POLYMERS FOR INDUSTRY - vinavil

Ravenna plantLiquid raw materialsstorage tanks.

PRODUCTS ANDSOLUTIONSFOR THE GLOBALMARKET13As a result of continuing industrial upgrading and development programmes, Vinavil totalglobal capacity is around 400,000 t/year in 2012. Currently, our key product range allowsus to serve a wide variety of market sectors ranging from adhesives to textiles and fromthe construction industry to the chewing-gum market. The Mapei Group absorbs around50% of Vinavil production and it encourages the push towards speciality products fordiversified application sectors and for particular market niches.To quote but one example, Vinavil adhesives offering includes over 50 products forwidely diverse applications, with peaks of excellence in the wood adhesives segment.Specifically, Vinavil leads the water-resistant adhesives market.

14For the shipment ofliquid products, Vinaviluses technologicallyadvancedvehiclesand equipment toensure top-qualitycustomer service instrict compliance withcurrent environmentaland safety regulations

The search for new products for niche areas of expertise is theVINAVIL key to success. Research efforts aim at the definitionof polymers, capable of satisfying the most sophisticated marketneeds. Vinavil technical assistance plays an important role inbacking the client during the application of the new products.Ravenna factory.Details of the tank storageof special products forexclusive use by Mapei.LEADERSHIPIN PRODUCTSIn our state-of-the-art Research& Development laboratories inMilan and Villadossola, highly-qualifiedpersonnel ensure that our productrange is constantly updated to meetthe requirements of an increasinglydemanding customer base and rapidlyevolving legislation.Alongside our established productsfor traditional uses, specialties arebeing developed including extrapuregrade solid polymers used asbases for chewing-gum components,dispersions employed in protectivecoatings for cheese preservation, antishrinkingagents for polymer artefacts(particularly for the automotive industry),secondary suspension agents forVCM (vinyl chloride) polymerisation,products for water-based paints thatare environmentally friendly, have lowVOC emission, etc.We also take into account highlyspecialiseduses which, while notaffecting the bottom line, addresscustomers’ immediate and keyproblems. Examples of such uses wereprojects to consolidate ground surfaceto prevent dust discharge (Seveso in1976, San Rossore estate in 1978), orcement-asbestos parts to be appliedprior to asbestos removal. These typesof products were also used in thearea of artwork restoration, includingthe gluing onto synthetic meshes offragments of Giotto and Cimabuefrescoes, which had crumbled duringthe Assisi earthquake of September1997, an operation which enabledcomplete restoration of the vaults of theBasilica of Saint Francis.As a result of its efforts, Vinavil S.p.A.has succeeded in tripling its productionvolume over a period of ten years withonly minimal increases to the number ofoperating personnel, achieving in 2001a positive income which continued togrow over the years and reaching in2011 sales for more than 164 millionEuro. Today, Vinavil S.p.A. is a strongmanufacturing company with goodgrowth prospects founded on its knowhowand on a globally-establishedbrand.Vinavil also fits perfectly into MapeiGroup dynamic structure, which furtherstimulates its growth and expansion,in line with its traditional philosophy ofconsidering research as the primarydriver of business development.products and solutions for the global market15

16Villadossola plant.Transportation of rawmaterials by rail tanks.

THE VINAVIL WORLDAROUND US19Vinavil is constantly present in our daily life. Vinavil best known product since the 50s,the all-purpose glue made from polyvinyl-acetate (obtained through vinyl-acetatepolymerisation) in its distinctive red and white bottle. However, the renowned white glueis not the Company only product. Vinavil also offers special application solutions, suchas solid polymers for the chewing-gum industry, binders for many cosmetic products(blush, mascara, shampoo, hairspray) labelled as PVA (polyvinyl-acetate). Few peopleknow that the coating of hard cheeses skin is made with Vinavil as binder. Vinavil is foundin a large number of items around us such as paints, furniture, cardboard boxes, books,newspapers, and packaging as well as on the walls and in the framework of our houses.Vinavil polymers are also used as components in numerous construction chemicals.

