Low and Zero-VOC Technologies
April 2016 www.coatingsworld.com Coatings World | 43
(*Colorants added to base paints may increase VOC level sig-
nificantly depending on color choice) paints which are often as-
sociated with low odor, allowing occupied spaces to be painted
with little disruption to everyday activities, while others rely on
this type of paint for its lower emissions. It is imperative that we
provide products that address this consumer need.”
“This is no less true in various parts of Europe, the Middle
East and Africa, where low- and zero-VOC* is not driven purely
by environmental legislation, but maybe to a greater extent by
indoor air quality,” Burroughs continued. “In some countries,
there are labeling systems and national regulations in place to
limit emissions from consumer products, typically measured 28
days after installation or application, as a result of the long-term
health concerns resulting from low dose chemical exposure, es-
pecially from inhalation.”
According to Robert Wendoll, director of environmental af-
fairs for Dunn-Edwards, regulations have limited the kinds of
coatings that manufacturers can offer, but consumer demand for
ultra-low and zero-VOC paints has been driven primarily by the
desire for low-odor interior finishes. “This has been reinforced
by voluntary green building standards that relate mostly to in-
door air quality,” he noted. “Because demand for ultra-low and
zero-VOC paints is growing, we consider them an important
market segment.”
PPG offers a number of low and zero-VOC coatings products.
In North America (U.S. & Canada) PPG offers PPG PAINTS
PURE PERFORMANCE, which is formulated to provide excel-
lent hiding and ease of application in addition to low odor, zero
VOCs* and anti-microbial properties resulting from the incor-
poration of a preservative which inhibits the growth of mold
and mildew on the dry paint film. PPG Paints Pure Performance
paint is ideal for use in occupied areas such as: hotel/motel re-
sort properties, nursing homes, homes, schools, government fa-
cilities, retail space, office buildings, hospitals, and apartments.
Dunn-Edwards offers two zero-VOC interior paint lines,
Everest and Spartazero. “Both include a flat finish and several
sheen levels in enamel,” said Wendoll. “We also have a variety of
zero-VOC primers, including Ultra-Grip Select Multi-Purpose
Primer, Vinylastic Select Interior Wall Sealer, and Interkote
Premium Interior Undercoater. Our Ultra-Low VOC paints
(with VOC contents less than 50 g/L) are too numerous to list
here. And, since 2012, all our colorants are zero-VOC.
PPG PITTSBURGH PAINTS WONDER-PURE provides
outstanding durability, ease of application, and good hiding and
coverage, according to Burroughs. “Its low odor allows painters
and maintenance professionals to paint in occupied spaces with
little disruption, and its anti-microbial properties resist mold
and mildew on the dry paint film. Additionally, the PPG Paints
brand recently introduced the next generation of the < 50 grams
per liter VOC version of BREAK-THROUGH! interior and ex-
terior waterborne acrylic paint.”
DIYers are increasingly becoming aware of the importance
of indoor air quality. Benjamin Moore’s interior paint Natura,
has been Certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma
and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). This certification
comes on the heels of Natura becoming the 2015 Product of the
Year in the interior paint category and being Cradle to Cradle
Certified Silver.
“This is the latest step in our long history and commitment
to manufacturing green paints that are safer for your family and
the environment,” said Chris Connelly, director of brand man-
agement, Benjamin Moore. “With zero emissions and no harsh
fumes, Natura truly is an eco-friendly paint that delivers on per-
formance and color integrity.”
Low- and zero-VOC products also are sought after for wood
finishing applications. Sherwin-Williams Product Finishes serves
customers around the world in segments such as wood finishing,
general finishing, transportation and building products. “Our
products must meet a broad spectrum of regulations. We have
customers that require extremely low VOC products as well as
those who use traditional coatings,” said Nick Bartoszek, global
marketing product director - Wood Finishes, Sherwin-Williams
Product Finishes.
“In wood finishing, virtually every product category that
we offer has a low- or zero-VOC option,” Bartoszek added.
“That includes coatings such as a full line of formaldehyde-
free finishes and UV waterborne flatline coatings. Since its in-
troduction in 2014, our Ultra-Cure Waterborne UV Pigmented
Blending System has helped cabinet and furniture manufactur-
ers significantly reduce VOC emissions while reducing energy
Photo courtesy of Dunn-Edwards
