The Impact of Additives on ‘Green’ Coatings

By Cynthia Challener

Although additives represent only a small frac­tion of the total content of a paint or coating for­mulation, they have a significant impact on perfor­mance and functionality. As coating manufacturers increasingly shift their focus to the development of more environmentally friendly, “greener,” sustain­able products, they often turn to additive suppliers for technology that is not only greener, but that also enables the preparation of cost competitive, high-performing, sustainable paints. “As consumers take more responsibility for sus­tainable lifestyles, they are becoming more aware of the health and environmental risks associated with the ingredients used in paints.

And, combined with more stringent regulations and the demand for ever better performance, their greater environmental awareness is increasingly driving manufacturers to find innovative, environmentally compatible solutions and market-ready concepts for paints and coatings,” states Shailesh Shah, director of global marketing for coating additives with Cognis in North America.

“The ideal consumer product combines sustainability and high performance-and this is what paint and coating manufacturers are increasingly trying to do. Manufacturers are working to develop products that comply with new regulations and can be marketed as environmentally sound, but without sacrificing application and coating film properties. They are therefore looking for green ingredients that provide performance and efficiency as good as-if not better than-traditional products,” he observes.