Bona Closeup 2018

CloseUp An annual review of Bona – the company that brings out the best in wooden floors 2018

Sustainable innovation makes Bona a Super Company Taking the brand beyond New STEPS in sustainability Investing in the future

1 Sustainable innovation makes Bona a Super Company | Close Up

Sustainable innovation makes Bona a Super Company | Close Up 2

Sustainable innovation makes Bona a Super Company Bona in Brief

In this year’s Close Up we focus on what makes Bona a Super Company. Together with our employees, our business model based on extending the lifetime of wood floors has created fantastic growth and profitability. With a focus on sustainable innovation and a healthy working and living environment we are investing in the future. From new raw materials, to taking the brand beyond to new markets, read on to discover the passion behind Bona.

Passion – the key to success

waterborne finishes and dust-free sanding, to new materials and effects that improve the craftsman’s work and the indoor air quality, a passion for wood is the essence of Bona and the secret of our continued success.

• 5 factories worldwide • 550 employees • Mission – to bring out the best in wooden floors • Family-owned group • Founded in 1919 in Sweden

in the consumer market, where we have

largest retail chains, providing more global

increased our media presence. Asian mar-

growth opportunities. The launch of new

kets show great potential and in Europe,

systems, such as Bona Home and a new

We recently developed our first product

business remains stable. This year we held

program aimed at the contract cleaning

with commercial potential in cooperation

our most successful International Distri-

market allows us to enter new sectors.

with Lund University’s STEPS program.

We are moving forward in terms of growth

butor Conference and our Certified Crafts-

We are also currently working on a parallel

and distribution. We recently built a new

man Program continues to grow globally.

project, aimed at creating organic materials

distribution centre in Limburg, Germany

from agricultural waste. Meanwhile,

− our biggest investment to date. With

we continue to take steps forward in

sustainability at the heart of Bona, our

supporting Hand in Hand International’s

In Asia, we signed six new distributor

being a Super Company will continue

new facility boasts many green features

Village Uplift Program in India as part of our

contracts in China and our Japanese

through sustainable innovation for a

as part of our commitment to the future.

commitment to CSR.

distributor Okabe, opened a new training

better world and better living and working

centre and warehouse. We are also inves-

environments and, of course, our passion

Strong performance worldwide

tigating opportunities in nearby Oceania.

for wood floors. However, none of this

Our brand continues to grow on the

work of our employees, distributors and

Our turnover for 2017 was 2323 MSEK**

consumer market and enter new floor

partners worldwide.

− an 5% increase on last year. In the

segments, such as resilient floors. Bona

Americas growth continues, particularly

is available in 9 out of 10 of the world’s

around the world are what sets us apart.

I am extremely proud and grateful.

Investing in the future

world of innovative, sustainable solutions for wooden floors. From pioneering

• 70 distributors

New STEPS in sustainability

innovation and our fantastic colleagues

At Bona, we believe in 100% passion.

This passion inspires us to create a

• Over SEK 2 billion turnover

Other ventures include the launch of a

Bona − a Super Company

centralised e-commerce site for Austria and Poland.

Bona recently made the annual “Super Company” table*, compiled by Sweden’s leading business magazine, Veckans Affärer. Our long-term focus on sustainable

*Criteria for eligibility and results are based on a company’s ability to demonstrate growth, profitability and return on capital for four years in a row.

**EUR 241 million

Growing markets

Onwards to 2018 As we approach our centenary, we look ahead with excitement. Our focus on

could be possible without the outstanding

Kerstin Lindell, President & CEO

3 Bona voices | Close Up

Bona voices | Close Up 4

Perspective Europe and Asia – Growing potential “The key to our success is Bona’s people. Our experienced and driven team builds valuable relationships with our customers in so many ways!

Bona definitely has a unique position in the market and is taking the lead in innovations, system sell and sustainability. Bona is now entering new and exciting markets with products for non-wood floors, allowing us to create

What makes Bona a Super Company?

Let’s hear from our colleagues A passion for providing innovative, sustainable solutions that care for and extend the life of wood floors has been the driving force behind Bona for almost a century. As we continue to work toward our goal to be the most trusted name in floor care, our colleagues offer insight into just some of the elements that single Bona out as a Super Company.

even more square metres of beautiful and healthy floors. In addition, we are exploring potential new regions in Asia as well as further investment in digitalisation, driving innovation and added value to our customers.”

– Elin Rodenstam, Senior Vice President Sales EMEA/APAC

Perspective Americas – Strong brand awareness “In the eyes of our customer, Bona is a super company because of our people, our products and our brand. Our people are experts in their field and our customers have come to rely on Bona for training, innovations and sustainable solutions. Our products are the best in the industry and have been trusted by contractors since 1919. These trusted contractors have helped us build a strong brand awareness of 52%. Basically one out of every two people have heard of Bona.”

