Sustainable Coatings Innovation: 3 Key Trends for Formulators

Sustainable Solutions Driving Innovation and Opportunity in the Coatings Industry

Innovation and performance improvements are rapidly transforming the coatings industry and enhancing the formulator's toolkit to provide more eco-friendly coatings. At Ingredients and Specialties (I+S) from Univar Solutions, our coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers (CASE) specialists have identified three areas where innovation is unlocking new opportunities in sustainable coatings:

Low- and ultra-low VOCs

What's driving this trend?

Reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has long been a challenge across all segments of the coatings industry. Today, growing pressure from regulators, manufacturers, and end-users is pushing for VOC reduction at every stage —from raw materials and final products to systems and processes.

What's possible?

Binders and resins that enable the formulation of near-zero VOC paints and coatings
Waterborne technologies that match the performance of traditional solvent-based formulas
Functional additives that deliver zero-VOC coalescence and other performance attributes typically achieved only with VOC-emitting counterparts

Pro tip?

Be cautious when making “zero VOC” claims. Always support your statements with time-stamped documentation. When in doubt, document everything.

Metal sheeting with a blue coating being applied by an industrial air sprayer

Low- and ultra-low VOCs

What's driving this trend?

Reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remains a long-standing challenge across the coatings industry at all levels. Today, pressure is mounting from all stakeholders including regulators, manufacturers, and end users to minimize( VOCs) at every stage: raw materials, final products, systems, and processes.

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?

Be cautious when making “zero VOC” claims. Always back them with time-stamped documentation. When in doubt document, document, document.

A hand holding an air sprayer with coatings being released

APEO-free development

What's driving this trend?

Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) have been used for decades as versatile surfactants in various industries, including paints and coatings, textiles, and paper manufacturing. However, they are now facing scrutiny due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. Their detection and presence in water, dust, and even human tissue is accelerating the shift toward safer, more sustainable alternatives.

What's possible?

APEO-free surfactants and wetting agents that are biodegradable and reduce toxicity without compromising dispersing or emulsifying performance
APEO-free binders, additives, and related ingredients that enhance strength, durability, and flexibility

Pro tip?

Be proactive. Transitioning away from APEOs can take time, especially when it comes to testing, permitting, and labeling. Don’t wait for regulatory deadlines to force your shift. Prioritize early adoption of regulatory-compliant coatings that meet evolving environmental and safety standards.

Formaldehyde abatement

What's driving this trend?

Demand for improved indoor air quality is rising, especially as modern buildings are constructed with tighter seals that limit ventilation. This has increased scrutiny on materials that emit formaldehyde and other indoor pollutants.

What's possible?

New materials designed to emit little or no formaldehyde
Additives that can be incorporated into finishes to adsorb formaldehyde and help remove it from indoor environments

Pro tip?

Talk to our experts to learn about potential financial incentives available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act for advancing sustainability in construction and infrastructure applications.

A wind farm sits on green rolling hills with a bright blue background

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.

Learn more about sustainability in Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers (CASE), Rubber & Plastic Additives.

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Explore additional sustainability resources

The Essential Guide for Sustainable Coatings

This guide introduces sustainability challenges, product characteristics, and useful guidance at the ingredient and lifecycle levels for the coatings industry.

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Sustainable Line Card

What is the future of the coatings market? Find sustainable coatings solutions including low-VOC and APEO-free products distributed by Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions.

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