ACA

Sustainability Report

2020
 Contents
Message from ACA’s President 3
Introduction 4
Sustainability in the Paint and Coatings Industry 5
What is Sustainability? 5
Innovation Leads to Environmental Improvement |
UN SDG #9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure 6
Marine Coatings 6
Energy Applications 8
Cool Coatings Technology 8
Paint and Primer in One 8
Automotive Monocoat Process 8
ACA Product Category Rules 10
ACA Sustainability Program for Architectural Coatings 11
Responsible Production & Recycling |
UN SDG #12: Responsible Production 12
PaintCare 12
Improving Air Emissions |
UN SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being 14
VOC Emission Reduction 15
Coatings Manufacturing Air Emission Reduction 17
Economic Contribution & Worker Safety |
UN SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 18
Promoting Worker Health & Safety 21
ACA Safety Awards Program 21
Improving the Community |
UN SDG #17: Partnerships for the Goals 22
UN Lead Paint Alliance 22
Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) 24
ACA STEM Education Resources 25
Industry Sustainability Stories 26
Executive Summary 32

2 | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020

Message from
ACA’s President
This 2020 ACA Sustainability Report highlights the
paint and coatings industry’s contribution to a more
sustainable future.

We are proud of industry’s ongoing efforts to advance

technologies in coating science, while minimizing impacts
on human health and the environment. Our industry has
taken numerous steps to reduce waste, water use and air
emissions, and to promote product and environmental
stewardship. From sourcing renewable raw materials,
to improving products and processes through advanced
manufacturing, just-in-time distribution and the use
of supply-chain management systems, the industry’s
commitment to efficiency and Sustainability is evident
and ever-growing.

Innovation in industry research and development (R&D)

and the continued trend toward water-based coatings,
powder coatings, high-solid ultraviolet (UV) cure coatings
and lower-emitting coating products, among many others,
have contributed to significant reductions in hazardous air Andy Doyle
pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compound (VOC) American Coatings Association
emissions from production. President/CEO

Coatings preserve materials and make products more

sustainable through enhanced durability and increased
performance properties. ACA is dedicated to actively
advocating on behalf of the paint and coatings industry
to educate legislators and regulators on the sustainable
benefits of coatings. ACA hosts an annual “Paint the Hill”
day to educate our nation’s leaders about the U.S. paint and
coatings industry’s technological innovation, environmental
strides and sustainable products.

This report shares examples of the critical role coatings

play in contributing to the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals, showcases the industry’s
environmental progress, and spotlights our own
PaintCare® paint product stewardship program. I hope
you will find the report useful and informative. Additional
information on sustainability in our industry is available on
the ACA website at www.paint.org/sustainability.

3
 Introduction
The American Coatings Association (ACA) is a voluntary,
nonprofit trade association working to advance the
needs of the U.S. paint and coatings industry and the
professionals who work in it. ACA represents some 250
paint and coatings manufacturers and distributors, and raw
materials suppliers, as well as the technical professionals
who work within the industry. ACA serves as an advocate
and ally for members on legislative, regulatory and
judicial issues, and provides forums for the advancement
and promotion of the industry through educational and
professional programs and services.

The association promotes policies to enable its members to

bring innovative, effective and safe products to market, so
that they may protect and preserve the surfaces to which
they are applied. As such, Sustainability is a focus for ACA’s
various committees and initiatives.

What’s more, industry products are an integral part of

our world — almost every human-made product has a
coating that is necessary to protect it and maintain its
value. ACA members manufacture architectural, industrial
(factory-applied) and specialty purpose coatings, including
automotive refinish, traffic marking and marine coatings.

The universe and utility of paints and coatings extends

far beyond providing aesthetic appeal by adding color to
the materials they coat; they also extend the useful life of
everyday products, as well as our precious infrastructure,
by acting as a protective barrier. And there are manifold
environmental benefits from this: coatings help save energy
by keeping buildings cooler; play an integral part in the use of
wind energy; contribute to reduction in CO2 emissions, and
keep machinery out of landfills.

These environmental advances are possible because

coatings are engineered to perform well under varied
conditions, making Sustainability not only possible, but
efficient, and with minimized ecological burdens.

Coatings Protect. Coatings Preserve. Coatings Provide. This

report offers examples of how coatings and the U.S. paint
and coatings industry undertake Sustainability.

