BEIJING/SHANGHAI — Wacker Chemie AG and Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co. Ltd. officially launched a joint lab project in Beijing this week. The project aims to further strengthen the upstream-downstream cooperation in the waterproof coatings industry. With the joint labs set up in respective workplaces, the two companies will work together on the fundamental research and the application research of waterproof coatings based on VAE technology, so as to meet the market demand for high-performance and environmentally friendly building materials.

The demand for waterproof coatings in China has been increasing as the real estate market booms. Meanwhile, with the rising consumption level, Chinese consumers are becoming more demanding. Solvent-free and environment-friendly waterproof coatings with low odor and high performance are appreciated in the market. Aiming to further strengthen their upstream-downstream cooperation in the waterproof coatings industry, the Oriental Yuhong – WACKER Chemicals Joint Lab project will enable the two companies to work together, jointly developing waterproof coatings based on VAE dispersions to meet market demand for high-performance and environmentally friendly building materials. Both companies have set up an Oriental Yuhong – WACKER Chemicals Joint Lab in their respective workplaces and have agreed on specific projects, goals and work plans for the next two years.

“As the global leader in VAE technology, we provide solutions to the challenges currently facing the waterproofing industry,” said Dr. Christoph Riemer, Vice President of Consumer & Industrial Polymers at WACKER Group, during an opening ceremony for the project. “By establishing the joint lab with Oriental Yuhong and carrying out project cooperation, we will be able to better understand the downstream market needs and further reinforce our position as an innovative partner in the coatings industry of China.”

“Being the largest waterproof system service provider in China, Oriental Yuhong shares with WACKER a common goal of scientific and technological innovation and sustainable development. The establishment of the joint lab will help enhance the all-round strategic cooperation between the two parties, allowing us to work together to provide high-performance, environment-friendly products and solutions to the Chinese waterproofing market,” added Alvin Hu, Vice President Polymers at WACKER Greater China.