Paul King, Marketing and Board Director at Vicaima explores how the company is aligning environmental responsibility with innovation in the residential build sector
Sustainable Products that blend visionary ideas with practical solutions for the build environment. Not a pipe dream, but a reality with interior timber doors and joinery solutions from Vicaima.
Built from strong foundations spanning 65 years, the Vicaima Group; with its heritage rooted in Northern Portugal and now established in over 35 markets worldwide, is totally committed to a sustainable approach today and for the future. This is not born from a desire to tick the ever-growing list of ESG boxes, much lauded by some in the industry, but from the realization and recognition that sustainability is not only good for customers, clients and the planet, but importantly has the ability to transform an organization, providing the fuel that drives constant innovation.
When did sustainability become a priority for Vicaima?
You might say that it has always been important to the company, after all our products are largely derived from the use of timber-based materials, which in themselves are highly sustainable, renewable and energy efficient as a natural resource. However, it could also be acknowledged that the catalyst for Vicaima, was the pioneering work made to achieve FSC certification at the turn of the 21st century. Something that ultimately set us on the current path. More recently, the digital transformation of our business at the start of the current decade, enabled Vicaima to monitor every facet of our operation in minute detail, giving insight and clarity into the ways that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) can be embraced, implemented and further developed, to not only improve processes, but create fresh inspiration and new business opportunities.
What have you achieved, and does it make a difference in the current market?
When it comes to facts and figures, we have these in abundance. Evidencing the enormous strides being made annually, and which are set out in full in our most recent Sustainability Report for 2024. Whether it’s the 59% reduction in GHG Emissions since 2018, or the fact that we now derive 66% of our energy requirements from renewable sources, the message is clear, ambition, focus and determination can achieve tangible results.
There is no doubt that the world has changed, with increasing regulatory demands, heightened public scrutiny, and ever-rising expectations, Vicaima has the reputation, expertise and the desire to innovate sustainably. Thereby, meeting the needs of over 1700 customers globally.
How does technology enhance your ESG Objectives?
In respect to the UK and Ireland, which represents one of the Vicaima Groups most significant markets worldwide, the importance of customer-oriented understanding is paramount. Like many sectors, the construction industry is hampered by skills shortages and in recent years has witnessed the departure of long-standing technical expertise at a time when regulatory obligations make specification ever more important. Regardless of whether the requirement is for performance or environmental data, there is a recognition that it needs to be provided in an accessible and digestible manner and at a time that suits those in need, not restricted to conventional working hours. To meet this new-reality, Vicaima Limited have adopted Ai Technology, with the introduction Vicaima24/7.
This Ai driven chatbot is on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, guiding users to a wealth of information spread across installation instructions, maintenance advice, technical datasheets, and many other resources, thus ensuring queries are handled efficiently and effectively. Unlike static websites, Vicaima24/7 is a dynamic, evolving platform. It automates repetitive tasks and customer service processes, saving valuable time and resources. This evolution in service means that Vicaima can adapt to changing market needs and advancements in its own product and service offerings, ensuring that the information and support provided are always up-to-date and relevant.
While the core functionality of Vicaima24/7 depends on the meticulously curated knowledge base, Vicaima’s commitment goes beyond fixed information. We are dedicated to systematically updating this base, ensuring that the service remains relevant, comprehensive, and in step with the latest developments in products, together with specifier and customer needs.
How has your product design evolved to meet present residential market requirements?
Operating in so many different markets, both internationally and here in the UK, gives Vicaima a unique perspective. We are able to determine trends and changing fashions more rapidly and at the same time are alert to economic factors, which could have a bearing on projects and their viability. Naturally, Vicaima continue to have a comprehensive selection of environmentally sourced veneered and stained veneered products for discerning clients and applications. These have often been inspired by the numerous hotel and leisure projects undertaken by Vicaima across Europe, America and the Middle East and re-imagined for residential applications closer to home, often driven by interior designers seeking to depart from a more conventional approach.
However, when cost-effective design is paramount, for volume demand such as in the case of social housing for example, Vicaima have products that not only fulfil existing conventional norms, but go beyond performance and durability expectations, making the decision right for today and importantly in the long-term.
Can you give examples of Vicaima products that have been developed for sustainable residential developments?
While we would always advocate factory finished products, as they avoid the inevitable added costs, associated with labour and materials on site, we appreciate that there are some who still prefer to paint doors in situ. For these situations we developed and introduced a product called Primed 2 Go. With its revolutionary surface layer, it removes the need to sand or prime the face of doors and presents an ultra-smooth surface that simply requires a wipe clean before painting. Not only does this save time and money, but the end result means it’s far easier to achieve a very professional finish. This is now widely recognised as the primed door of choice in the market and has been specified extensively.
For those that see the value in pre-finishing, but still desire a white painted door, Lacdor® Satin White offers a prime example of a durable factory applied lacquered paint finish. Prized for its ultra-smooth and durable factory applied lacquered paint surface, Lacdor® incorporates solvent free and low energy technologies to safeguard sustainable product supply today and in the future. Available in a choice of Satin White RAL 9003 and Satin Pure White RAL 9010, these doors are supplied with a matching edge banding as standard. What’s more, both glazed and decoratively grooved variations are possible to cater for specific design scope.
Of course, considering sustainable solutions, also means thinking about longevity and here Vicaima have presented the market with hard-wearing solutions such as the new Dekordor® HD Magnet Black. Part of the ever-growing laminates offering from Vicaima, comprising an array of trend-driven solid colour options and wood effects, with a robust surface finish presenting high resistance and durability for challenging spaces.
Another, but no less significant introduction, has been the new Embossed Collection. Offering a selection of attractive models with embossed hardboard faces, this range includes both classic designs such as panelled arrangements, and also contemporary smooth and textured groove effect options. Here, with customer flexibility in mind, the finish options included both primed and low VOC pre-finished coatings, that need no further face painting on site.
What does the next chapter of Vicaima’s Sustainable future have in store?
We do not make light of the challenges ahead. However, we are excited by the numerous possibilities that this will present. The construction sector influences so many lives, especially for those working within our industry. Here at Vicaima we have the ability to shape, not only the sustainable expectations of our customers and the role played by our partners in the supply chain, but also to harness our diverse and inclusive human resource to deliver the appropriate outcomes for a future we build together.
Want to find out more about Vicaima, our people, company and our sustainable products?
Why not download our Sustainability Report 2024 for all the latest ESG facts and figures, Visit www.vicaima.com, where you can experience the Vicaima24/7 Ai chatbot for yourself. Simple click the bubble icon at the bottom of every page and ask a question. Download our new Interactive Interior Door Selector where you can experience a journey of discovery within this dynamic and navigable brochure. Or if you prefer, simply phone +44 1793 532333 and speak to one of our team.