VINAVIL IS HERE

VINAVILPRODUCT RANGE23The world of Vinavil includes a wide variety of products. Vinavil offers its customers thefull range of vinyl-acetate homopolymers, including base products which can be used asraw materials as well as ready-for-use modified and/or plasticised products for the joineryand carton packaging segments. Eight major product lines group together improvingproducts that are consistently able to meet the most demanding requirements of theItalian and international marketplace. Water-based paint binders, adhesive dispersions,redispersible polymer powders, solid polymers for the chewing-gum industry, special usebeads, vinyl adhesives for the DIY market, acrylic polymers for miscellaneous uses andspecial tailor-made polymers. Experience and innovation are the winning tools that havemade Vinavil the leading Italian company in the polymer dispersions sector.

24A view of Vinavilmain Research& DevelopmentCentre buildinginside theVilladossola factory.

VINAVIL products are exclusively aqueous dispersions orsolids. The dispersions are a homogeneous distribution ofpolymer particles in water with different chemical composition.The solids are made of vinylic polymers or copolymers in formof bulk, flake, powder, bead, pearl and pastille.EIGHT MAJORPRODUCT LINESDispersion and/or modified and/or plasticised homopolymerspackaging and joinery industriesIn the area of vinyl-acetatehomopolymers, Vinavil offers a vastarray of products used mainly asindustrial raw materials. Differentin solid content and viscosity, thediverse formulations of these productsare appropriate for each specificapplication: from textile finishes,requiring fluid products to be sprayed,to carton packaging adhesives to bemachine spread and wood adhesivesto be applied by brush.Dispersion vinyl-versaticcopolymerscoating binders.Vinyl-versatic copolymers are used inthe wall coating industry. The individualproducts in this line are designed tohave specific features from which thedifferent formulations used in the paintand coating segment can be obtained.Vinyl-ethylene copolymerdispersionswood with plastic materialsVinyl-ethylene copolymers are used in avariety of sectors.Vinavil offers a range of adhesiveswith different characteristics for eachapplication. Our product range alsoincludes dispersions for low-VOC waterbasedpaints as well as cross-linkableproducts for the textile industry, designedfor various applications (syntheticwadding, bound materials, pigmentprinting, woven non-woven etc.).Vinyl-acetate polymersfor the food industrychewing-gumOur products for the food industryconsist of two types: solids (withdifferent molecular weight according tothe customers’ specific requirements),used as binders for chewing-gum bases,and dispersions used for hard cheesecoatings. In the latter area, innovativevinyl-ethylene and acrylic products arealso being developed.Ravenna plant.Left. Detail of thechewing-gumpolymer finishingsystem consisting ofSandvik type tape andflaking machine.Right.Detail of anemulsion reactor.vinavil product range25

The polymer in form of redispersible powder is a key componentfor cementitious adhesives. Even if added in small quantities,the powders allow to reach the highest standards in term ofadhesion, malleability, resistance, flexibility and water repellenceperformances. They are used in the Mapei cementitious products.Left. Packaging ofredispersible powders,a top product forcement adhesives.Below. Automobiles(in the photo, a BMW)are a good exampleof one of the primaryapplications for Vinavilsolid polymers, i.e. bodypart manufacture andman controlling thereaction trend througha visual spy.Copolymer solutionsmarketAcrylic products as self-adhesivesin the automotive industry and inprotective films. The viscosity of eachof these polymer solutions is suitablefor different applications: low viscosity ifthe adhesive needs to penetrate poroussubstrates or form thin glue lines; highviscosity for uneven surfaces or verticalapplications.Vinyl fixatives are used to consolidateextremely dusty or damaged surfaces.Solid vinyl-acetate homoand copolymersthermoforming of composite materialsBead products obtained bypolymerisation of vinyl-acetate inwater suspension. They have differentmolecular weight according to theirdifferent uses.Anti-shrinkage agents also require achemical modification of the polymerthrough the introduction of limitedamounts of other monomers.Acrylic copolymersbindersand paintsmembranesThe availability of different acrylicmonomers allows us to obtaindispersion products with extremelyversatile chemical-physicalcharacteristics, which may be offeredfor numerous applications in thedifferent sectors in which Vinaviloperates.Redispersible powders(vinyl-acetate copolymers)adhesiveBecause of their different structuralfeatures powders obtained by spraydrying, the dispersions are used,among others, in cement materialsto increase adhesion, malleability,scratch resistance, flexibility and waterrepellence properties.vinavil product range27

28Ravenna plant.Vinyl-acetatepolymer emulsionsynthesis reactors.

