The pandemic which is still affecting the world has inspired PT Mowilex Indonesia to take action. A number of acts of positivity are carried out by Mowilex to spread goodwill and boost solidarity in the middle of the disruptions caused by the spread of Covid-19. Before, at the start of the pandemic, Mowilex has worked with the All Indonesia Hospital Association (PERSI) by donating 26 thousand face masks and personal protective equipment for frontline health workers across the archipelago. When hand sanitizers were difficult to find, Mowilex also took independent action and produced 16 thousand bottles to be distributed for free.

Even now, Mowilex is still spreading that positive energy. To help achieve this, Mowilex has worked with the inspirational and renown designer, Anne Avantie. With Anne, Mowilex has done a number of social care events, which includes donating 10 thousand liters of paint. These paints were then distributed to various organizations in need, such as health centers, houses of worship and orphanages.

Also, Mowilex also supports the Anne Avantie Foundation to help rebuild three homes for the elderly. Before, these houses – which are located in the city of Semarang – were at the brink of collapse and were deemed uninhabitable. “We hope that our efforts to spread a resilient spirit and also to spread goodwill in the middle of this long crisis can help us all to become stronger. Because, no matter what happens, we must all face this great disaster together,” said Anne Avantie.

This range of social care activities have been carried out by Mowilex as part of their “Coloring a New Indonesia” which was initiated last year. This campaign is the company’s response to the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic which has weakened the gears of economies worldwide. It is hoped that the Coloring a New Indonesia campaign can also revive the resilient spirit of local communities, reminding the importance of caring for each other, and especially to remain disciplined in following all health protocols.

Antibacterial Paints

Other than social care activities, Mowilex has also developed innovations as a response to the pandemic. Mowilex understands that the threat of the coronavirus has made everyone more careful with their health and cleanliness. Not only the fact that daily routines have changed, but also lifestyles had to be adjusted to minimize the risk of spreading the virus further. A number of people are now choosing to spend more time at home, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and being disciplined in following health protocols in the new normal.

Realizing consumers’ need for safety and comfort in their activities at home, the premium paints manufacturer has produced a new product that can provide better protection during the pandemic with Mowilex Antibacterial Paints. “This series of new products have been improved with Silver Ion AG+ which is 99.9 percent effective in fighting infectious germs, especially viruses, as well as infectious bacteria,” said Novina Tjahjadi, Director and Head of R&D at PT Mowilex Indonesia.

There are three products offered in the Mowilex Antibacterial Paints, which are Mowilex Emulsion Satin, Emulsion Gloss, and Cendana Antibacterial. These three products each have different finishes. Emulsion Satin has a soft and elegant finish, Emulsion Gloss has a glossy texture, meanwhile Cendana – one of Mowilex’s brands – has a shiny finish with an more economic pricing. “During these unsettling times, we want to be involved in reducing the spread of the coronavirus, Novina said.

Silver ion has been proven to be an effective defense against infectious germs such as bacteria and viruses. Independent tests conducted at an international lab have shown that silver ion can kill Staphylococcus aerus and Escherichia coli (JIS Z 2801: Test for Antibacterial Activity and Efficacy). Silver ion is also effective against  Human Coronavirus CoV-OC43 and Eterovirus EV-A471, based on antiviral testing on plastics and other non-porous surfaces (ISO 21702:2019).

Coronavirus CoV-OC43 which was used in the antiviral tests is similar to the virus which causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS COV-2) as well as the variant coronavirus which causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), bird flu (H5N1), and Covid-19. Meanwhile, Eterovirus EV-A471 is an eterovirus which causes hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) which once caused an epidemic amongst children in Southeast Asia.

These various bacteria and viruses can be nullified by the silver ion, by binding with and then breaking up the bacterial or viral cell walls. After the cell wall has been penetrated, the silver ion will break up the bacterial or viral cell’s metabolism enzymes until the cell is destroyed. The silver ion also binds the DNA strand of the bacterial or viral cell and stops its DNA replication process to prevent the cell from multiplying. “This Silver Ion technology was specially formulated in Mowilex Antibacterial Paints. With this added to the paints for homes or other buildings, we hope that consumers will be better protected,” Novina Tjahjadi added.

The use of antibacterial paints is also hoped to help fulfill the consumer’s need for healthier homes. To create healthy homes, a clean and safe environment is needed. Cleanliness inside the home always needs to be maintained and should be free from germs frequently founded on surfaces in the home such as on walls and floors. It is well known that a healthy environment is one of the factors contributing to a child’s growth. The Indonesian Pediatricians Association has also asked the government to so that the new normal can be adjusted to the basic needs for childrens’ growth and health.

According to pediatrician dr Lucy Amelia,Sp.A, M.Kes, a healthy environment is important to the motoric and sensory development of a child. “Children need a healthy home to stay healthy and active so they can be free to explore their environment as well as to improve their own skills,” said dr Lucy during a talk show held simultaneously with the Coloring a New Indonesia press conference held at Mowilex.

Anna Yesito Wibowo, Head of Marketing at PT Mowilex Indonesia, said that Mowilex hopes to keep on innovating, even during a pandemic, as well as to provide a positive impact to the environment and consumer satisfaction. “We want to always keep giving solutions to communities, and become a pioneer for acts of kindness which can inspire others,” she said.

About PT Mowilex Indonesia

PT Mowilex Indonesia (PT Mowilex), a subsidiary of Asia Coatings Enterprises, Pte. Ltd., is a leading producer of premium paints and coatings. Since launching the first Indonesian-made, water-based paints in 1970, the community-minded company has expanded its commitment to environmental ethics, equality and innovation. PT Mowilex is Indonesia’s only certified carbon-neutral manufacturer, producing zero- and low-VOC paints in modern colours, and the company regularly earns awards for its corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts.