With less than 18 months to go, thoughts are naturally turning to the forthcoming further VOC reductions in 2010. But there’s no need to worry, the Johnstone’s team at PPG Architectural Coatings EMEA Region UK & Ireland are already ahead of the game and are working hard behind the scenes, talking and listening to the industry, to ensure a smooth transition. So, what’s the score? Kelly Quarmby, Marketing Manager explains.
The new legislation reduces the amount of environmentally damaging Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in paints but fortunately the majority of Johnstone’s products already meet the requirements for 2010. As the most significant changes will be made to solvent-based trim products, the company is investing heavily in ongoing technical development and extensive customer research to ensure that all VOC 2010 compliant products, where possible have superior, performance characteristics of existing products.
Realising that communication is key, Johnstone’s has carried out substantial market research with a cross-section of professional decorators. The VOC team has also conducted a series of product trials to test a number of possible new formulations for Johnstone’s trim products. The feedback received from these trials will help to ensure that the quality of Johnstone’s paint products remains at the same high level and that the effect of any changes made will be minimal.
With decorators of varying ages and levels of experience taking part, representatives were invited from three of the UK’s leading national painting contractors to blind test four different gloss and satin prototypes. The companies involved were A.Bagnalls & Sons, The Bell Group and J & S Seddons.
The results of the first product trials were extremely positive and with more testing days planned in the near future, Johnstone's considered and collaborative approach to VOC 2010 is proving a great success.
So why are these product trials so important? Put simply, because it’s not enough for our products to just be compliant to VOC 2010. Our customers need to be reassured that when 2010 comes, they will be able to enjoy the same characteristics of the products that they know and love and more importantly, remain happy with the results. We will continue to consult and communicate with the industry so they can be assured that there is no need to worry, we have everything in hand!