 | The VOC Directive has caused a lot of turmoil in the coating industry. Both manufacturers and users keep referring to it as a solvent ban. This fallacy causes people to make false assumptions and jump to conclusions. Although the European Directive restricts emissions, it continues to allow and in some cases even facilitate the use of solvents.
The Directive outlines contemporary and practicable options giving coaters a wide scope. For many coaters this is a real challenge but also a great opportunity to develop a better awareness with regard to solvents and to cut costs. It is important for them to know what leeway they have and how to exploit it.
We are providing coating manufacturers and coaters some information to help them develop the right practical approach to the Solvent Directive.
Series of Articles from “Besser Lackieren”
In collaboration with the environment engineering consultants Umwelttechnik Kirchner and with Dow Wolff Cellulosics, the trade journal “Besser Lackieren” has published a series of articles for coaters. The topics are:
- Part 1: The Solvent Directive - Plotting the course by October
- Part 2: Solvent Management Plan - A valuable source of information
- Part 3: Solvent Reduction Scheme - Getting solvents under control
- Part 4: Intelligent exhaust air treatment minimzes costs
- Part 5: Optimum concept for operation and environment
- Part 6: Proactive cooperation creates trust
Download the complete series at:
www.wolff-cellulosics.com > Service Centre > Publications > Inks & Coatings
NC Coating Study by Umwelttechnik Kirchner
Based on case studies, this study shows that the European VOC Directive and the relevant national legislation can be implemented in many areas in such a way that solvent-based coatings can be used considerably more cost-effectively or at least as cost-effectively as low-solvent coatings. In an overall cost assessment based on a large-size operation using solvent coatings only, the cost advantage of solvent-based coating as compared with water-based coating is around 50 per cent. There is less of an advantage with smaller coating operations using both solvent-based and water-based coatings.
Download the NC Coating Study at:
www.wolff-cellulosics.com > Service Centre > Publications > Inks & Coatings
Contact
Dr. Werner Lange (Dow Wolff Cellulosics)
Dr. Ing. Robert Kirchner (Umwelttechnik Kirchner)
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