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Sustainability in the Paint
and Coatings Industry

What is Sustainability?
In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission
defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.” The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development, adopted by all United Nations Member
States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and
prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the
future. The UN established 17 Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) as an urgent call for action by all countries,
and defined Sustainability as a concept that unifies three
central pillars: environmental protection, social equality, and
economic improvement.

The 2020 ACA Sustainability Report focuses on the

coatings industry’s Sustainability efforts as framed by five
specific UN SDGs:

» Good Health and Well-Being (UN SDG #3)

» Decent Work and Economic Growth (UN SDG #8)
» Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (UN SDG #9)
» Responsible Consumption and Production (UN SDG #12)
» Partnerships for the Goals (UN SDG #17)

Our industry’s Sustainability commitment is highlighted by

the real efforts industry undertakes, guided by these UN
SDG principles. In coordination with member companies,
ACA has implemented programs and initiatives to address
these goals and fulfill its Sustainability performance,
detailed in this report.

5
 Innovation Leads To
Environmental Improvement
UN SDG #9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure

The paint and coatings industry continues to advance technologies that protect
infrastructure from corrosion, increase energy efficiency by using innovative
coatings designed to naturally cool buildings, and protect ecosystems by
preventing the transfer of invasive species in our oceans.

Here are but a few examples.

Marine Coatings
Marine paints and coatings are applied to commercial and military ships — for both salt and fresh
water — fixed and floating marine structures such as offshore oil rigs, and recreational boats and
yachts. Specific areas of marine vessels and yachts require specially formulated marine coatings,
called antifouling coatings, for use above and below the waterline. These coatings, which are highly
engineered and subject to intense regulation, serve a dual purpose: they help reduce the growth of
marine organisms on immersed areas of ships, and therefore reduce “drag,” greatly minimizing the
ship’s energy and fuel consumption.

Antifouling coatings carry tremendous eco-efficiency benefits: when applied to tankers, bulk cargo and
other vessel types, they can reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions by an average of 9% — no small
feat, since shipping counts for an estimated 2-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. These coatings
also actively prevent the harmful transfer of invasive aquatic species to different ocean ecosystems.

6 | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020

Antifouling coatings...when applied to
tankers, bulk cargo and other vessel types,
... can reduce greenhouse gas and other
emissions by an average of 9%

7
 Energy Applications Paint and Primer in One
Coatings are essential for renewable energy generation. Many architectural paints — both interior and exterior
Anti-reflective coatings applied to solar panels increase — are now paint and primer in one product, which
the amount of light passing through the panels, ulti- allows for a paint job with fewer coats, translating
mately generating more solar power. Protective coatings to greater efficiency and environmental advantages.
designed for wind turbine blades promote fast drying These combinations are designed to provide a high-
and provide UV and weathering resistance, keeping quality application that is more durable and lasts
blades rotating in challenging conditions from ridgelines longer, thereby reducing the frequency for repainting or
to offshore sites. Electrical insulation coatings help multiple applications.
disperse heat in electric motors and transformers, which
can enable them to increase their efficiency by operating Automotive Monocoat Process
at higher temperatures. During automotive manufacturing, some vehicles
are now finished with a two-wet monocoat paint
Cool Coatings Technology process. A quick-drying primer coat and color coating
Coatings provide value by enhancing the ability is painted on the vehicle and dried in an enamel oven.
of commercial buildings and homes to regulate This streamlined manufacturing process eliminates
temperature, leading to a reduction in energy usage. the need for a third, clear protective coat since the
For example, cool roof coatings can be a cost-effective monocoat is formulated with the same protection
way to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings. properties. This technology results in more durable
Roofs with cool roof coatings can be as much as 100°F paint, uses less energy and water, and reduces CO2
cooler than roofs covered with traditional, dark-colored and particulate emissions compared with conventional
roofing materials, demonstrating energy savings of as paint processes.
much as 10-70%, according to U.S. EPA.

