Innovation and performance improvements are enhancing the formulator's toolkit. Our Univar Solutions coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers (CASE) specialists point to three (3) areas of opportunity:

Low- and ultra-low VOCs

What's driving this trend?

Long a classic industry challenge, demands to reduce and eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are coming at all levels (raw material, final product, system, process) and from all stakeholders.

What's possible?

• Binders and resins that can be used to formulate to near-zero VOC paints and coatings
• New technologies in waterborne coatings that can match solvent-based formulas
• Functional additives that offer zero-VOC coalescence and other performance attributes normally achieved only with VOC-emitting counterparts

Pro tip?

Exercise caution when claiming zero VOCs and document with time-stamped evidence. When in doubt, document, document, document!

APEO-free development

What's driving this trend?

Used for decades as versatile surfactants in paints and coatings, textile and paper manufacturing, and a host of similar products, potentially harmful alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) linger in humans, water supplies, and even dust particles.

What's possible?

• APEO-free surfactants and wetting agents that deliver on toxicity and biodegradability without sacrificing ability to disperse or emulsify
• APEO-free binders, additives, and similar ingredients that enhance strength, durability, and flexibility

Pro tip?

Time (and timing) matter. Don't procrastinate until regulators force you into a change. Allow adequate time to tweak performance issues and address testing, permitting, and labeling changes.

Formaldehyde abatement

What's driving this trend?

Increased demands to improve indoor air quality as buildings are constructed in a tighter envelope.

What's possible?

• New materials that emit less or no formaldehyde
• Additives can be formulated into finishes that adsorb formaldehyde and remove it from the environment

Pro tip?

Ask our experts how you might benefit from financial incentives in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act to improve sustainability in construction and infrastructure applications.