The Origin of :

For nearly 10 years NMP have been leading proponents of solventless coating technology. During that time our understanding of the hazards in coatings has grown considerably beyond simply solvents and this knowledge has helped take our formulating principles down the path toward safer products.

Solvents aside, the realisation that some products still use listed carcinogens, heavy metals and various toxins was alarming. Not only were the applicators and users being exposed to these dangers, but the employees of the company who made them. As manufacturers, it simply wasn't an option to be dealing with these hazards day in and day out; a different outlook had to be adopted to take these materials out of the equation and make our coatings as risk-free as possible.

With such an approach we would not only protect our health but the health of the people who applied our products and those exposed during its lifetime. The fact that we could do so without compromising premium performance was obviously a huge bonus. Our products would still match the opposition in all facets of performance, but with the key advantage of sidestepping traditional, unnecessary hazards and the countless risks they hold.

In addition to the obvious human health benefits of this stance came the related environmental benefits - no solvents/VOCs, heavy metals or toxins meant less environmental impact. In 2004 we looked to validate this feature by seeking independent testing and certification from Good Environmental Choice Australia. They undertook a complete lifecycle analysis under the international ISO 14 020 standard to determine the environmental impact of our company as well as our coatings. The result was that NMP became the first coating manufacturer in Australia to be awarded the Good Environmental Choice label.

Figure - The Good Environmental Choice Label issued represents quality in all facets of business , not just environmental awareness.

With the right products and endorsement from the authorities, NMP only needed a bold brand name to make the products synonymous with what they stood for. A name that would come to mind every time safer, ECO-conscious coatings were mentioned. The name created was , the philosophy:

     "The brand is a powerful reminder of the motivation to make the right coating choices now for future       generations - the name is an amalgam of Jack’s Son, created by Managing Director Jack Josephsen while       pondering what the future held for his first child.

       When you specify a coating you must understand the consequences are not just for the current generation of end        users, it is the next generation, like our children and their children. You can’t manufacture, specify or use a product        with a life expectancy of 5-20 years and not be understanding and considerate of future exposure.

       In , people can finally use safer industrial coatings and flooring, specifically developed for industrial        applications, without sacrificing performance. products lead the way in “ECO industrial coatings” and were        the first to be eco-certified to ISO 14 020 in Australia.

       There can be no more excuses as products are also good value with a proven track record."


Figure - The logo and slogan for NMP's new brand - JAXXON - synonymous with high-quality, ECO industrial coatings.

The Benefits:

	- No volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - no fumes. - No risk of fire (non-flammable). - No solvent entrapment leading to premature failure/delamination. - No interference/adverse reaction with existing coatings. - No pungent smell during application affecting applicators and/or   nearby people. - No burning throat or stinging eyes for applicators.
	- Surface tolerance. - Moisture tolerance - can be applied underwater. - Mix-ratio tolerance. - 100% solids means long storage life - greater than 24 months. - Products designed to be used with less than ideal preparation, less   than ideal application and in less than ideal conditions.
	- Non-corrosive - most formulation contain no corrosives. - Non-flammable. - Cheaper, simpler, faster freight. - Simplified storage considerations. - Reduced occupational health and safety requirements.
	- Conformance to green procurement (first Australian manufacturer to   be certified under international labelling standards ISO 14 020, as   a part of the Australian Eco-label Program. To view certification -   click here).
	- Raw materials include no known carcinogens. - Raw materials include no known teratogens (capable of damaging   reproductive system).
	- 1335, 1515, 1535, 1715 and 1725 potable water approved    under AS 4020 (to view certification - click here). - This mean a full range of products for use in potable water   environments - from clear topcoats/sealers to heavy-duty,   underwater-applied protective coatings.

So, how do products compare with the new age waterborne coatings, said to be the safest and most eco-friendly products available?

- Superior physical and chemical properties - hardness, wear, chemical resistance.
- No application concerns with rain, humidity, dew point/condensation.
- Curing cycle not dependent upon evaporation (temperature, surface area, ventilation).
- No limitations on steel due to corrosion issues.
- No concerns about shelf life - in particular settling/re-dispersion.
- No concerns about water clean-up - run-off into stormwater drainage.
- Many waterborne coatings still contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Typically 50% of what you pay for per litre is water.

 For a list of the companies who have used - click here.
To read more about in other publications - click here.