By definition, additives are added in small quantities, often less than one point percent, to re-inforce selected chemical or physical properties of the finished paint. The powder coatings sector is no exception, and has some limitations that are intrinsic to the technology itself, which are linked to the physical state of the paint before application on the piece to be painted.

The European Union has put forth a regulation requiring a limitation of no more than 25 parts per billion (grams per thousand tons) of Per Fluoric Octanoic (PFOA) in PTFE micro-powder, effective July 4th, 2020. The requirements of the REACH legislation pose a challenge to the coatings industry, as many possible raw materials will be banned. Although there is already an exemption for thermal-treated or irradiated PTFEs for another two years, there will be a need to reformulate or to make formulations PFOA REACH-compliant or completely PTFE-free for the future.