MPI Introduces New 'Extreme Green' Paint Standard

Master Painters Institute (MPI) has added a new "X-Green" (Extreme Green) environmental performance standard as part of its MPI Green Performance™ paint standards GPS-1 and GPS-2.

According to MPI, the new X-Green Performance Standard will simplify the process of specifying environmentally safe interior high quality architectural coatings by establishing new "green" editions of MPI's existing paint categories. X-Green certification requires certain performance standards (as it relates to durability); VOC level <50 g/L; reduced or zero quantities of various undesirable chemical components; and certification of emissions compliance to CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools).

"X-Green is now the toughest standard in the world, but it's also the most appropriate because it encompasses the three requirements for a truly 'green' paint: indoor air quality, environmental safety, and the durability needed to promote sustainable building practices," says Barry Law, MPI president.

In the new Approved Products list (which was released in January), paint specifiers seeking high quality environmentally-friendly paints can start by selecting their preferred paint category (such as MPI #54 Latex, Interior, Semi-Gloss [MPI Gloss Level 5]) and then drill down to 'greener' options by choosing the appropriate suffix, such as #54 "RR" or #54 "RC" for recycled paints, and a designation such as #54 "X" for the X-Green products.

To help specifiers and end users choose products that maximize performance along with compliance, MPI will publish its first "Green" Guide Specification in the coming months.

Further information on the new X-Green Standard is available at www.mpi.net.

Date Posted: January 29, 2010