– Richard Goering, Senior Vice President Sales & Operations NAM/LAM

Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand “Our entire business model and value proposition is based on sustainability. We promote renovation and extending the life of floors rather than replacement, so our products offer better value for the craftsman and the final customer, with minimal environmental impact. This model runs throughout our entire operation, from CO2 reduction and energy saving, to CSR investments in our facilities. In addition, our Vision 2020 business

Taking the brand beyond “With almost a century of heritage and knowledge to our credit, our goal is to be the most trusted and caring brand in the business of quality floors, providing sustainable solutions. We are also expanding the Bona brand beyond wood floors, tapping into potential customers and sales channels.

Innovation and sustainability are cornerstones of the Bona brand, driving the company forward. As we focus on growth within the consumer market, a strong global brand image is imperative.”

strategy and the commitment of our staff, for which I am grateful, will help

– Lidija Dozic Broström, Senior Vice President Global Marketing &

us stay on track in terms of both sustainability and as a super company.”

Communications

– Kerstin Lindell, President & CEO

13

References | Close Up

New steps in sustainabilty | Close Up 6

In addition to the environmental benefits of renewable raw materials, we focus on durability. Our aim is to preserve the look of the floor for longer, to save on

From innovations in sustainability, to a business model based on extending the life of wooden floors, Bona’s commitment to sustainability and CSR illustrates a long-sighted vision, on a global scale.

will provide us with double the storage capacity to support our long-term supply chain strategy. In addition, its location − just 10 minutes from our existing facility in Limburg, Germany, at the centre of both our major market

consumption.

and Europe − and with easy access

Innovative Partnership

Exploring sustainable innovations

Our new distribution centre in Limburg

materials and reduce wood

− Nicola Rehnberg, Manager

Taking new STEPS in sustainability

CO2 reduction

to major road routes, will provide improved logistics and CO² reduction.

Innovation with Farm2Furan

by the Swedish Ministry of Environment

In addition to the STEPS research

materials and products from furan – a

program, Bona and Lund University are

heterocyclic organic compound used in

currently collaborating on Farm2Furan, a

organic synthesis. Using polymer building

five-year research program investigating

blocks produced from furan, we hope to

resource efficient non-fossil production

apply our passion for wood floors to create

of organic materials from agricultural

more sustainable novel flooring products

matter. The program, which is supported

in the future.

and Energy’s national research council, Formas, will look at developing new

Our Hand in Hand village In 2016 Bona began supporting Hand in Hand International’s Village Uplift

First product for STEPS Less than a year after Bona joined the four-year Mistra-funded research program STEPS*, Bona and Lund University have developed StepOn, a sustainable floor

molecule as a starting point, Bona’s R&D department has produced a long-lasting, durable, waterborne polyurethane with commercial product potential, based on renewable raw materials.

program. Through our contribution, which goes to help the village of Koneripatti Agraharam in India, Hand in Hand has provided villagers with digital competence training, free medical examinations, training for children and information

varnish with high scratch and chemi-

In parallel with the development of fruc-

sessions promoting the abolition of child

cal resistance. As part of the STEPS

tose-based surface finishes, researchers

labour. They have also built 15 communal

program, researchers at the university

are also investigating the possibilities of

kitchen gardens within the village. We are

developed a fruit sugar-based molecule

other renewable raw materials, such as

proud to be a part of this initiative and

that is suitable for, among other things,

forest waste.

many others as part of our commitment

the manufacture of polymers. Taking the

* Sustainable Plastics and Transition Pathways

to CSR to ensure a better future for all.

Photo by Magnus Wennman

Trend watch | Close Up 8

Beauty in focus Bona design expert, Alberto Massimo, discusses the beauty and inspiration behind the latest wood floor trends.

How would you define beauty in terms of wood floors?

Wood floors are the musical scores

The use of oil-based stains such as Bona Create restores the natural beauty of this newly renovated floor, whilst the smoky blend evokes an industrial feel that pays tribute to the former spinning mill’s past.

Photo by Spinneriet

What makes a floor beautiful?

What are the latest trends?

of wood and appreciate the warmth

Raw materials emerge unabashedly

and beauty of real wood floors.

in all their glory; Natural – nature dominates living spaces; Designed – graphic, based on shapes; Opulent – bringing depth and personality. I also see a renaissance in Art Deco in the form of colours, contrast and new geometries.

on which the “notes” or decorative

What do you predict for the

elements are written. All must be

future?

in harmony with the floor style. The

Wood floors will no longer be for

beauty of a floor lies in its capacity

everyone – they will become the choice

to create harmony amidst other

of a new social class who prefer quality

decorative elements.

over quantity, the unique qualities

Alberto Massimo, Export Area Manager for South/Central Europe.

