Latest news with #JosephEapen


Gulf Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Asian Paints launches world's first internal curing concrete additive in UAE
Image: Asian Paints 'With CureAssure, we're not just launching a product; we're redefining a foundational step in construction. This innovation reflects our commitment to sustainable solutions that work in the real world,' said Joseph Eapen, CEO of Asian Paints. Joseph Eapen, CEO of Asian Paints Curing is one of the most critical but often overlooked phases in concrete construction, influencing structural strength and durability. In the Middle East, this step is frequently compromised by extreme temperatures, labour constraints, and compressed project timelines. These site challenges often result in shrinkage cracks and reduced long-term performance. Asian Paints' CureAssure addresses these issues by introducing internal curing directly into the concrete mix. The additive enables hydration to occur from within, eliminating the need for external water or surface curing compounds. This approach reduces plastic shrinkage and cracking, ensures greater durability, and guarantees consistency across varying site conditions. It also aligns the performance of on-site concrete with laboratory-tested standards — a vital requirement for real-world reliability. 'Developing CureAssure meant rethinking curing from the inside out,' said Amit DasGupta, chief senior manager – Technology, AP Global. 'Rather than treating symptoms on the surface, we focused on solving the root cause, by embedding water availability directly where it's needed. The result is a more robust, reliable concrete structure, regardless of the environment it's placed in.' CureAssure has received approval from Dubai Municipality and validation from ICC-ES. Free of hazardous substances, it is compatible with all types of Portland cement, pozzolanic blends, and both water-reducing (WR) and set-retarding (SR) admixtures. The additive meets globally recognised standards including ACI 308 guidelines for internal curing, ACI 318 structural durability provisions, ASTM C494/C494M Type S, and EN 934-2 European admixture compatibility norms. Aligned with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, CureAssure's elimination of external curing also removes the need for desalinated water in the construction process. Asian Paints estimates that the water saved annually could fill 3,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools, irrigate over 6,000 acres of desert farmland, or meet the monthly water needs of 450,000 households. The solution also contributes to low-carbon, zero-waste construction practices by reducing the need for water transport, on-site manpower, and curing-related emissions. With over 80 years of expertise in coatings and construction materials, Asian Paints is among the top two paint companies in Asia and operates 26 manufacturing plants across 15 countries. The launch of CureAssure represents a strategic expansion of its regional footprint and underscores the company's commitment to delivering smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure solutions across the GCC.


Times of Oman
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Meet Cardinal, colour of the year 2025
Asian Paints Berger, the recipient of Oman's Most Trusted Brand award, announced 'Cardinal' as its Colour of the Year during ColourNext 2025 event held at the St Regis Al Mouj. The event served as a celebration of colour, culture, and creativity, drawing design luminaries from across Oman, Bahrain, and the UAE. Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said, the evening was attended by Joseph Eapen, Chief Executive of Asian Paints International, and G. Gopalakrishnan, General Manager of Asian Paints Berger Oman. The gathering brought together a vibrant community of architects, designers, and thought leaders for a first look at the ideas shaping the future of design in the region. The centerpiece of the evening was the reveal of Cardinal, a rich and dusky hue that speaks to the growing importance of emotional resonance in design. Complementing this announcement, Asian Paints also unveiled three influential design directions for 2025, each shaped by insights from the company's extensive trend forecasting initiative, ColourNext. Now in its third decade, ColourNext continues to lead the way in translating global cultural shifts into actionable design themes, using the lenses of colour, texture, material, and mood. The first of these design directions, 'Bad Taste?', is a bold commentary on traditional design norms. It challenges traditional ideas of beauty and balance by embracing things that feel awkward on purpose, are overly decorative, or express raw emotions. The centerpiece of this corner was the 'Prince', a colourful sculpture by famous Omani artist Hassan Meer. The second trend, 'Salt', draws inspiration from one of the world's most essential and symbolic minerals. Salt is ever-present—quiet yet indispensable—and its metaphoric richness serves as a foundation for this minimalist yet profound design approach. The third trend, 'Feel More', champions design that not only pleases the eye but also nurtures the soul. This trend encourages the creation of sensory-rich environments and spaces that embrace softness, warmth, and emotional complexity. Through gentle materials, layered lighting, and subtle detail, Feel More cultivates environments that support vulnerability, reflection, and deep emotional connection. Reflecting on the event and the larger vision behind it, Joseph Eapen, CEO of Asian Paints International, said: 'At Asian Paints, we believe innovation must resonate beyond functionality—it must connect emotionally and culturally. Our mission is to inspire living spaces that are not only beautiful but meaningful, and ColourNext is our platform to lead that conversation.' With the unveiling of Cardinal and the powerful narratives behind this year's trends, Asian Paints once again affirms its position at the forefront of design thinking in the region. It continues to push boundaries and ignite inspiration—crafting homes, spaces, and experiences that are vibrant, human, and deeply relevant to the times we live in.