In electronic plants, static must be discharged safely to prevent damage to equipment or finished products.

Rethinking flooring: Nippon Paint providing solutions to different industrial needs

As new industrial and construction demands emerge, the need for advanced flooring solutions is growing across industrial, commercial and residential settings. Innovative and well-executed flooring is now essential to support the diverse requirements of these sectors, providing durability, safety and design versatility that can meet the challenges of today’s dynamic environments.

There is a common misconception that flooring is primarily an aesthetic choice, with visual appeal taking precedence over functionality. Many businesses and consumers assume that if flooring looks good, it has fulfilled its purpose. However, flooring is about far more than appearance—it plays a vital role in the performance, safety and sustainability of a space. Poor flooring choices can lead to higher maintenance costs, frequent repairs, operational disruptions or even a compromised customer experience.

In reality, flooring forms the essential foundation of any space and its significance extends well beyond its surface. Floors must endure daily wear and tear, heavy foot traffic, mechanical loads and potentially harsh chemical exposure.

While aesthetics and design trends may influence flooring choices, it is crucial to remember that floors must withstand a range of demands—from high traffic and impacts to environmental factors like humidity, heat and chemical spills. Quality, durable flooring not only enhances the appearance of a space but also minimises repair costs, reduces long-term maintenance and serves as a wise, strategic investment in any construction project.

“Flooring requires right specifications,” said Nippon Paint Malaysia senior manager Ester Goh. She emphasised that while flooring design often takes precedence, proper installation is equally critical to long-term durability. 

Addressing different environmental factors

Nippon Paint’s flooring systems are available in a wide range of colours and
shades, allowing for customised designs that meet any aesthetic preference.

Nippon Paint recognises that flooring systems must meet a wide range of requirements depending on the specific environment in which they are used. From industrial facilities and sports courts to car parks with unique demands, Nippon Paint provides comprehensive flooring solutions tailored for diverse industries and applications.

For example, thermal shock-resistant flooring is specially designed to withstand rapid temperature changes, which can cause conventional floors to crack. This feature is particularly valuable in environments like cold storage facilities, where extreme temperature fluctuations are common. 

Similarly, in food-related industries, floors must endure frequent sterilisation and high-temperature washings. In food industries such as food processing, packaging  and cold storage, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is of utmost importance. For these contexts, durable, HACCP-certified, food-safe flooring solutions are essential to ensure a hygienic environment. Given such environments, flooring must meet stringent standards for both high-heat sterilisation or low-temperature conditions.

Production plants and logistics warehouses face multiple types of stress on their flooring surfaces due to the nature of their operations. The primary stress comes from heavy mechanical loads due to machinery usage but chemical exposure and thermal stress are also significant factors that impact flooring in these settings. Hence, these surfaces must withstand thermal shock, chemical exposure, impact and abrasion, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.

In high-tech environments like semiconductor plants and data centres, the risk of electrostatic discharge can pose a threat to sensitive equipment. Nippon Paint offers both anti-static conductive and dissipative flooring systems for these settings. This specialised flooring prevents the buildup of static electricity, ensuring the protection of both equipment and personnel.

As for car parks, these are essential facilities in densely populated areas. While there are various types of car parks, the most common are multi-story structures, both above and below ground. These parking areas require floors that can withstand heavy traffic, resist oil spills and provide long-lasting durability. It is crucial for car park floors to reflect light effectively to ensure that line markings and pedestrians are clearly visible, enhancing overall safety.  Sports facilities, on the other hand, need flooring systems with enhanced shock absorption and slip resistance to promote user safety and improve performance. For flooring that is exposed to the Malaysian weather, they need to be durable against the weathering effects. 

“We (Nippon Paint) don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution for all sectors as we understand every floor has different needs and challenges unique to its respective project. Hence, it should be a tailor-made comprehensive solution under our Total Coating and Construction Solutions (TCCS),” Goh said. 

“When making flooring decisions, both businesses and consumers must move beyond short-term aesthetics and adopt a more strategic approach,” she added.

Optimising performance

For businesses, flooring is a long-term investment and it is essential to evaluate not only the upfront costs but also the lifecycle costs associated with maintenance, repairs and eventual replacement. Important considerations include:

• Operational requirements: Heavy-duty environments require flooring solutions that can withstand high levels of stress such as epoxy or polyurethane floors. In office or retail spaces, however, balancing aesthetics with durability is crucial.
• Safety and compliance: Flooring must adhere to safety regulations. Anti-slip, anti-static and chemical-resistant features reduce the risk of accidents and workplace liabilities, ensuring a safe environment for both employees and customers.
• Stakeholder communication and planning: Consistent communication with flooring solution providers is vital for a smooth installation process. Nippon Paint offers comprehensive pre-construction, construction and post-construction services, including inspection, consultation, proposals, on-site technical support and thorough handovers. This approach ensures optimal installation and workmanship throughout the project.

Sports facilities need flooring systems with enhanced shock absorption and slip resistance to promote user safety and improve performance.

This article is part of a series on Total Coating and Construction Solutions from Nippon Paint, with the first article titled Defeating Design Demons: The Silent Threats published on October 11, 2024.

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