Bathroom harmony Natural materials such as wood have become popular in the bathroom. The

We take a look at the latest trends

organic beauty of wood evokes an environment of calm and wellbeing, and enhances the ritualistic element of bathing.

Unique looks, a timeless character and the celebration of imperfection are just some of the elements that define the unparalleled beauty of wood flooring.

Photo by Bauwerk

Natural beauty − as nature intended

Wabi-sabi – the beauty of imperfection

Patterns come into play

A nod to the popular Scandinavian

Worn, natural looks and patchwork

traditional and historic parquet styles

trend, wood is natural or whitewashed.

inlays created from reclaimed wood

such as herringbone and Versailles are

Its subtle, unspoilt character makes it

are inspired by the ancient Japanese

updated with contemporary colours and

ideal for those seeking a simple, unclut-

philosophy of Wabi-sabi - an aesthetic

effects. The result is a modern makeover

tered backdrop. Clean and bright, this

based on the ephemeral beauty of

that is heavy on old world style and

modern rustic look works with every

nature. This sustainable trend pays

sophistication.

interior style.

homage to the concept of faded

As reclaimed floors remain on trend,

glamour and highlights the beauty of renovation.

Photo by Bauwerk

Photo by Bauwerk

Investing in the future | Close Up 10

Growing retail and DIY

store campaigns to further reinforce our strong retail presence across consumer

In Europe, we recently introduced the

and DIY markets. “As our DIY business

Bona Home renovation system to the

matures, marketing innovation with a

DIY market in Austria, Germany and

focus on both on and off-shelf display

Romania, as well as a central web

are key to driving incremental sales

shop serving Austria and Poland. In

growth” says Brian Kern, Director of

the US, we have increased exposure

Retail Sales, Bona US.

through media sponsorship and in-

The Bona Care Program enables wood floor contractors to extend their services to include resilient floors and offer a complete range of services, from deep cleaning to renovation and creative effects.

Knowledge and training around the world

recently opened a new office and training centre in Toyama.

Reflecting our passion for wood floors, our Bona Certified Craftsman Program

A green facility

(BCCP) continues to gain global strength.

Investing in the future

Bona Iberia held the first Bona Certified

In keeping with Bona’s focus on

Professionals Convention and we recently

the environment, our new Limburg

welcomed our first Bona Certified

distribution facility boasts a number

craftsmen in Italy. BCCP events continue

of sustainable features, including

in the UK, Austria and Benelux.

solar panels, a green roof and heat pumps. Charging points for e-bikes

Bona is investing in the future on many fronts, from new opportunities in the consumer segment and investment in retail and DIY growth, to our arrival on the resilient floor market and a new state-of-the-art distribution centre.

Combined with our continued dedication to bringing out the best in wood floors, we are taking the Bona brand forward.

Building a new distribution centre In December Bona celebrated the opening of a new distribution centre in Limburg, Germany. Stakeholders and representatives from the public sector, as well as Bona’s senior management team were present to celebrate the inauguration of the new facility, which is our biggest investment to date.

Other initiatives globally included Bona US’

and cars will also be installed. In

first Expert Install, Sand and Finish School,

addition, an electric shuttle will

which took place in St Louis. In Japan, our

transport goods to the centre from

Japanese distributor, Okabe is responsible

Bona’s nearby adhesive plant.

for promoting the program and extending our network of contractors. The company

Resilient floors in progress

resilient floors, from deep cleaning,

stock levels at our existing DC1 facility

Bona has developed a complete new

with our distributors as we extend our

in Limburg. The addition of the new

offering for reviving and renovating

business offering to the resilient floor

9,200m2 building, which is just 10

resilient floors, such as linoleum,

market, as part of our growth strategy.

minutes away from DC1, will allow us

PVC and rubber. Based on Bona’s

to double our capacity, in line with our

systematic approach to floor treatment,

future strategy.

it enables wood floor contractors

Our growth has led to an increasing need for more storage space to accommodate the demand for higher

to extend their business offering to include a wide range of services for

to renovation, makeovers and creative effects. We look forward to working

Breaking news | Close Up 12

Bona Home retail launch

Green range, Bona Home is a complete system that aims to inspire, encourage

A new renovation system, Bona Home,

and guide DIY specialists, enabling

was recently introduced to Austrian,

them to perform floor renovation jobs with

German and Romanian retailers. Bona

ease, confidence and outstanding results.