30Villadossola plant.A detail of the polymeremulsion filteringsystems.

AREASOF APPLICATION31Because of their particular adhesive features, Vinavilproducts are used as binders in a variety of industries.The five main areas of application include:Most of Vinavil products are water based dispersions

32Ravenna plant.Reactor for the manufactureof acrylic esters used asconcrete super-fluidisers.

The VINAVIL binders are used in various applications. All productsare water based and then solvent-free, with an extremely lowcontent of volatile organic compounds. The total absence of solventsguarantees the safety from the point of view of the environment andof the health of those who produce and apply the products.AREAS OF APPLICATIONADHESIVEINDUSTRYEthylene, vinyl-ester andacrylic-based homopolymerand copolymer dispersionsfor the carton packaging, woodand plastic materials industries.Solid homopolymers for the solventadhesives industry.Various gluing problems, even themost difficult, are resolved using liquiddispersions of Vinavil polymers, ratherthan traditional solvent adhesives.In addition to vinyl dispersions, Vinavilstarted making environmentally-friendlywater-based acrylic self-adhesives,for the production of self-adhesivecompounds for tapes and labels.Even when products with specificperformance features are required,such as moisture and heat resistantwater-based adhesives, Vinavil is readyto meet all customer needs with themost suitable products.The R&D centre is always very attentiveto the environmental sustainability ofproducts and their formulations.CONSTRUCTIONADDITIVES INDUSTRYPowder homopolymers andcopolymers for the building industry.Vinyl-versatic, vinyl-ethylene, acrylicand styrene-acrylic copolymers for thecoatings industry.In this sector there is growing demandfor environmentally-friendly, technicallywell-performing and easy-to-applymaterials.Vinavil offers a series of binding agents,available both as liquid dispersionsand as redispersible powders, for useas essential components in multipleformulations.Tile adhesives, restoration mortars,grouts and thermal insulation systemscould not be manufactured withoutthese products.Over the last ten years, water-basedVinavil glue in itsdistinctive bottle:particularly suitedfor wood bindingand modelbuilding.Adhesivesobtained fromVinavil polymerare used for tilelaying.33

The surfaces to be painted are in general wide areas like the wallsof houses or hospitals. This could enhance the risk of release ofvolatile organic compounds. That’s why it is very important thatthe binders, in addition to excellent performance, minimize thisphenomenon. VINAVIL products fully satisfy this need.paints have replaced, on the one hand,solvent-based paints, with obviousenvironmental benefits and, on theother hand, lime, with considerablebenefits in terms of performance.The key to this success has been theavailability of water-based polymerbinders.Vinavil has pioneered this field in Italy.Thanks to their quality, our productshave always set the standard in theindustry. Essentially, Vinavil allowsmulti-sector adhesive manufacturers toformulate truly eco-compatiblefinished products, making our homessafer and more comfortable.PAINT AND COATINGINDUSTRYAcrylic and vinyl-versaticcopolymer dispersions for specialapplications in the coatings industry.Vinavil’s water-based paints complywith even the strictest environmentalrequirements and at the same timeare fully comparable, and for someaspects, outperform equivalent solventbasedproducts.Special water-based paints areapplied for decorative enamels, woodlacquers, anti-corrosion andflexographic varnishes and road paints.Excellent performance in the varioussectors of application, together with100% non-toxic dispersions, contributeto the high growth potential of theseproducts.Left. Mosaicrestored withproductscontaining Vinavilpolymers.Middle. Detail of awindow protectedwith Vinavilbinder-basedcoating.Right. Detail ofwall coating:water-basedpaint with Vinavilbinders.areas of application35

