Although there remains global disagreement on a single definition of
VOC, what the limits should be and how they
should be measured, the concept and benefits of VOC reduction are well
understood and generally supported by the industry.
The VOC reduction process for traditional solventborne coatings began many
years ago, with the development of, amongst others, high-solids and
water-dispersed alkyds, powder coatings, waterborne urethanes and water-based
protective coatings with markedly improved durability and versatility. With the
first phase of VOC reduction of surface coatings being essentially complete,
further VOC reduction in water-based
coatings would constitute the next milestone.