Home is a step-by-step wood floor reno-

Plans are currently underway to rollout the

vation system for the DIY home improve-

system across more markets.

ment market. Based on Austria’s Bona

New heights in texture Bona Brush Technology is an innovative new program that enables the wood floor contractor to create unique

A great gathering in Vienna. This year’s attendees of the International Distributor Conference.

wood floor texture and effects. The system includes new Bona Power Drive NEB, a click-on mount for use with Bona FlexiSand that provides simple attachment for both wire brush heads and abrasives, for greater

Breaking news

flexibility.

When used with our wide variety of oils and finishes in a full range of colours, the design possibilities are endless.

Welcome to some of the highlights from the world of Bona. In Vienna we celebrated our most successful International Distributor Conference to date. Our new programs dedicated to floor care and outstanding design effects render wood floors more beautiful than ever, while the launch of Bona Home and our new high performance adhesive make maintenance easier and more effective.

Pure Titan strength

formula that delivers increased strength, Titan is the latest addition to the Bona

faster initial bonding and longer lasting per-

Silane Adhesives range. Suitable for all

formance. With its advanced performance

types of subfloor, the new hard silane-

and unique technology, Bona Titan heralds

based adhesive contains Titanium

a new generation of super adhesives.

IDC Vienna’s success

New spray mop concept

With 118 guests from 48 nations, Bona’s

We recently launched the Bona Premium

International Distributor Conference (IDC),

Spray Mop for hardwood floors in the US.

held in Vienna, was our biggest distributor

Our new mop boasts a larger cleaning

event to date.

surface with rubber corners, improved

Bona is launching a full service program

click cartridge installation and foam

for both wood and resilient floors aimed

grip. The launch was supported by a

at introducing Bona to the Janitor and

national integrated campaign, with social

Sanitory sector. Divided into a range of

media based on the tagline “wonderful

products and solutions - from cleaning,

together”. “Its innovative design allows

to recoating - Bona enables contract

us to re-launch the spray mop and attract

cleaning and facilities management serv-

new customers seeking a convenient

ices to extend their offering by delivering

yet effective cleaning method” says Cate

the best results for all wood and resilient

Vanegas, Director of Marketing, Bona US.

floors and environments.

During the three-day event, Bona managers and country distributors presented a full program, including: new business opportunities, the Bona 2020 Vision and new and core products, as well as networking events.

US campaign for the new generation Premium Spray Mop.

Technology − a unique titanium-based

Full maintenance for floors

Bona launches a new full service program for wood and resilient floors for the Janitor and Sanitory sector.

13 References | Close Up

References | Close Up 14

The Lodge Bar, Queenstown, New Zealand

All over the world

Challenge: To combine sophistication with durability within the stylish lakeside Lodge Bar.

From busy public spaces to designer havens

Solution: To create a stylish interior that reflects Photo by Forte Flooring

Whatever the environment and challenge, Bona provides complete solutions.

From the heavy traffic of Schiphol Airport and a Shanghai school sports hall, to sophisticated looks for a designer New York condo and a luxury lakeside bar in New Zealand, we preserve the beauty of wood floors around the globe.

the natural beauty of the bar’s Lake Wakatipu surroundings, the design studio Pennant & Triumph specified wide planks of Manor Atelier

Concordia International School, Shanghai

floor a fresh update, Bona Certified

Challenge: To renovate the school

used straight from the bottle without

sports floor with speed, durability and

mixing for easy use, and is match

health as the main criteria.

ready after just 12 hours.

Solution: To give the 900m² sports

* Volatile Organic Compound

contractors used Bona Mega. In addition to its superior protection and

French oak flooring for floors throughout. Bona Naturale was used to protect floors and maintain the raw look of the timber.

low VOC* content, Bona Mega can be

Casino Baden, Austria Challenge: Transforming the 19th century building into Europe’s largest casino called for a floor that was durable and elegant.

Solution: An oak parquet floor was installed using Bona R850. It was then sanded with 60 grit, 100 grit Zirconium abrasives and 80 grit Bona Diamond Abrasives, using Bona FlexiSand 1.9, Power Drive and Bona DCS system. The pattern was achieved with Bona Craft Oil 2K, overcoated with 2 coats of Bona

50 West New York, Luxury Condos

of the project. Installed by a Bona Certified

Challenge: To create unique, high quality

were coated with Bona DriFast Stain in a

floors for the luxurious 64-story Manhattan

custom blend created by Bona exclusively

condominium complex.