Even clothes and food are in contact with our body. The polymers inthese applications must therefore respect the strongest requirementsin terms of purity. VINAVIL has contributed to solve two problems inthe chewing-gum sector: the littering after use (on the sidewalks) andthe slow release of flavours during the mastication.TEXTILEINDUSTRYVinyl, acrylic and ethylene selfreticulatinghomo- and copolymerdispersions for the treatment of textileproducts. Besides surface textilefinishing, Vinavil dispersions are usedin more sophisticated applicationsin which the binders, thanks to theirparticular characteristics, play animportant role, such as in non-wovenfabrics or pigment printing. Thissector has always felt the need touse environmentally-friendly productsas much as possible. With this inmind, Vinavil has significantly reducedthe amount of polluting agentsonce present in older vinyl-acetatedispersions by using ethylene as aco-monomer. The company’s currentobjective is to develop self-crosslinkabledispersions not containingfree or free-able formaldehyde and notcontaining other volatile compoundsthat, even if not specifically prohibitedby law, may be released in theenvironment.FOOD INDUSTRYsurfaces after use only by a simplewashing. This product is covered bya patent which has been extended allover the world. It has been awardedby the 2011 OSCAR MASI prizefor innovation. The award has beenassigned by AIRI, the Italian Associationof Industrial Research;polymer content, only stabilized bypolyvinyl alcohol, suitable, in the foodand pharmaceutical industries, forthe coating of flavors and of activeprinciples which require a slow release.Vinavil produces special solid polymers,used in the production of base gum forchewing-gum, and dispersion polymersfor the covering film for certain hardskincheeses. Very strict and carefulchecks ensure these products’ fullsuitability for specific use, quality andshelf-life, in line with the requirementsof the most influential internationalsupervisory organisations.areas of application37Vinavil textile finishesare used to improve thefunctional properties andappearance of fabrics.Vinyl homopolymers for thechewing-gum industry and vinyl-acetatedibutyl-maleic-ester copolymers forthe cheese industry. These have beenrecently joined by 2 products that areproposed for niche areas and for morespecialized uses:the gum base that makes it possibleto remove the chewing gum from the

38The engineeringteam at Villadossolafactory designs newplants using advancedcomputer-aidedtechniques.

MANUFACTURINGAND ENGINEERING39worldwide.

40Ravenna plant.View of the yard withproducts packaged inmini-tanks and readyfor shipment.

The VINAVIL Engineering team designs new facilities andcooperates with the production to improve technical assets, to startnew plants and to optimize yeld of the sites. This is possible alsothanks to the full integration between Engineering and ProductionManagers, who are physically sitting next to each other.MANUFACTURINGCAPACITYIn 2011, Vinavil production atthe Villadossola and Ravennafacilities was over 202,500 tonnes,and a 2,5 increase is expected in2012. Since Mapei acquired thecompany, significant investments havebeen made to expand manufacturingand services. To quote an example,the Villadossola ethylene copolymerproduction was immediately restarted,reaching maximum site capacity withina short time. Also in Villadossola, a newpowder plant was built and at the sametime in the two sites five new emulsionpolymerisation reactors were installed.Manufacturing capacity doubled, bothfor homopolymers and for vinyl-versaticcopolymers. In Villadossola, a newacrylic copolymer production line wasadded. In Ravenna, Vinavil startedmanufacturing processing deals for itsparent company, Mapei, in the areaof concrete super-plasticisers and setaccelerators.The site, opened in Egypt in 2002,was originally equipped with tworeactors to which a third one was lateradded. It has an annual manufacturingcapacity of 35,000 t/year. The NorthAmerican plants (Laval, Canada andChicago, USA) have been equippedwith new polymerisation reactorsto achieve a total capacity of over80,000 t/year, and two powder plantswith a manufacturing capacity ofapproximately 20,000 t/year. Today,Vinavil’s total capacity worldwidestands at some 400,000 tonnes, withMapei Group alone absorbing almost50% of Italian production.THE ENGINEERINGTEAMVinavil has a dedicated engineeringteam in place made up of professionalsspecialised in the area of manufacturingsystems and processes. The teamreviews, recommends and createsthrough specialised companies themost innovative engineering solutionsfor the design, construction and testingof new manufacturing plants and theautomation and better efficiency ofexisting plants in all Vinavil sites.Villadossola plant.Left. Detail of the loop reactorfor the production of highpressureethylene copolymers.Right. Cooling tower.manufacturing and engineering41

42Ravenna factory.Detail of a state-of-the-artinsulated storage tank.

