Interviews with PPG and with dsm-firmenich
Marizeth Pádua de Carvalho, General Manager Latin America South and Head of Global Strategic Marketing for Industrial Coatings
PPG
What is PPG's international and local footprint?
Known for its acquisition-driven approach, PPG continuously integrates new technologies and innovations into its portfolio, having generated US$18.2 billion in revenue in 2023.
Brazil serves as PPG's main gateway to South America, with four plants nationwide. The main facility in Sumaré specializes in automotive, packaging, industrial, automotive refinish and protective & marine coatings. A newer plant, the result of an acquisition in 2019, focuses on non-stick industrial paints. The remaining two plants in the south produce architectural paints under Renner brand, in Gravataí, and adhesives and sealants in São José dos Pinhais. Could you shed light on PPG's investments in the region?
Today, nearly all major investments are driven by modernization, productivity and above all, sustainability, which is our company's guiding principle. In this context, PPG has invested US$2.7 million in Brazil to expand its powder coatings plant capacity by 40% to meet future demand. Additionally, we expanded our packaging plant to introduce a new product line featuring non-BPA technology.
Given PPG's focus on sustainability, what recent products have been launched to market?
In 2023, we launched a product called Enviro-Prime EPIC 300, part of our e-coating solutions that dries at a lower temperature, reducing energy consumption. Our pre-treatment technology, Versabond LT, which treats metal substrates to prepare metals that will receive paint, has also gained relevance due to its low temperature cure, its compact system that uses water more efficiently, generates less sludge.
I´d also like to highlight Sigmaglide 2390 from our Protective and Marine coatings segment which promotes less carbon emissions due to lower fuel consumption as it is an anti-friction coating, which increases the efficiency of vessels, in addition to being environmentally friendly, as it does not contain biocides.
Mauricio Adade, President – Latin America
DSM-FIRMENICH
What does the merged dsm-firmenich look like?
The synergies between DSM and Firmenich have significantly impacted all Latin American markets, such as in Brazil and Mexico. Both countries have seen strong integration, particularly in products that combine flavor and better nutrition. In Mexico, for instance, we launched a powdered energy drink with a unique flavor, further showcasing the positive synergies of the merger.
dsm-firmenich has four business units dedicated to animal nutrition & health, perfumery & beauty, taste, texture & health, and health, nutrition and care.
What role does innovation play in dsm-firmenich overall strategy?
We have several research centers distributed across the globe. In Brazil, we operate an R&D center for flavors and fragrances near São Paulo, an experimental farm in Mato Grosso focused on dairy and beef cattle nutrition, and a laboratory in Campinas for ingredient application.
One of our most recent innovations is Bovaer, which was first approved in Brazil. This sustainability-focused product is added in small amounts to cattle feed to reduce methane emissions by at least 30%. Since methane accounts for half of Brazil’s greenhouse gas emissions, Bovaer plays a crucial role in helping the country meet its environmental goals.
How would you define dsm-firmenich’s priorities for the next months?
By October 2024, dsm-firmenich will inaugurate a new plant in the state of Minas Gerais to produce animal nutrition ingredients for beef and dairy cattle, with an investment ranging from R$30 to R$50 million. dsm-firmenich also acquired Prodap, a company specialized in automation and technology for farm management. With Prodap’s technology, FarmTell, we can pursue professional and efficient farm management, regardless of the farm’s size, making operations more effective and transparent while providing insights on improving animal nutrition.