Avoiding high cost of solvent recycling

Avoiding high cost of solvent recycling

Keywords Environmental regulations, Recycling, Solvents

Last month (1 April)applicators of coatings on metal and plastic substrates emitting five or more tonnes of VOCs per year became liable under the Environmental Protection Act PG6/23. Most companies on this borderline of five tonnes pa had decided to meet the new requirement by reducing the amount of solvents required in their coatings, which in turn has given a boost for water-based coatings and high solids.The alternative has been to install costly solvent recycling equipment.

Responsibility for compliance with new emission levels rests with coatings manufacturers and users alike. Typical of many coatings manufacturers who are playing their part in meeting this requirement is Kemira Coatings, who informs us that it has invested heavily in developing the products now demanded by customers seeking to avoid the high cost of solvent recycling.

Working closely with raw material suppliers, Kemira says it can now offer complete ranges of solvent- and water-based coatings which meet the compliance levels.

Compliant heavy-duty products cover the steel fabrication, flooring and ACE (Agricultural and Construction Equipment) markets. Kemira's industrial products are prominent in office furniture, storage equipment, automotive, heating and lighting enclosures, leisure and numerous other manufacturing industries.