44Villadossola factory.Water tank fire.

ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION ANDCERTIFIED QUALITY45Health, safety and the environment are the three core values on which Vinavil bases its In line with these principles, Vinavil has obtained major international certifications in theemission limits than those prescribed under law.

46Villadossola factory.Biological wastewatertreatment system usedfor purifying waterbefore it is released intothe Ovesca torrent.

Vinavil considers the certification a key tool to run all businessactivities. VINAVIL is one of the few Italian companies to havereceived from Certiquality (National Institute for Certification)the Certification of Excellence, which is given to those companiesperforming at the best from the point of view of QUALITY.THE WORLDWIDEPRESTIGIOUSRECOGNITIONSThe success and thedevelopment of VINAVIL S.p.A. arebased on its ability and skill in efficientlymeeting its customer needs andexpectations, in compliance with thecurrent legislation. VINAVIL guaranteesthe safety of its plants and processestogether with the protection of theenvironment and the health of itsemployees and stakeholders.VINAVIL counts on its qualified researchstructures, competitive technologies,and efficient marketing organization, inorder to compete on the internationalmarket with other qualified and valuablecompanies.VINAVIL is strongly committed toRapportodi Sostenibilità7 Ambientale2011become a leading company in qualityof products and services, thanks toits technological patrimony, and tostrengthen its marketing structure.VINAVIL Company Quality System,including Milan headquarters,Villadossola and Ravenna plants, hasbeen certified by Certiquality since1995, according to ISO 9001 standardfor research, development, production,sales and technical service ofacetovinylic, ethylenic, acrylic, styreneacrylicresins, in solid, solution anddisperded state.Moreover, the Vinavil plants obtainedthe Environmental System Certificationaccording to ISO 14001 (Ravenna in2004, Villadossola in 2007) and theSafety System Certification accordingto BS-OHSAS 18001 in 2011. All theserecognitions allow VINAVIL to gain the“Certification of Excellence” in 2011.VINAVIL believes that all itsmanagement systems can be realand effective management tools tocontinuously improve the level ofits quality, safety and environmentalperformances.In line with such philosophy VINAVILis an active partner in the internationalproject Responsible Care ® , worldwidevoluntary initiative of chemical industryfor environment, safety and health care.Off-gas incenerator whichburns the organic emissionscoming from plants andstorages.environmental protection and certified quality47Villadossola e Ravenna

48Morphologicalanalysis bymeans of opticalmicroscope.

RESEARCH& DEVELOPMENTAND SALES49turnover in this activity. This area, which is the feather in Vinavil cap, currently employs-promptly follow, and sometimes anticipate, market demands.

50Creep test inaccordance withEN 14256 standard.The test issuccessful if thebonded parts donot warp after beingsubmitted to a 30 kgload for 21 days.Vinavil VilladossolaR&D Centre.

In our R&D labs, highly qualified people keep our product linesup-to-date, discover new applications and recommend customers howto use our products. Vinavil is strongly committed in assuring safe plantsfor the workers and the surrounding environment, as well asin implementing an environmentally friendly chemistry.RESEARCHAND TECHNOLOGYThe main Research &Development Centre is inVilladossola, Montedison’s historicalsite, which saw the developmentof many precursors of today’s keyproducts and of complex reactiontechnologies, still highly competitive todate.Villadossola also houses theTechnology Centre, which providestechnical service for the development ofnew products and their applications.A research unit also operates at MapeiMilan-based laboratories, mainly in theVilladossola R&D Centre.High-temperature shear testto determine the resistance ofthe self-adhesive compoundto creep under load.area of exploratory synthesis. It alsoprovides assistance in the Ravennamanufacturing activities, whose originalmethods, developed by ANIC (AziendaNazionale Idrogenazione Combustibili),differ from those developed byMontedison, followed in Villadossola.The Mapei R&D Centre in Laval,Canada also has a ten-member teamdedicated to the development andimprovement of Vinavil Americas’products and technologies.The various laboratories operate inclose contact with each other andwith the Villadossola Technical Serviceteam, often seeking assistance fromMapei, universities and scientific andindustrial research institutes. All thisresults in an intensive research activity,which enables the development ofnew products, the improvement ofthe existing ones and the transfer ofthe newly-developed products to themanufacturing plant.In this respect, once experimentationbased on at least five industrial trials iscomplete, the Formula Director at theSynthesis Department prepares theprocess manual, verifies and validatesany additional changes and revises theoperating instructions accordingly.TECHNICAL SERVICEAnother strong point of Vinavilresearch is the Technical ServiceLaboratory which is able to test productsin the application phase for the threesectors (adhesives, construction andtextiles) and support customers byrecommending the most suitable productand best application methods. Customersupport before and after sale is key toVinavil growth. Support is provided to allcustomers who request it or who haveproblems with a particular application.These situations often lead to cooperationsfor the formulation of specialuseproducts or the development of newapplications together with the customer.COMMERCIALAND MARKETINGORGANIZATIONAll highly qualified personnel has acquiredin-depth experience in the Research& Development and Technical Servicelaboratories. This outstanding handsonknowledge allows our sales force tobe successful on two different levels:firstly, in gaining a deep understandingof customers’ needs and requests, andsecondly, in providing accurate andobjective information to the CompanyR&D department, together with theMarketing team.research & development and sales51

