The Environment

The coatings industry is pro-active on environmental matters. For example, long before volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified as contributors to ground-level atmospheric pollution, the industry had developed lower VOC-containing products. The widespread use of water-borne, high solids, solvent-free, radiation-cured products and coating powders in many industrial painting processes has played a key role in this – a trend that is continuing now that the UK environmental legislation is in place.

The Industry has set up a scheme aimed at limiting the amount of VOCs allowed in decorative coating products and reducing these limits over the coming years. A labelling system (often known as the 'globe symbol') was introduced to give information on the VOC content of each decorative coating product, to allow to the public to make an informed choice when purchasing coatings (see BCF Consumer Guide). European legislation, based on the BCF scheme, requires all decorative products to meet certain VOC limits, and to carry appropriate labelling. Short leaflets outlining the new scheme are available from the BCF and its members:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005   here
Are you ready for 2010? Your VOC compliance update here

Printing ink producers have an established code of practice on the selection of their raw materials with attention being paid to any substances that have particular health and/or environmental effects.

The coatings industry’s achievements in these and in other related areas are being further encouraged and monitored through the Coatings Care programme.

See also the FAQ "Are Paints Environmentally Friendly?"

For further information on decorative coatings, see the BCF leaflet "Decorative Coatings and the Environment – a Consumer Guide".