Paint factory wants to add value

Pure products for sustainable construction

Family-owned RIGO Verffabriek has been producing a wide range of paints, lacquers and oils since 1938. From its own technical laboratory, the company makes products that add value wherever they are applied. The STEP Parquet lacquer 2K is the latest example of this.

"I had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the STEP Parquet Lacquer 2K," says Niels Dapper, Laboratory Product Developer. "There was already a good parquet lacquer in our STEP product line, but in recent years we saw a demand from the market for an isocyanate-free product. We succeeded in finding another type of hardener that does not react with water and is less harmful. As a result, the lacquer also has a longer application time. Our STEP Parquet lacquer 2K Matt, Satin and Gloss has a pot life of no less than three days."

More time with STEP Parquet lacquer

Director Machiel van Westerhoven: "Our laboratory consists of five people, which is quite significant, it gives us the clout to be able to develop new products. If the lab is satisfied then we have a master test performed by a number of customers who are open to it. If they are also happy with it then the product comes on the market. The reactions to STEP Parquet lacquer 2K were very positive, the composition makes it possible to work more quietly there is less waste. Very important is further that the final coat with so strong and resistant."

STEP Parquet lacquer 2K is round 33% biobased, a new step in sustainability. Van Westerhoven: "When my brother and I took over the company, we thought about the direction we wanted to take. The concept of sustainability is subject to erosion; it is one part of the product mix. We want to focus on making a valuable product. This includes strong quality, an appropriate price and greening. All these elements together make the overall picture."

Value of natural resources

Although optics and character are very important to architects, according to Van Westerhoven, they also look critically at the use of raw materials. "Linseed oil is still the best oil to protect wood with. It suits an authentic character and our motto of making valuable products. Our SKYLT range you hardly see on wood and with our SKYLT Overpaintable color oil we combine the look of oil with the protection of varnish. The ROYL floor oils from 100% vegetable oil penetrate deep ín the pores of the wood and therefore protect the wood from water and dirt for a long time from the inside out."

Rigo Paint Factory will be present at Material District in April and at Architect@Work in September. "Here we focus on products that are pure and perfectly suited to sustainable construction." These trade shows are a way for RIGO Paint Factory to approach architects themselves. "We want to do more than sell liters," Van Westerhoven says firmly. "We want to sell a body of thought. In that we distinguish ourselves and are untouchable to competitors. Architects who have the same attitude, who think a valuable product is important, suit us."

In addition to the laboratory, RIGO Paint Factory also has a creative workshop. "Here we can tweak existing products, making different colors, for example. Our customers can come here to materialize what they have in their minds."