When talking about “laminate”, many may probably think of decorative surface with natural-looking colors and patterns. Presently, with innovative development, laminates come with unique styles, patterns, and more diverse features to suit the needs of consumers.
Explore the abilities and uniqueness of laminate with decorative surface materials, Khun Wichien Asawaworaritt, Managing Director, TAK Products and Services Co., Ltd. and WD Co., Ltd., to share knowledge as well as explain what laminates under the TAK brand can do.
Unique characteristics that meet every need of consumers
For those who are familiar with TAK and WG, it is known that the brand imports and distributes laminates for interior decoration under 6 brands. In addition to different origin, each brand has particular and outstanding features. Khun Wichien has explained the differences in the import and specifications of each brand that, “the company sells interior surface decoration materials from two companies, TAK & WG, called laminate sheets. If we trace back to its establishment, the company has imported only one brand into the country, which is Lamitak. Until now, it has expanded business scope and import products under the company’s 6 brands. Each brand has a connection with our vision to be a leading company in interior decorative material, which covers both beauty and features that meet the needs of users within the TAK & WG group. Products are imported and distributed as follows
Types of Laminate Sheet
Lamitak: Imported from Singapore. It has a distinctive feature of having realistic wooden patterns, natural stone-like patterns and solid colors. There are more than 423 patterns in total, enhancing design freedom, covering all types of design.
Dekodur: Imported from Germany, it is unique that the metal surface can be used in place of real metal or stainless steel. Its textures range from being inspired by the beautiful movements of nature, such as wind waves, water waves, the flow of lava and the surface of a volcanic crater, etc. The technology satisfies both the appearance and usability aspects, such as the magnetic series model that can be used in place of a magnetic board or whiteboard. It is a popular choice for designs that require modernity, luxury, and functionality.
O2+: A new brand imported from Italy whose laminate sheets have a fun, animated character. They have unique colors and patterns, whether genuine leather, a painted wood pattern, and the most interesting is a pattern mimicking soft-touch velvet fabric. Collections under the O2+ brand come in a variety of textures, soft and comfortable to touch, with functions that cover usage such as anti-fingerprint, preventing scratches, resistant to chemicals, and protecting against bacteria.
Types of prefabricated panel
Alvic: Prefabricated wooden panel imported from Spain, with lacquered panel and a special coating using the brand’s unique technology, both glossy and matte styles, with beauty, durability, and resistance to heat and scratches. In foreign countries, it is commonly used on kitchen furniture, cabinet doors, or wall decorations that require a difference in shine and softer texture than other general materials.
Forescolor: Imported from Korea. The material is High Density Fiberboard (HDF), an environmentally friendly special grade. It has a formaldehyde release value of E-0 (E Zero), which is safe for users. It can be used in a variety of ways due to its even color throughout the sheet, whether cutting CNC into various shapes, stacking sheets to create colors, or combining designs with laminate sheets to make the finished product appear more dimensional and lively.
AKUS: High-quality sound absorbing panels, with various patterns and functions. AKUS is another brand invented by W.G. Company Limited, originated from further development of Forescolor’s HDF sheets, creating unique patterns, combined with laminate with various patterns. There are up to 7 designs to choose from and it is also the product that won the second place in innovation award from Architect’22 as well.
TAK & WG: following the concept of sustainability with quality
Even with beautiful colors and patterns, many may still be concerned about choosing laminate. One reason is about chemical residues that may affect health, in which Khun Wichian has clarified that, “many of the brand’s products have been developed according to the concept of sustainability. For instance, Forescolor is a product from regenerative forests and is an E-ZERO grade product as it does not emit “formaldehyde” in the manufacturing process. Such emissions are considered very low, if compared with the Vision Zero grade. Currently, the MDF commonly used is level 1 or 2, which is dangerous to residents.
Lamitak’s products are internationally recognized under the GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold for products that emit low toxins in the production process and helps reduce pollution in the home area.
Moreover, Lamitak is continuing towards its goal of reducing its carbon footprint by paying attention to the use of creativity. Lamitak produces the catalog using FSC-certified paper or paper with resources from well-managed forests to develop new wooden patterns, making the wood grain more pronounced and reducing cutting large sample sheets to put in the catalog. All of this is to ensure that both upstream and downstream supply chain of the laminated product upholds the concept of sustainability.”
TAK dares to be different and develop towards growth
In the present era where technology is accessible in every area, searching and shopping for products has become easier and faster on social media. Khun Wichian thinks that laminate is a product that should be experienced prior to buying. This led to the opening of the “Space Studio”, a showroom to allow those interested in design to view the products by themselves.
“The company understands the needs of customers who want to see real products. Because selecting products through the catalog, the perception angle is only 1 inch because of size limitations. The company realizes this issue, so we decided to open a showroom for customers to see the full-size products and to experience the differences on the surface of the materials by themselves, which makes it more convenient for decision making.
In addition, the company considers that laminate materials for interior decoration of every brand displayed can be viewed at the showroom. There is still potential for continued growth for the company’s laminates because it has developed and innovated in terms of styles and colors, including functions to meet all customer needs. This is another way for the company to grow, because it strives to understand design to develop, import and distribute quality materials to satisfy customer needs.”
Perspectives reflecting the goals for Architect’24
As the countdown to Architect’24 begins, exhibitors are preparing to showcase innovations and products under different needs. This raises question about the direction about TAK’s expectations with Architect’24.
“The company wishes to create a joint development of product display to promote image, excellent service and want every customer who visits the event to have new ideas or leave with something to develop their own home or design. TAK believes that just by admiring the beauty of the innovation is considered a kind of knowledge, as it means we will see the direction of trends. You can also understand the essence and ability of materials to be more than just decorations.”
Invite you to experience the innovations to be showcased at Architect’24
Be a part of appreciating TAK’s innovation, “the company has made great efforts to import various brands to cover all the needs of customers, whether designers, homeowners, or even project owners. I want you to come see and feel the materials, as well as the benefits of various uses.”
“The products presented this year from the O2+ brand are Features, a smooth fingerprint-proof laminate. Products to be introduced include 3 new collections of patterns and more than 10 new colors with fingerprint-proof properties. In addition, there are products from the AKUS brand, namely Tempo and Zona, which will help open the world of imagination and possibilities in using sound absorbing panels in design.”
Ready to gain new experiences and exchange views at booth No. F103 at Architect’24, the 36th ASEAN’s Largest Building Technology Exposition during 30 April – 5 May, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.
