Life-Cycle Assessment of Architectural Coatings: Considering Different Preservative Scenarios

By TIM WIERONIEY

An industry-led study was conducted to assess the environmental performance of five different architectural coating preservation scenarios using a Cradle-to-Grave Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA). Preservatives play a crucial role in enhancing shelf-life, ensuring the product does not spoil before being used, and protecting the dried coating film from biologic growth.

Government agencies around the globe are exploring restrictions and eliminations of these key chemical compounds without consideration of the increased impacts that would result from the currently available alternatives. Representatives of several major coatings, chemical, and trade associations were involved with the creation and completion of this study.

The primary goals of the LCA were to determine the environmental impacts and benefits that wet-state and dry-film preservatives play in architectural coating systems, and to see how reducing, eliminating, or replacing certain preservatives impacted the coating’s overall sustain-ability profile.