As an independent manufacturer of tiling adhesives, as well as building, construction and DIY products, Palace Chemicals says its ongoing commitment to technology and development has enabled it to bring to market one of the UK’s most extensive ranges of tiling adhesives and preparation products.
The company’s tiling range includes preparation/aftercare products, ready-mixed adhesives, cement-based adhesives and grouts. The company produces over 250 formulations in total, which are overseen by its technical team, operating from two laboratories, covering research & development and quality control respectively.
According to the company, a consistent programme of investment and innovation has led to the company establishing a reputation as a reliable and valued trading partner for some of the biggest names in the tiling, builders merchants and DIY sectors. From standard adhesives through to specification products with highly technical formulations, and from levellers to waterproofing, Palace offers what it describes as a one-stop shop for its customers in the domestic, commercial and specification markets.
Recent product additions include the EXTRA-LITE range – described by the company as a lightweight, thin and thick-bed flexible tile adhesive, featuring a highly polymer fortified S1 formulation to provide the flexibility required for fixing large format tiles and panels or where slight movement or vibration is likely. The product’s flexibility makes it suitable for use where underfloor heating is installed. Mixed with water it creates a high-yield, lightweight and easy-to-apply paste with an extended open time and 50% reduced weight for each square metre applied. EXTRA-LITE Standard Set reportedly boasts a 3-hour working pot-life and it is ready to grout the next day, while the Fast Set variant can be grouted after three hours.
The EXTRA-LITE range is also said to be a more sustainable choice, containing more than 40% recycled materials, comprising sustainable materials taken from low carbon production processes. In this way, the company is seeking to meet market demand for products which contain more recycled or repurposed materials. Furthermore, EXTRA-LITE provides the same performance while doubling its coverage capability, the company says, meaning that users can transport smaller volumes to each job.
Operating a sustainable business is an important consideration at Palace. This year has already seen the installation of more than 800 solar panels, now supplying 50% of the electricity requirements of the business, while all other energy requirements are met from renewables. The company says it’s investing in a range of other energy efficiency measures to reduce its power consumption. Recently it has also started a programme to bring electric vehicles into its fleet, as the company seeks to play its part in making progress towards net zero carbon by 2050.
Since the start of the year, the company has been rolling out a new packaging concept across its range. The new packaging features a modernised look designed to make the product stand out from its competition, while communicating key product and usage information in a clear and informative way.
An example of this is the Rock-Tite range which is now available under Palace branding and in the new packaging. Rock-Tite is a 3-part system for fixing 20mm external porcelain and stone tiles. It’s designed to be used by landscapers and garden designers, as well as tile fixers and keen DIYers, and capitalises on the trend for internal tiled space to be extended to terrace or patio areas outside.
Customer service is also a key focus for Palace Chemicals, the company says. Recently it has introduced shortened ETA delivery slots including live tracking for most customers. This enables it to provide customers with an approximate two-hour delivery slot or with the ability to live track the delivery vehicle on its way to them with their order.
The company concludes: “These initiatives combine to show how Palace cares for its customers and for the market overall, by providing the widest range available, using the most sustainable practices and expanding the product range into new areas when there is a market requirement to do so.”
