ECS Review
Interview with Dr. Frank Tabellion, General Manager of Buhler PARTEC GmbH
What new developments did you present at the ECS 2011?Buhler has greatly expanded its support base for Oxylink™. When we first introduced the additive in 2010 at the ACS, we were able to provide good support for customers who wanted to use it in acrylic emulsion systems on wood. Today, we are able to give support for Oxylink™ also in metal, plastic and graphic arts applications, in water reducible alkyds and waterborne PUDs. We have released almost 10 new starting point formulas within the last year and each contributes to demonstrate the great opportunities that Oxylink™ adds to the toolbox of the coatings manufacturer.
Why did you only present one product at your booth?
Buhler Nanotechnology offers a broad range of high quality nanoparticle dispersions. We focus our marketing efforts on Oxylink™ as we believe that this product is unique not only in Buhler's product portfolio but also in the market. Oxylink™ is a formulated product that has been optimized with respect to its cross linking benefits. It's a highly developed product for a high-tech market and it's necessary to focus our efforts to support our customers timely and effectively.
What high-tech markets do you have in mind?
Waterborne formulations are generally more complex than solvent borne solutions. All markets have high-value niches and we are addressing all of them - coatings for wood, metal, plastics, leather, textile, paper - you name it. Oxylink™ is a great tool for differentiation, especially for innovative and creative companies. It is a top-of-the-line product that our customers use to produce formulations with tailor-made properties.
In which geographies do you see most potential for Oxylink™?
Buhler offers Oxylink™ globally and we provide far reaching technical support in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. Oxylink™ is best used by a highly competent and innovative coatings manufacturer who understands his formulations and his toolbox. With Oxylink™, we add a powerful tool for those who know how to use it. Typically, we find those customers in western, highly developed markets.
Why did Buhler present its products in two separate booths?
We need to present our products where our customers are! The European Coatings Show is clearly structured with equipment in hall 6 and chemical additives in halls 7 and 7A. Customers who are interested in chemistry come to hall 7A and that's where they are in the right mindset to discuss additives.
How is Buhler PARTEC related to the Buhler Group?
Buhler PARTEC GmbH is the development center of Buhler's business unit Nanotechnology. It's a fully owned subsidiary of Buhler Group and located on the campus of the University in Saarbrücken, Germany.