Solution: For the interior of Helmut Jahn’s slick, glass clad New York condominium

Craftsman, Hardwood Floors Unlimited,

Traffic HD.

Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam

fast drying time, outstanding durability

for the project. A final coat of Bona Traffic

Challenge: To create a warm, welcom-

of the airport’s Holland Boulevard

HD was applied to ensure the floors

ing floor that can withstand the more

area, a colourful floor with 21 different

maintain their designer look.

than 63 million passengers who pass

colours was requested. For this, Bona

through annually.

developed a unique protective lacquer

using Bona R850T Adhesive, the floors

and fire resistance. Bona Traffic HD satisfied all the criteria. For the renovation

complex, interior designer Thomas Juul-

that was hard-wearing and easy to

Hansen specified unique hardwood floors

Solution: Renovating the busy 18,000m

that would reflect the quality and exclusivity

space posed many challenges, including

2

work with.

Bringing out the Best in Wooden Floors Bona AB is a family-owned company founded in 1919. With its headquarters in Sweden, Bona is now present in more than 90 different countries all over the world through subsidiaries and distributors. We provide products for the installation, maintenance and renovation of wooden floors throughout their lifetime and we also supply UV coatings to leading international producers of wooden floors. Through our comprehensive Bona System, we are able to offer our customers complete solutions for every wooden floor challenge. We continuously develop innovative products with a long-term sustainable perspective in mind. So we take into account not just the floor itself but the working conditions of the craftsman and the impact on the indoor and outdoor environment.

Subsidiaries Austria Bona Austria GmbH Mayrwiesstraße 21 A-5300 Hallwang bei Salzburg Austria Tel: +43 662 66 19 43 0 Belgium Bona N.V. Planet II Leuvensesteenweg 542/C3 1930 Zaventem Belgium Tel: +32 2 721 27 59 Brazil BonaKemi Pisos de Madeira do Brasil Ltda Avenida Sete de Setembro numero 4214 - Conj 704 Bairro: Batel, CEP 80250-210 Edificio: Cond Business Offices Brazil Tel: +55 41 3233 5983

www.bona.com

China Bona Coatings (Dalian) Co., Ltd. Huai He Middle Road, No.99 #3A Dalian Development Area Liaoning Province P.C. 116620 P.R. China Tel: +86 411 87585500 Bona Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. 569-573, Guangyan Road Zhabei District 200072 Shanghai P.R. China Tel: +86 21 62361540 Czech Republic/ Hungary/Slovakia Bona CR, spol. s.r.o.

Obchodní 132 251 01 Čestlice Czech Republic Tel: +420 211 153 340 France Bona SARL 15A Rue du Pont de Péage 67118 Geispolsheim France Tel: +33 3 88 49 18 60 Germany Bona Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH Deutschland Jahnstrasse 12 D-65549 Limburg/Lahn Germany Tel: +49 6431 40 08 0

Poland Bona-Polska Sp. Z.o.o.Ul. Augusta Prymasa Hlonda 5 61-008 Poznań Poland Tel: +48 61 816 34 60/61 Romania Bona S.R.L Bucharest, Bd. Preciziei nr.1 Preciziei Business Center Tronson 1 etaj 3, sector 6 062202 Bucuresti Romania Tel: +40 21 317 02 22 Singapore Bona Far East & Pacific Pte Ltd 15, Jalan Kilang Barat #01-05 Frontech Centre Singapore 159357 Tel : +65 6377 1158 Spain/Portugal Bona Ibéria Calle Navas de Buitrago nº 52 Nave 5 Pol. Ind. El Gato 28021 Madrid Spain Tel: +34 91 682 55 22 The Netherlands Bona Benelux Hulswitweg 6 2031 BG Haarlem The Netherlands Tel: +31 23 5421864

United Kingdom Bona Limited 6 Thornton Chase Linford Wood Milton Keynes MK14 6FD England Tel: +44 1908 525 150 US BonaKemi USA, Inc. 2550 S. Parker Road, Suite 600 Aurora, Colorado 80014 United States Tel: +1 303 371-1411 Rep office Panama Bona AB Panama Branch Bona Latinoamérica Calle 52 Este, Urbanización Campo Alegre PH. SEAWAVES, local no 6 Bella Vista Ciudad de Panamá República Tel: +50 722 727 99 Contact Us If you have any questions or want to find out more about our products and services, please contact your local Bona dealer, or visit us on our website: www.bona.com

Printed on FSC-certified paper. Produced by Adentity, Sweden. 2018-03

Head Office Sweden Bona AB PO Box 210 74 SE-200 21 Malmö Sweden Visiting address: Murmansgatan 130 Tel: +46 40 38 55 00