Wacker has expanded its services at its technical center in Singapore located in Singapore Science Park. The center now includes laboratories, applications technology and test equipment for polymer dispersions needed as binders for interior architectural paints. This expansion not only enables Wacker to help its local customers develop new and customized products, but also encourages the exchange of know-how and promotes internationally recognized quality standards in the region.

The company said the expansion was made necessary by the region’s strong economic growth, particularly with regard to sophisticated paint and coating applications. This measure will help Wacker's position in the market for vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer (VAE) dispersions.

The current expansion has focused on VAE dispersions used as binders for interior architectural paints. The dispersions marketed under the brand name Vinnapas can be formulated over a broad range of pigment volume concentrations. Specific Vinnapas dispersions are manufactured without the use of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO) or formaldehyde donors. Further, they enable the formulation of high-performing coatings without the addition of plasticizers or solvents resulting in coatings with a low content of volatile organic compounds less than five grams per liter.