Coat it Green criterias

To follow is a general overview of our products and how the product groups differ

UV Curing products

These products consist mainly of binders that help to bind the paint/lacquer layer while also being a filler and sometimes an additive such as a photo initiator. These dry (cure) under ultraviolet light, known as “UV light” and the photo initiator helps the curing process get started by converting light to energy.

Water-based products

These paints and lacquers consist of binders, fillers, water and additives. If it is a paint, a pigment is also added to give the product colour. If necessary, these products are diluted with water instead of solvents to make them easier to apply/paint.

Chemicals – reasons for limited or banned use

VOC –Volatile organic compound

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. They contribute to air pollution outdoors and inside our homes and are present in the air we breathe. VOCs are bad both for our health and the environment. The VOCs degrade after some time and they contribute to global warming.

In coatings, the VOC contribution is mainly due to the use of solvents in so called solvent borne coatings. For industrial paints when it comes to the end product for the end consumer, the majority of the VOC has already evaporated. However, the damage is already done earlier in the user chain. By using solvent free or solvent poor coatings, the use of VOC is significantly reduced.

Coat it Green products contain low amounts of VOC. Maximum concentration is 130 g/l which in practice means less than 10% VOC.

Aromatic solvents

Aromatic solvents are among the most dangerous solvents and some are highly carcinogenic such as benzene. Aromatic solvents are also bad for the environment. The low amounts of solvents still used in some of our products are free from aromatics.

Coat it Green products do not contain any aromatic solvents.

Phthalates

Phthalates can be used as plasticizers, film forming agents, binders etc.  A typical use is as plasticizer in plastic articles such as PVC.  Phthalates are not permanently bound to the products and are therefore released to the surroundings during their lifetime. Several phthalates such as DEHP and DBP are associated with health risks and may impair fertility and cause harm to the unborn child.

The most hazardous phthalates are prohibited according to EU-regulations to use in toys and children’s articles.

Coat it Green products do not contain any phthalates.

PAH – Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

PAHs are the largest group of carcinogenic substances we know of today. PAHs are produced as by-products when fuel is burnt. PAHs are one of the most widespread organic pollutants and some of them have been identified as carcinogenic (e.g. benzo[a]pyrene, which is also found in cigarette smoke). The majority of all PAHs are not used as individual compounds but occur in various mixtures e.g. in automobile exhaust, soil and oils.

PAHs are generally stable which means that they may be dispersed a long way in the environment before breakdown occurs.

Coat it Green products do not contain any PAH.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a gas which is irritating to eyes and respiratory system (nose).  Formaldehyde may also cause allergic reactions.  In the beginning of the nineties, formaldehyde emission from particle boards was a big problem due to the fact that the glue was not fully cured. Nowadays, this can be a problem with imported particle board.

Formaldehyde can be released during the curing of certain industrial paints, so called acid catalyzed paints.

Coat it Green products do not emit formaldehyde.

Heavy metals, Lead and Cadmium

The ingestion of heavy metals may cause several adverse health effects. The most dangerous heavy metals such as lead and cadmium are regulated within several areas. Lead pigments are not used any longer by Swedish paint manufacturers with the exception of lead oxide and the same goes for Cadmium with the exception of artist’s paints. Becker Acroma is avoiding all heavy metals to the highest extent possible.

The most important, from a health perspective when being in contact with a coated surface, is that no harmful metals migrate from the coating, even if a for instance a child sucks on the furniture or toy, or even takes a small bite. If the products complies with the EU regulation EN71-3:1994, this is a guarantee that it is safe even in these cases. For toys it is mandatory to comply with this regulation.

Coat it Green products fulfil the EN71-3 standard concerning heavy metals.

Styrene

Styrene is a liquid, but evaporates easily to gas and is harmful by inhalation as well as irritating both to eyes and skin. It is possibly carcinogenic to humans. In the industrial coatings business, styrene can be used in specific types of paint.

Coat it Green products do not contain styrene.

SVHC-substances

SVHC stands for Substances of Very High Concern.  These substances (chemicals) may have very serious and often irreversible effects on humans and the environment. The European Chemicals Agency has published a so called candidate list containing identified SVHC-substances. The use of these substances may require special permission in the future and should clearly be avoided.

Coat it Green products do not contain any SVHC-substances listed on the candidate list of the European Chemicals Agency.