Floor coating technology that goes the extra mile

The logistics sector is all about efficiency, safety and also increasingly about sustainability. Warehouse floors play an important role in this. Not only do they have to withstand heavy traffic, all kinds of chemicals and heavy loads, but they also have to contribute to a safe working environment. Johan van der Meulen, Technical Service Manager at PearlPaint Group, shares his insights on the latest generation of floor coatings, developed with both performance and environmental impact in mind.

PearlPaint Group recently introduced the Nylo Floorcoat RC and SL, two variants within their range of floor coatings. "The RC is a roller coating, ideal for environments where fast application and ease of maintenance are crucial," Van der Meulen says. "The SL variant, on the other hand, is a self-leveling cast or seal coating, perfect for heavy loads and high hygiene requirements." 

These coatings are distinguished by their long service life and seamless finish, minimizing microorganism formation and wear and tear. This makes them particularly suitable for warehouses, distribution centers and production and factory halls of food producers.

100 percent tight, above and below

A floor coating not only protects on the surface, but must also be resistant to influences from below. "What is often overlooked is that rising moisture from underground can also pose a serious threat," explains
Van der Meulen out.  

PearlPaint Group therefore developed Nylo Moisture Shield, a moisture shield that prevents rising moisture from pushing the coating loose or damaging it. "In certain areas, such as around rivers or places with high groundwater levels, moisture can be a problem," says Van der Meulen. "Our moisture barrier can trap up to 10 percent moisture and prevents water pressure from causing the coating to detach. Thanks to this technology, warehouse floors stay intact longer, even in challenging conditions."

Check the substrate first

Still, everything starts with a good foundation. "You can have the best coating in the world, but if the foundation is not stable, sooner or later you will have problems," Van der Meulen emphasizes. "Just like a building, the base of the floor must be prepared correctly. We therefore always look at the substrate, load and specific environment to provide a perfectly suitable solution." 

For warehouses with tiled floors, for example, PearlPaint Group has developed special primers that ensure optimal adhesion so that a new coating fits perfectly to the existing surface.

Sustainability, much more than just products

For PearlPaint Group, sustainability is more than just the longevity of their coatings. "A product is only truly sustainable if production and development are also done in an ecologically responsible way," says Van der Meulen. 

PearlPaint Group's factory, located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is largely powered by solar panels and its own windmill, ensuring minimal CO2 emissions. In addition, the company is strongly committed to locally produced and less harmful raw materials, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint of their coatings. 

"Sustainability not only means environmentally friendly raw materials, but also that a product lasts as long as possible. The less often a floor has to be recoated, the better it is for the environment as well as for the customer. A warehouse floor may seem like a detail, but in practice it not infrequently makes the difference between a smooth, safe logistics operation and an inefficient, risky working environment," Van der Meulen concludes.