EC study to reduce VOC emissions with decorative paints

Citation

Bean, J. (1999), "EC study to reduce VOC emissions with decorative paints", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 28 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.1999.12928faa.004

EC study to reduce VOC emissions with decorative paints

Keywords: Solvents, Environmental impact, EC

Another development in the solvents sector is that the EC has commissioned a study to facilitate the limitation of the environmental impact of VOC emissions resulting from the use of decorative paints and varnishes. So far, since the early 1990s, priority has been given by the European Union Commission to an incentive based approach by defining criteria for the attribution of the eco-label to indoor paints and varnishes, which is a voluntary instrument.

However, several EU member states (e.g. Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, and the UK) have implemented, or plan to introduce, measures limiting the concentration of solvents in certain products. Furthermore, the European Parliament has requested the commission to submit provisions concerning the marketing of products containing solvents intended for commercial and private uses, in order to supplement the community legislative framework dealing with the prevention of tropospheric ozone. The commission services are currently developing a strategy on this issue, which could possibly include regulatory measures for decorative paints and varnishes.

In order to facilitate this process, the EU has commissioned a study of this sector from a consortium consisting of the University of Amsterdam’s Consultancy and Research Centre on Chemistry Work and Environment (Chemiewinkel), its Institute for Environmental Management (WIMM), The Coatings Technology Services Group of Enterprise Ireland and Den Hartog Consultancy.

The objectives of the study are:

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  To present a synthesis of the relevant elements characterising the decorative paints and varnishes sector.This will cover both supply and demand sides, and an analysis of the emission limiting measures implemented or in preparation in the Member States, OECD and accession countries with a view to establishing their cost and effectiveness.

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  To explore, at a technical level, the possibilities for limiting the concentration of organic solvents in products used in this sector.Conventional and low solvent substitute products will be classified in terms of their functional characteristics and compared in terms of performance, technical requirements, health and environmental impact, and price. Obstacles to market penetration by more environmentally friendly products will also be analysed with a view to identifying measures which might promote wider dissemination. A proposal for reference products for each category containing as little solvent as possible will be given with a view to determining the corresponding potential for reducing VOC emissions.

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  To analyse the environmental and economic impact of such regulatory measures.Consideration will be given to the costs and the benefits of setting up a community legislative framework aiming to limit solvent usage in the sector to the levels identified in the study. The impact on the following will be evaluated: the price of the products; the structure of the sectors concerned; public authorities (follow-up and control of legislation).

The project will run for one year and the project team welcomes information and comment from interested enterprises and organisations.

Contact at the University of Amsterdam is: Pieter van Broekhuizen, Chemiewinkel, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, Postbus 20242, 1000 HE Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 20 525 5607; Fax: +31 20 525 5615.