52Chemical analysisand equipment forwater monitoring.

54VilladossolaR&D Centre.Laboratoryanalysis.

Attention to sustainability is the main driving force behind theResearch Center of Villadossola. The elimination of solvents, theprogressive replacement of PBT’s (Persistent, Bio-accumulativeand Toxic materials) and the definition of safe products with highperformances and durability are the driving criteria of Vinavil.RESEARCHFOR PEOPLE ANDTHE ENVIRONMENTOne of the main objectives ofVinavil’s research is to develop productswith an increasingly higher safety profilefor users, harmless for those whocome in contact with them and with thelowest possible environmental impact.To this end, formulas have beendeveloped where all hazardouscomponents are progressivelyeliminated, and the content of VOCswhich may potentially be released intothe environment has been minimised.Today, in each market segmentwhere it operates, Vinavil can offerproducts compliant with the regulatoryrequirements applicable in the differentcountries.In some cases, in co-operation with itskey customers the Company anticipateslaw provisions, eliminating sensitivecomponents from its formulas.For example, Vinavil has alreadyremoved from its food packagingproducts components like phthalates,suspected of modifying the endocrinesystem and of being potentiallycarcinogenic; for the same reason, paintbinders are produced without using anyethoxylated alkyl phenols, which may beclassified as toxic for reproduction.SUSTAINABILITY:THE INNOVATIONSTRATEGY FOR THECHEMICAL INDUSTRYThe Chemical Industry ischaracterized by strong scientific andtechnological bias, aimed at conservingnatural resources and environmentalquality. It develops innovations andnew solutions for the improvement ofpeople’s health and quality life for thefuture generations.Sustainability is the key note to dictatethe progress of the whole ChemicalIndustry in the next decade.Europe can get a leading position,since its market is asking for newsustainable products, following the voteby the European Parliament in favour ofthe REACH Regulations, which in turnwill force the Chemical Industry to carryout a severe and costly assessmenton how to implement them: this hasto be seen as an opportunity to takeadvantage of, rather than a threat.The Chemical Industry is at aresearch & development and sales55

56Wood Failure Percentage(WFP) determination accordingto ISO 6238.

crossroads. It may indeed choosethe road which leads to resisting thechanges, but this is certainly a shortsighted,losing approach. Vinavil hasbravely chosen the road which leadsto product innovation, consideringsustainability as the guiding star forits path. Sustainability may representa factor of competitiveness, as longas the relevant characteristics areacknowledged by the market as avalue. This can be achieved through:strategies aimed at consumers andindustrial users;incentives for sustainable solutions.In so doing, we may erect legitimatebarriers against the entry, fromother markets, of products withcharacteristics not meeting theEuropean standards of sustainability.INTERNATIONALSTANDARDSVinavil tests products in itslaboratories for suitability, applyingthe strictest criteria such as thoserequired by the ISO, CEN, ASTM andDIN standards. Special-applicationproducts, e.g. in the adhesivessegment, have obtained specificcertifications from national andinternational certification organisations.The characteristics of the differentproduction lots are periodically testedin the laboratories to make sure thatthe chemical, physical and applicationproperties are reproducible and meetthe requirements of the relevantclasses.Vinavil experts also participate instudy groups as well as national andinternational commissions for thedefinition and correct performance ofthe analyses and tests in use in theindustry.R&D labs: specifictests useful for theimprovement of theproduct range.From the left.Lab scale reactor inthe first phase of a newproduct development.Contact angleequipment for surfacetension investigation.Wood coatingapplication by spray.Flocking machine fortextile (artificial velvet).research & development and sales57

