For Caldic, sustainability is embedded in our operations and strategy. As part of our commitment to drive eco-conscious innovation in the life science and material science markets, we believe that partnerships rooted in shared environmental goals can generate meaningful impact across industries. This commitment came into focus when our team in Thailand supported a customer in developing an eco-friendly wood coating solution for a landmark construction project.
The project in question was an ambitious one. The customer needed to supply wood paint to a large-scale construction project with strict net-zero carbon emission targets. High-quality standards were non-negotiable, and so was the environmental impact. To meet these stringent dual demands, the customer needed a water-based paint with significantly lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions than the conventional solvent-based options typically used for wood coatings. That’s where we stepped in.
Despite the tight 45-day deadline, our team, led by Market Unit Manager Panya Verachiowchanchai, quickly mobilized to assist. “Initially, we recommended readily available water-based alternatives, in the hope of a quick turnaround," explains Panya. However, testing revealed a critical issue: the finish didn’t meet the required quality benchmarks. The paint showed extended drying and sanding times and failed to deliver the durability and appearance the customer commissioned.
Rather than accept a compromise, the technical team, under Panya’s coordination, decided to innovate. Drawing on their formulation expertise, they altered an existing product sample from a key principal. Every element of the composition was refined to strike the right balance between eco-friendliness and performance. The team ran rigorous tests to ensure the final product would meet both sustainability objectives and the customer’s exact specifications.
Once perfected, the new water-based coating exceeded expectations. It matched the performance of solvent-based options without the environmental cost, ultimately becoming the chosen solution for the project.
For Panya, the success underscored Caldic’s broader philosophy: that creativity and innovation can and must be applied to reduce carbon footprints. The project in Thailand now stands as a testament to what’s possible when environmental ambition meets technical expertise and bold collaboration.
The Thailand team won Caldic’s Global Excellence Award for Sustainability for the innovation and the successful completion of the project.
By embedding eco-friendlier solutions into every stage of the production process, businesses can make meaningful strides toward sustainability.
Innovation in coatings and construction drives high-performance and sustainability. With Caldic, customers have access to raw materials, labs, and insight to solve tough formulation challenges. We co-create durable, compliant, and future-ready solutions across industries.
