A long-standing partnership with a shared vision for innovation and sustainability — discover this exclusive pre-ECS interview featuring Michelman and Safic-Alcan.
Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of specialised, sustainable chemistry serving multiple industries, including architectural coatings, digital printing, foodservice packaging, agriculture, and advanced composites for automotive and aerospace.
Safic-Alcan, an independent distributor of specialty chemicals with a global footprint, has been cooperating closely with Michelman since 2007. Together, the two companies support coatings formulators worldwide with best-in-class ingredients, technical expertise and market insight.
Driven by the collaboration between Luc Vanderstappen, Account Manager EMEA at Michelman, and Jean-Marie Schmuck, Business Development Director Coatings at Safic-Alcan, the partnership has expanded across Europe, Africa and beyond. In this joint interview, they share insights on what makes a partnership last, how sustainability is shaping the coatings industry, and what visitors can expect at the European Coatings Show (ECS) in Nuremberg.
A Partnership Built to Last
Luc Vanderstappen: “This successful partnership is based on market knowledge, technical sales support, mutual trust, transparency, responsiveness, respect for each other’s business strategy, and personal relationships. Continuous product training and our technical support allow the Safic-Alcan Sales Teams to be a valued partner for our customers.”
Jean-Marie Schmuck: “If we take ‘key ingredients’ in its literal meaning, Michelman’s robust portfolio for building paints and exterior wood coatings is a first pillar. More seriously, our partnership has been forged on mutual trust and open dialogue, allowing us to focus our efforts on delivering specific solutions for our customers.”
Long-Term Partnerships, Long-Term Value
Luc Vanderstappen: “It enables Safic-Alcan’s Industry Managers to develop strong relationships with each customer. This in-depth understanding allows them to identify needs and propose optimal solutions using Michelman’s products.”
Jean-Marie Schmuck: “In a complex and constantly evolving market, coatings customers know that both our companies can understand their challenges and support long-term project development through innovative solutions.”
A Remarkable Growth Story
Luc Vanderstappen: “Several projects stand out, but the geographical expansion is especially remarkable. It started in 2007 with Safic-Alcan as our channel to market for coatings in France. Thanks to Safic-Alcan’s contributions, we expanded to the UK, Turkey, Italy, Central Eastern Europe and more recently South Africa.”
Jean-Marie Schmuck:“Safic-Alcan has grown rapidly over the last decade, opening new offices in CEE and Africa. I’m grateful to Michelman for their trust and for progressively expanding our distribution agreement over the past five years.”
Sustainability at the Heart of Coatings Innovation
Luc Vanderstappen: “Innovating a sustainable future is a shared vision for Michelman and Safic-Alcan. Safic plays a crucial role in identifying regional requirements and helping guide our production plans and formulations so customers can meet their sustainability goals.”
Jean-Marie Schmuck: “By sharing common values, both companies embrace the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In practice, our customers benefit from Michelman’s expertise in water-based surface modifiers and polymers, combined with Safic-Alcan’s technical sales guidance throughout their projects.”
What to Expect at the European Coatings Show
Luc Vanderstappen: “We will showcase our sustainable solutions, exterior wood applications and metal treatment technologies. A Senior Application Specialist will also be present to answer technical questions.”
Jean-Marie Schmuck: “After a successful co-exhibition in 2019, renewing this experience felt natural. Michelman will have a dedicated space at our booth where we can hold joint meetings, review ongoing projects and introduce new eco-friendly solutions.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Coatings
Luc Vanderstappen: “The coatings industry will face increasing pressure from consumers, governments and regulators to reduce environmental impact. Close collaboration between formulators and raw material suppliers will be essential to accelerate sustainable innovation.”
Jean-Marie Schmuck: “Despite uncertainty, I strongly believe innovation and sustainability will remain the key drivers. Alongside partners like Michelman, we are actively working to overcome challenges and continue meeting customer expectations.”
Shaping Sustainable Coatings Together
Through trust, technical expertise and shared sustainability goals, Michelman and Safic-Alcan continue to shape the future of the coatings industry — together.