A guide to VOC reduction in decorative coatings

Citation

(2002), "A guide to VOC reduction in decorative coatings", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 31 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2002.12931bab.021

A guide to VOC reduction in decorative coatings

Keywords: Coatings, Guide

Over the past few decades the use of water- borne products within the decorative coatings market has increased to the point where they now represent approximately 70 per cent of the total volume. This growth primarily is due to the specific performance characteristics and ease of use that waterborne products provide.

During the same period there has been a growing awareness in all European countries of the need for environmental protection. The coatings industry is, within the framework of its world-wide Coatings Care programme, actively seeking improvements by directing much of its R&D effort towards this target.

This brochure covers the issues and describes the possibilities for reduction in the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) in decorative coatings. It also gives a proposal that would result in a significant reduction in VOC emissions. This proposal is based on: the knowledge of current and emerging technologies; an awareness of the different cultures within Europe; an understanding of the demanding expectations from the protective and value-preserving functions of decorative coatings, and the consideration of the different climatic conditions between northern and southern Europe. This brochure has been prepared by the Technical Committee, Decorative Paints of CEPE, the European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink and Artists' Colours Industry.

The 16 national associations that are members of CEPE, representing approximately 1100 producers of decorative coatings, manufacturing 85 per cent of the decorative coatings volume in Europe, have been involved in the preparation of the brochure, as have all appropriate committees within CEPE. Therefore this brochure is based on a wealth of knowledge and experience and offers a workable, comprehensive and practical guide to addressing the complicated issues concerning VOC reduction in decorative coatings.

This brochure will be of interest to all organisations active, either directly or indirectly, within the decorative coatings industry and trade, including raw material producers, coatings manufacturers and merchants. Furthermore, in order to initiate harmonised legislation for reducing VOC emissions from decorative coatings in Europe, it is intended to be a guideline for the political representatives of each European country. Last but not least, it is intended to enable and encourage the increased use of decorative coatings with low VOC content by professional and private users.

Details available from: CEPE, Tel: +32 (0)2 676 7480; Fax: +32 (0)2 676 7490; E-mail: secretariat@cepe.org Website: http://www.cepe.org