Interview with Viki Wouters, Sales and Marketing Representative of Kaneka MS Polymer™

In our interview with Viki Wouters, Sales and Marketing Representative of Kaneka MS Polymer™, we discussed the development process and innovative activities of Kaneka MS Polymer™.

Could you briefly tell us about yourself?

My name is Viki Wouters. I work as Sales and Marketing Representative for Kaneka MS Polymer™. I joined Kaneka approximately 5 years ago to inform people about Kaneka MS Polymer™ and increase market awareness of the product.

Could you describe the development process your company has undergone since its establishment?

The story of Kaneka MS Polymer™ began in the 1970s in Japan. Silane-terminated polyethers (STPEs) were developed as an alternative to silicones and polyurethanes in high-rise buildings in earthquake-prone regions. The adhesive or sealant used needed to be strong enough to hold everything together but also allow some movement due to earthquakes. Following the product's success, broader applications were developed and Kaneka brought this technology to market in other regions. Our factory in Belgium was Kaneka MS Polymer™'s first production facility outside Japan. Later, we established factories in the United States and Malaysia to be accessible worldwide.

Could you tell us about your products, target market, and the sectors you serve?

Kaneka MS Polymer™ is a base resin used in the production of adhesives, sealants and coatings. Therefore, our customers consist of adhesive and sealant manufacturers. Thanks to the unique properties of the product, Kaneka MS Polymer™-based products deliver exceptional performance in a wide range of target markets such as construction, industrial, transportation, flooring, and do-it-yourself (DIY) applications. The most important characteristics of the product are: excellent adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces, permanent elasticity, good mechanical performance, and being an environmentally friendly product that requires no solvents or isocyanates and has a very low volatile organic compound content.

Could you tell us a bit about your sales activities, particularly which regions you focus on?

With our office and production facility in Belgium, we serve the entire EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Our product is an established and recognized product in Western Europe, but we believe there are still many opportunities in other regions that need to be explored. We are currently expanding our activities in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Initial discussions with the African market are underway, but we will need some more time for that.

Have you recently undertaken any innovative activities that will make a difference in the paints sector?

A short time ago we developed a water-based version of MS Polymer™ and are currently launching it to the market. This product can also be used in the coatings sector. The viscosity of our product was previously too high for thin coatings. Now, sprayable coatings and adhesives can be produced using this product. By adding MS Polymer™, paints can be made more flexible and thus benefit the paint industry.

Technological developments and digitalization offer innovative opportunities for many sectors. What are your activities in the field of digital transformation?

Some new technologies actually present new possibilities that we want to create solutions for. For example, let's consider batteries. Batteries must not overheat. To prevent this, a heat-dissipating paste can be produced with MS Polymer™. This can be used not only in electric vehicles, but also in bicycles, smartphones and other devices.

What kind of difference needs to be made to achieve global success?

The market is undoubtedly growing. However, you need to make a difference in terms of product. The solution we currently apply does not contain isocyanates and silicone oil and has permanent elasticity. The circular economy is also becoming increasingly important: since the paste does not adhere excessively to surfaces, it can be easily removed later when needed, facilitating the recycling of specific parts. The fact that our products are globally available also helps it achieve global success.  

"The fact that our products are globally available also helps it achieve global success."

 

 

Could you tell us about some of the projects you have developed in line with technological trends?

We continue to develop new application areas for our product. In an environment that is constantly changing, we must continuously develop new ideas and regularly present new solutions to the markets we monitor.

What are your hobbies?

I love to travel and see the most beautiful places in the world. I have seen some of these beautiful places, but there are many more on my list! Besides that, I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible and occasionally relaxing with a good book.