The new year sees the implementation of the latest set of EU regulations governing the amount of VOC content in paint, but fortunately the new legislation has been widely anticipated by the industry. So what will the changes mean for specifiers and appliers who will be using this new generation of paints?
The introduction of any new legislation always brings with it a degree of change and apprehension, but perhaps the most important fact to remember about VOC 2010 is that the first phase of regulations was first introduced back in 2007. Since then, the paint industry has been working hard to prepare for the next set of changes that seek to further reduce the VOC content of its products.
But what exactly are VOCs? Volatile organic compounds are emitted into the atmosphere from a number of different sources. These include vehicle exhausts, aircraft, cleaning agents, fabric softeners and paints containing solvent such as white spirit. Although white spirit plays an important role in controlling the application properties, flow and drying times of paints, VOCs from the coatings and inks industry account for less than 1% of the total amount emitted in the UK.
The second phase of VOC reductions that came into effect on the 1st January 2010 require all paint products manufactured from this date to be compliant with lower limits than that required for 2007.
So should specifiers and professional painting contractors brace themselves for radical changes to the paint products they have been using? Fortunately no. Johnstone’s have embraced innovation well in advance of the recent VOC reductions to ensure the changes to the end user will be minimal. For example, the majority of the paints in Johnstone’s extensive range already boast low VOC content and are therefore currently available and being used.
However perhaps one of the greatest misconceptions about the new VOC 2010 legislation is that it will mean the end of all solvent-based products. It is true that these paints will undergo modifications, but there are a number of solvent-based technologies still available for manufacturers to use. Solvent-based trim products will continue to be available and Johnstone’s have invested heavily in customer research and product trials consulting professional painting and decorating contractors to ensure that the new compliant formulations meet and where possible exceed expectations.
Specifiers also need to be reassured that any changes made to paint products complying with the new VOC reductions will not have an adverse effect on any existing specifications in terms of cost and long-term maintenance requirements. By working hard behind the scenes and embracing innovation well in advance of the 2010 deadline, the paint industry has largely anticipated these needs and any changes are expected to be minimal.
Whenever any new regulation comes into force, accountability is always a concern. So who exactly is responsible for ensuring that any paints used on a project are complaint with the new VOC 2010 legislation? Overall responsibility rests with the paint manufacturer itself and from the 1st January 2010 not only will they be subject to spot checks to ensure that all new products have been produced and manufactured in strict adherence to the new lower VOC limits, but they will also be legally required to clearly label all compliant products accordingly.
Although the manufacture of paint will slightly change from the 1st January 2010, existing products manufactured before the deadline will still be available from Johnstone’s Decorating Centres for a 12 month period with the aim that all non-compliant paints and coatings will eventually be phased out. It is also important for both professional contractors and specifiers to remember that non-compliant product purchased before the 31st December 2009 can still be used and so any existing stockpiles need not go to waste.
More information is available from the British Coating Federation’s website (www.coatings.org.uk) and for specific advice and guidance on how the new VOC 2010 regulations may affect any new or existing paint specifications, please contact Johnstone’s Technical Advisory Department.