As consciousness around environmental issues increases globally, customers are seeking more eco-friendly, sustainable options for industrial coatings. But what is it about specific coatings that makes them sustainable? Coating Systems examines different aspects of sustainable coatings.
VOC-Free
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, can be found in the solvents used to make industrial coatings. VOCs are toxic to both the environment and the human body, and they are what gives paint its potent smell.
VOCs create a harmful pollutant called ground-level ozone when exposed to sunlight and nitrogen in the atmosphere, causing damage to plant life and ecosystems through smog and greenhouse gas. Even short-term exposure to VOCs can cause headaches and skin irritation, and long-term exposure can cause serious damage to the central nervous system.
Because of the serious effects of VOCs on human health and the environment, companies are seeking out more bio-friendly options for industrial coatings. The best way to lower or eliminate VOCs is to use waterborne coatings.
Waterborne Coatings
Waterborne coatings are manufactured using water as a diluent to disperse a resin instead of organic solvents, the source of VOCs. These coatings contain very little or zero VOCs, making them much more environmentally friendly.
Many industries use waterborne coatings, including marine, building and construction, and packaging. Types of waterborne coatings include water-soluble and water-dispersible paints, emulsions and water-based alkyds.
These kinds of coatings aren’t just more eco-friendly compared to ones with VOCs. They also offer superior performance. Waterborne coatings can cover more surface area with less use of the product, provide excellent protection from heat and abrasion, and can be preserved easily for future use due to their long pot life.
Waterborne coatings include:
- Alkyds
- Acrylic Emulsions
- Water-Soluble Acrylics
- 2-Component Epoxy Primers
- 2-Component Acrylic Topcoats
- PVDCs
- Anodic E-Coats
Plant-Based Coatings
Another eco-friendly option is to use plant-based coatings, or coatings derived from mostly plant-based ingredients such as seed oils, corn, tree bark, castor beans, chalk and other mineral pigments.
Plant-based coatings also contain low to zero VOCs and have a low impact on our food chain. Manufacturers can produce them using sustainable practices and renewable sources.
Coating Systems is proud to offer Rilsan, a plant-based, renewable and sustainable polymer derived from castor beans.
Rilsan is a tough nylon polyamide used to coat metals, known for its powerful protection against abrasion and chemicals. Bioplastics like Rilsan are better for the environment because they create a renewable cycle that keeps more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere while cultivating more greenhouse gas-absorbing plants.
Related Post: Why Rilsan is Sustainable and Renewable
Coating Systems Cares
Coating Systems cares about the environment and is here to help you meet your company’s sustainability goals. We offer Rilsan and many other high-quality coatings tailored to your specific needs. Call us today at 1-800-593-7754 or contact us online.
