From terracotta treatments in the ‘80s to today’s eco-friendly ECOPROTEC range, LTP has built a reputation, says Mark Atkins, ECOPROTEC director
Tell us a little about the history of your company.
LTP’s ECOPROTEC brand has been established within the contract sector since its launch in 2015. Manufactured by LTP, ECOPROTEC cleaners and sealers benefit from the most advanced research in eco-friendly, water-based technology. They can be used for both internal and external projects and following success of the brand in the contract market, we further developed the range to include products for use in external landscape applications.
When and why did you join the company?
I originally joined Wellington Tile in 1989, which was started by Anthony Robb in 1981. At the time, we imported terracotta from around the world. Basically, I’d finished my education, my family moved from Berkshire to Somerset and I was a young man that needed a job; I’ve been here ever since which is testament to the team and the product. Anthony recognised the need for an ageing liquid to give terracotta an antique finish, mixed up a secret brew and branded it ‘LTP’ OLDTONE OIL because the terracotta was sold as Lionheart Terracotta. Subsequent treatments became known as Lionheart Terracotta Products, or LTP for short, and the ECOPROTEC brand followed.
Why are your company’s products different than your competitors’ products and what’s the secret to creating a successful flooring product?
I think service has a lot to do with it. Cleaning and sealing products, on the whole, are pretty similar. I think what sets us apart is that we also have a tile business, so we’re in a better position to understand the problems that crop up within the industry. We’re faced with the same issues as all of the other tile and stone suppliers and we’re able to respond and react very quickly. I’d also say we’re in the vanguard of product development. Being in our position, our products simply have to work. We don’t develop a chemical solution and then try and find a market for it. We develop a chemical solution in response to a need or demand for it.
What’s the secret to a successful flooring installation?
Using skilled industry trade professionals that follow manufacturers’ guidelines.
Who, outside your company, do you most admire in the industry?
That’s tricky because I’ve worked in it for such a long time. Many of our customers have become great friends and, if I single someone out, it might cause offence!
Can you give an outline of your most popular product ranges and explain a bit about them?
Since its launch back in 2016, ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner has established itself as a firm favourite. It still features the original formulation. It removes oil, grease, dirt, detritus and tannins, so it’s ideal for use on external paving. ECOPROTEC Porcelain Pre Grout Protection is also very popular with contractors fixing porcelain paving; it provides a really effective barrier against grout and jointing compound, so residues are much easier to remove, especially from textured tiles. It also improves and increases the working time of grouts and compounds, as well as offering protection. ECOPROTEC Porcelain Paving Enhancer also deserves a special mention. It was launched last year and it’s gaining real traction. It’s a self-shine treatment that gives tiles a ‘just washed look’ with lots of practical benefits in terms of resistance to stains, UV and easy maintenance – and it’s PFAS-free.
How important do you feel offering a bespoke and unique flooring solution is to a business?
Offering a white labelling service is definitely one of our strengths and it helps other companies develop their own brands. Like all of our products, they’re manufactured in the UK and we’re able to offer minimum order quantities, so we can cater to niche markets.
Is sustainability and ethical manufacturing a key commitment to your business, and if so, why?Absolutely, as 100% of ECOPROTEC’s production is water-based. Two of our treatments – ECOPROTEC Porcelain Paving Enhancer and, also, Black Stone Colour Restorer are already PFAS-free, with more to follow.
What innovation can your clients expect from you in the future?
A complete range of PFAS-free sealers that contain no perfluoroalkyl/polyfluoroalkyl substances. Our Porcelain Paving Enhancer was our first PFAS-free product, introduced last year, and our aim is to convert all formulations to PFAS-free before the end of the year.
How robust is your supply chain in the face of global issues such as war?
Our supply chain is very robust. All of our products are manufactured in the UK and very few of our ingredients are sourced from overseas. We’re proud to be a British manufacturer.
What flooring trends are you seeing at the moment, and how do these influence your product development?
Porcelain paving is continuing to grow in popularity and, with it, associated cleaning and aftercare issues. A lot of our growth and product development has been focused in this area in recent years. Indoors, we’re also seeing a lot of interest in terracotta, including the renovation of older tiles for which we have an established range of solutions.
What is your major selling point with contractors? What do your products offer them that others don’t?
Our technical support and back up is key. Contractors really like the fact that our team is based locally and that we have such a vast resource, complemented by expertise gained from our tiling business.
Where do you see the company in five years?
We’ve enjoyed steady growth of around 3-4% each year since the business was started and we’re confident that we’ll see that continue, along with our reach. We export products to Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Ireland, Romania, Spain and the UAE and, over the next five years, I’m confident we’ll continue to open up markets in further countries around the world – and I’d like to think that someday soon you’ll be able to buy ECOPROTEC products in every continent. In terms of the industry as a whole, there’s a race on to find alternative sustainable solutions and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this change.
01823 662722
technical@ecoprotec.co.ukwww.ecoprotec.co.uk
