sure we nurture and protect it.”
“Mythic Paint is more focused on pro-
viding a premium product that is totally
safe for the consumers’ family, rather
than just being green,” said Prior. “By
choosing our products the consumer does
not need to sacrifice their own health for
the sake of a high performance product.
The fact that we are an environmental
product that is made in a zero discharge
facility, and contained in totally recycla-
ble paint pots is less of a focus than mak-
ing sure we are totally safe for people and
their pets. Being truly environmental, in
our mind, is just the right thing to do.”
NEW PRODUCTS
Sherwin-Williams has a wide variety of
coatings that contain less than 50 grams
per liter of VOCs. “Our newest line
includes the ProClassic Waterbased
Acrylic-Alkyd,” said Revnew. “ProClassic
Waterbased Acrylic-Alkyd coatings offer
alkyd paint performance at a less than
50 grams per liter level for high-volume
commercial and wood trim/accent applications, respectively.
“Meanwhile, we’ve updated our zero
VOC Harmony interior latex. The new
formulation, which features a similar
technology as that found in baking soda,
reduces unpleasant indoor odors after
the paint is first applied. The coating,
which offers even better durability, hide
and application than ever before make it
a popular choice for professionals looking
to meet green standards and eliminate
disruptive painting odors in their build-
ing and remodeling projects.”
“Due to their low VOC content, VOC-
compliant coatings can be applied in
occupied spaces with minimal impact on
daily activities,” said Revnew. “This
means painting crews can work on a
project during regular business hours,
offering project managers cost savings as
they avoid payment for work performed
during overtime. What’s more, our low
VOC paints perform on par or better as it
relates to hiding and longer lasting per-
formance compared to paints not cur-
rently complying with the latest regula-
tions. These qualities translate to fewer
coats needed to achieve a durable sur-
face, which minimizes the frequency of
costly repaints.
“Recent technological advances in
environmentally responsible coatings
have also brought a new generation of
performance-rich interior products to the
market that offer even longer-lasting
durability and high-end aesthetics, along
with application ease,” Revnew contin-
ued. “Some environmentally responsible
paints also contain antimicrobial proper-
ties that resist mildew, and other
microbes to help maintain a fresh
appearance longer. In addition, these
coatings prevent stains from penetrating
better than ceramic coatings on the mar-
ket, and resist burnish marks and with-
stand repeated washings and visible
paint wear, making them perfect for
high-traffic areas and facility environ-
ments. Low VOC coatings are constantly
being updated and improved, and we can
expect to see products with even better
durability and ease-of-application prop-
erties as VOC regulations and consumer
demand drives the market.”
“All of the products on Benjamin
Moore’s Gennex platform are low VOC,
meaning less than 50 grams per liter,”
said Minchew. “The Gennex platform,
and this is critical, is comprised of zero
VOC colorants. So when we make a low
or zero VOC paint it stays low or zero
VOC in any color the customer desires.
We do not add VOC with our tinting col-
ors as most companies do. Furthermore,
we have a great new zero VOC product
called Natura. Because it is part of our
Gennex family of products it remains
zero VOC in any color you want.”
Benjamin Moore also just introduced a
line of exterior stain products called
Arborcoat. “In time for spring painting
these stains are low VOC and feature
outstanding performance across all prod-
ucts and finishes,” said Minchew.
The concept of “going green” in recent years has become increasingly popular
in all areas of business. But for many companies going green is not merely a
buzz word, but a philosophy on how to run a business. The Sherwin-Williams
Company prides itself on taking a holistic view when it comes to issues of sustainability. Not only are they at the forefront of developing low and VOC products, but they incorporate that philosophy into all aspects of its business.
In line with this focus on sustainability in all aspects of business,
Sherwin-Williams has developed the
EcoVision program. “EcoVision is
Sherwin-Williams’ corporate philosophy and sustainability program, whereby,
the company is committed to being a recognized leader in the development of
sustainable processes, products and activities that are profitable, preserve natural resources and contribute to social improvement,” said Diana Strongosky,
vice president of research and development, paint and coatings division at
The Sherwin-Williams Company.. “The five areas of focus for this program are
conservation, innovation, accountability, respect and responsibility.”
