manager for Dammam-based Sigma Middle East.
He continues: “While we expected this unique product to be a hit in the medium and long term, we were pleasantly surprised to see it specified so quickly in many projects around the kingdom. The Ministry of Health was so impressed by the ecological concept and the site samples provided by Sigma that their engineers not only specified the range for the projects at hand but also recommended its use in all forthcoming ministry projects.”
Green products and clean technologies are trendy concepts that are being readily accepted in the Middle East. But being ‘green’ doesn’t necessarily make an idea inherently good, warns Sigma, adding that the green movement can sustain its pace only when it is backed by efficiency.

Sigma’s ecological product range, the ‘zero-VOC’ Sigmacryl Ecoplus, represents the ultimate paint concept in terms of sustainability and performance in the Middle East and worldwide, he says. “VOCs are present in both traditional solvent-borne and water-borne paint products. It is also present in the thinners and adjuvant of paints, which determine the technical qualities and specific characteristics of each paint type. Sigmacryl Ecoplus is a tribute to both the environment and human health as it does not have any solvents. Having no solvents means it is far more healthy for a contractor’s painters, especially when working indoors and also for the villa owners, since there is no smell after the paint work is completed.”
Sigmacryl Ecoplus carries the EU Eco-label – the ‘Flower’ – which represents a unique certification meeting the most stringent environment rules in Europe. This label guarantees health and environmental considerations; use of raw materials that conform to strict environmental criteria; and technical properties that match the quality of conventional products.
Sigmacryl Ecoplus’ Saudi Arabian experience demonstrates the degree of the success that can be expected of the product, says Rijkaard.
Dammam Central Hospital: The new physiotherapy and dentistry buildings of the Dammam Central Hospital Complex, he says, will be among the first projects to be coated with Ecoplus, which is particularly suitable for hospitals as it is odourless, doesn’t release the chemical compound formaldehyde nor does it contain other harmful substances, hence does not trigger any allergic reactions in patients.
Fouad Al Musa, Sigma’s distribution manager for the Eastern Province, reports a highly positive feedback from the contractor who was happy to be the first to apply the top-of-the-range product. “The absence of a similar product in the market has further facilitated our sales endeavours,” he says. “In addition to striking a balance between quality and price, the product’s ease of application translates to time and cost savings in the short and long term for the contractor.”
Commenting on the product choice, Mohamed Khamis Obied, project manager of contracting company Ahmed M A Falqi Establishment, says: “Sigmacryl Ecoplus has many advantages, hence we were pleased to choose this top green product. Not only is it the most environment-friendly paint in the Middle East, it is of top quality and gives good value for money. The product is supported by good service from the Sigma team. We hope other contractors will follow our lead in the market.”
Coral Al Jubail: Ecoplus was also chosen by the contractor of the Coral Al Jubail, a 135-suite hotel located in Jubail, for the interiors as it was the natural match for Sigma’s Guardian Nano, which was used for the exterior of the hotel so as to secure the optimal protection, durability and beauty of the façade, says Musa.
Mohammad Al Sheikh, project manager, Al Baty General Construction Company, comments: “The owner of the hotel, who is quality conscious, stipulated that we use only prime products on his project. On our part, we’re happy to use innovative quality products that promote the longevity of the property and the health of its occupants. After testing Sigmacryl Ecoplus samples, we were convinced about its superb washability and coverage properties. As for the exterior, Nano is unrivalled; thanks to its anti-dust properties, it has transformed the building into a shining white landmark in Jubail.”
Some of the other projects to Sigma’s credit are the Royal Commission of Jubail premises and Saad Hospital Al Khobar as well as other developments for Saudi Aramco, which have all used its zero-VOC coatings.
With the product, Sigma is living up to its image of being the trendsetter and industry leader in the region. In the words of Mark V Diemen, managing director, Sigma Middle East: “We have been the innovators since the past three centuries.”