58Villadossola R&D Centre.Overview of the newStandard Climatic Chamber.

60Ravenna plant.New raw materialsstorage tanks.

WE MOVE BOLDLYTOWARDS THE FUTURE61Vinavil is consolidating its role as supplier to fine chemistry companies and as contributorto Mapei Group growth in the global market. Vinavil strategy focuses on strengthening theCompany with new product lines and improving the existing ones. Vinavil main asset is itsability to grow. Toward this end, Vinavil devotes increasing energy and large investments,using financial resources as well as research, design, construction, management andmarketing abilities: the Company true assets. The future is within Vinavil - the future iswithin us.

62Detail of theflotation unitfor wastewatertreatment.

Vinavil aims at becoming more and more competitive all over theworld. Its philosophy is to put particular emphasis on niche areas,developing products environmentally sustainable and obtainablefrom renewable resources. This will help the company to succeedin its determined effort towards continuous a growth and success.The third phase in Vinavil’s longhistory is underway. When Mapeiacquired it in 1994, the Company waseffectively re-established and madeonce again competitive. Today, througha bold and ambitious investmentprogramme, we are planning a“quantitative leap” that will resultin twice our current manufacturingcapacity in the medium term.Vinavil is establishing itself as a majorsupplier of specialties for the formulatedproducts and fine chemistry industry,both for Mapei Group and for theinternational market, able to competewith the top players in the sector.Vinavil’s expansion, planned to takeplace in line with Mapei strategicgrowth, will include the launch of newproduct lines and the expansion ofexisting ones.At the same time, related-services willbe enhanced, including but not limitedto energy self-production(a cogeneration system in Villadossolafor higher energy efficiency) andproduct flow rationalisation, withsubstantial changes in internal andexternal logistics.All this to make Vinavil even morecompetitive in the domestic and globalmarket, boosting the ongoing virtuouscycle which underlies the Company’sgrowth and improvement process,while ensuring total respect for theenvironment.In addition to these plannedinvestments, Vinavil will capitalise onits advantages over competition byinteracting more and more closely withthe parent company Mapei, leveragingits strong presence in the domestic andinternational market and as a worldrenownedbrand.This ambitious programme, to beconducted in agreement with theauthorities, in synergy with thecustomers and using authoritativeexternal sources of knowledge(universities, CNR, excellence centres,etc.) is based on managerial, financial,technical and commercial resourcesinternal to the Group. Vinavil future istruly within Vinavil.View of the Ovesca torrentdownstream, the VinavilVilladossola factory’swastewater discharge.we move boldly towards the future63

64LA SCALA THEATREMILAN, ITALYProducts containingVinavil polymers wereused for the renovationof La Scala Theatre.

VINAVIL IN THEBINDERS INDUSTRY65The binders industry is a very important sector for Vinavil. Numerous innovative products,created to solve the many problems found on site, are obtained using Vinavil polymers.Vinavil makes a highly-qualified contribution to the formulation of the most advancedproducts for the building and furniture industry and, in particularly difficult cases, its roleproves to be fundamental to finding the most efficient solution. The restoration of historicalbuildings of great artistic value and many major projects completed throughout the worldare tangible evidence of Vinavil commitment in this area. The following are some of theimportant completed works in which Vinavil has made a decisive contribution. Aside fromthe effectiveness of the products, these examples highlight the Company ability to meetthe international industry requirements.

VINAVIL S.P.A.VIA VALTELLINA, 6320159 MILAN - ITALYTEL. +39 0269554.1FAX +39 0269554.890VINAVIL@VINAVIL.COMPOLYMERS FOR INDUSTRY