Fila Surface Care Solutions, a manufacturer of special chemicals for initial cleaning, protection and maintenance of tiles and stones, is launching two new products in the Gulf region.

These include the MP90 EcoPlus, a Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-compliant, eco-friendly, stain-proof solution to protect any kind of surface, and PW10, a certified water-based back sealer to protect marble from efflorescence and yellowing.

MP90 EcoPlus, which is suitable for both internal and external applications, is a water-based formula that cuts application time by up to 80 per cent. The GEV-Emicode EC1Plus-certified product is also suitable for use on food contact areas. GEV Emicode is a quality mark awarded to low-emission flooring underlays and construction products by the Association for the Control of Emissions in Products for Floor Installation, Adhesives and Building Materials (GEV). GEV Emicode EC1 is awarded for very low emission.

Turning to the second product, Francesco Pettenon, managing and commercial director of Fila Surface Care Solutions, says PW10 is the best certified water-based back sealer to protect marble from efflorescence and yellowing.

With 70 years of experience in the industry, Italy-based Fila is one of the leading companies in surface treatment due to constant innovations.

“Fila’s products offer the highest performance in terms of protection from dirt, with a volatile organic compound (VOC) content close to zero, preserving the natural look of stone even outdoors under the Middle East’s environmental conditions,” he says.

The company has seven branches worldwide in France, Spain, Germany, the UK, the US and the UAE. Operating in the region since 2000, Fila set up its Middle East branch in Dubai in 2012.

“From a business point of view, Fila Middle East has seen, between 2013 and the first quarter of 2015, an important increase in terms of turnover and new customers within multiple lines of business (stone and tiles contractors, landscaping companies, restoration companies, facilities management groups, regional distributors),” says Pettenon.

The company has been appointed supplier of chemicals, through nominated official contractors, for prestigious projects in the Middle East. These include the new Presidential Palace and the Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Tram, and Armani hotel in Dubai (all in the UAE); and Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar.

Commenting on some of the recent developments within the company, Pettenon says: “We have initiated the Fila Green Action, which is a big ecological project and tangible proof of our company’s commitment to the environment. It is a series of ‘green actions’ that involve all the sectors: from production to the use of our products right through to their disposal.

“One of these is the Fila Green Line, a range of low environmental-impact products that follow 10 green rules, including high levels of biodegradability, respect for VOC regulations and the absence of solvents. The line includes products such as FilaW68, FilaHP98 and Fila MP90 Eco Plus, which are all set to Leed certification.”

Commenting on the company’s future plans, he says: “Fila aims to consolidate its business relationship with existing customers and enhance the brand awareness among the architects.”

Fila has recently opened an office in Fiorano Modenese (Italy), in the heart of the ceramics district, to be closer to manufacturers and provide them with even faster technical and design assistance.

“This new office has the Fila Consulting Ceramic Division, which will include a training centre and a laboratory for stain resistance and surface treatment testing,” concludes Pettenon.