The search for new raw materials and innovative, better product solutions determine the innovativeness of the Śnieżka Group. All research and development activities are carried out at the Research and Development Centre. The Centre is formally composed of the Research and Development Department and the Quality and Climate Management Department operating within the structures of FFiL Śnieżka SA. The Centre’s experts have at their disposal modern laboratory facilities, the results of the latest scientific research as well as a rich raw material base and the Group’s know-how acquired over the years. Owing to this, the Group manages over 150,000 recipes (including colouring systems).
The Research and Development Centre is responsible for verifying new raw materials and technological solutions and checking how they can be used in the current or future activities of the Group companies. Experts also monitor the raw materials market in search of alternatives that can optimize the existing product portfolio. The knowledge obtained in this way allowed in 2023, inter alia, to modify the recipe of the film-forming preserving agent and reduce the amount of substances that may pose a health hazard. The recipe of the corresponding product for the Ukrainian market was also changed, which reduced the content of VOC by over 15%.
In addition, research conducted in 2023 at the Centre paved the way for improving the protection of Vidaron Ogrodowy against microbiological contamination, which will provide the product with a longer shelf life, as well as modifying the technology in the protective and decorative varnish stain – the new version features 10% lower VOC emissions and a milder odour.
The Centre also verifies products in terms of their impact on health and the environment. In 2023, it was confirmed that the VOC content in Śnieżka Grunt and Śnieżka Eko, as well as the VOC emission from the coatings of the said paints, meet the requirements for paints in the BREEAM building certification system. Tests of the MAGNAT Kolor Love paint recommended for children’s rooms were also extended. Compliance with the Toy Safety standard as for the migration of specific elements and aromatic compounds from coatings has been confirmed.