8 | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020

9
 ACA Product Category Rules Sustainability guidelines and green certification
programs are also giving preferential treatment to
ACA’s Sustainability Committee has been actively
products with verified EPDs. The newest version of the
developing Product Category Rules (PCR). The committee
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
has developed a PCR for both Architectural Coatings and
green building rating system rewards construction
Resinous Floor Coatings, and is currently developing a
projects for using materials for which an EPD is
PCR for Powder Coatings. A PCR provides an agreed-upon
provided, and other green building schemes relied on
framework for measuring the environmental impacts of
by the federal government are following suit.
a product based on a defined set of criteria, which allows
manufacturers to conduct life-cycle assessments (LCA)
Those are but two examples of the growing importance
of their products in a standardized way, and publish this
and demand for EPDs; but consider too, that LCA
information in an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD),
results can be used to demonstrate performance
if they so choose.
attributes of products, including durability. LCA also
provides paint and coating manufacturers with the
The utility of the PCR for Architectural Coatings, for
opportunity to exhibit improvements in resource
instance, is timely and considerable, since decision makers
efficiency across the supply chain.
are increasingly considering information about the life-cycle
impacts of products when selecting which products they
ACA has made and will continue to make its PCRs
choose to sell, specify, or use. Retailers, standard-setting
available for free download, as well as explore
bodies, and consumers are requiring information or giving
additional market segments for development.
favorable status to products and brands able to describe
their life-cycle impacts and benefits.

10 | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020

ACA Sustainability Program for Architectural Coatings
The ACA Sustainability Committee is developing a third-party, multi-attribute Sustainability
Program for Architectural Coatings. The program will use a life-cycle approach to evaluate the
environmental impacts of architectural coatings on the environment and provide transparency to
the public on these impacts. The program will create a consensus-based framework that aims
to gather and analyze industry performance metrics; outline and encourage corporate social
responsibility; identify and communicate environmentally preferable products; and provide market
recognition for conforming products and manufacturers.

The ACA Sustainability Program for Architectural Coatings will work in tandem with the U.S.
Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programs —
the most renowned Green Building program in the United States — to recognize ACA members’
products to achieve maximum credits due to their sustainable attributes.

11
 Responsible Production
& Recycling
UN SDG #12: Responsible Production

PaintCare
Achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological
footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. The efficient management
of our shared natural resources, and the way we dispose of toxic waste and pollutants, are important
targets to achieve this goal. Encouraging industries, businesses and consumers to recycle and reduce
waste is equally important.

To help manage post-consumer architectural paint and coatings, ACA created a non-profit program —
PaintCare — that provides public education, translating the three R’s of responsible waste management. The
message, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, encourages the public to paint smarter: “Buy right. Use it up. Recycle
the rest.” This includes tips on consulting with paint retailers to plan the right amount of paint for the job;
extending the life of unused paint by storing it properly and making the most of whatever quantities are left;
finding people and agencies potentially interested in the remaining paint; and dropping off leftover paint with
PaintCare’s partner sites around the country for recycling and management.

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PaintCare facilitates this recycling and
management of leftover paint, and in just
10 years has had remarkable success:

PROGRAM STATS, TO DATE

11
States and District of Columbia have
enacted laws to establish PaintCare
in their jurisdictions

39+ million
gallons of post-consumer paint collected

591,000
gallons of paint collected each month
(estimate) in nine programs

4,593
HHW and other events,
including

206
PaintCare-run events

3,597
Large Volume Pickups

1,765
Year-Round Paint Drop-off Sites

208
Registered Manufacturers

97.7 %
PaintCare maintains year-round sites
within 15 miles of 97.7% of the combined
populations of its program state

13
 Improving Air Emissions
UN SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being

Improving environmental and human health is essential to

sustainable development. The coatings industry has actively worked
to reduce air emissions associated with its products by creating
advanced chemistries used in paints and coatings to improve air
quality and protect human health and the environment.

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Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emission Reduction
Advancements in coatings technology have led to significant reductions in volatile organic
compound (VOC) emissions from paints and coatings. California’s South Coast Air Qual-
ity Management District (SCAQMD), which includes the Los Angeles area, has the most
stringent air emissions regulations in the country, due to air quality issues in the district. As
such, ACA analyzes the air quality data collected by the local air district since it is a great
indicator of emissions trends globally. The data collected in this area demonstrates that,
despite increasing sales, emissions from architectural coatings have decreased by more
than 40% since 2008. This dramatic reduction in emissions illustrates industry’s commit-
ment to reducing its environmental footprint and improving air quality.

Architectural Coatings Sales Data (in gallons) and Emissions (tons per day)

Overall Total Sales 2008 - 2017 *

Sales (Gallons) Emissions (tpd)
45 20
18.9
40 18
15.3 15.2 15.3
16
35
Millions of Gallons Sold

13.2 13.3 14

Emissons, tons/day
30 11.5
10.9 12
25 10.7
10
20
8
15
6
10 4
5 2
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

* 314 Draft Data + estimated colorant emissions

Source: SCAQMD, via Rule 314, collects architectural coatings sales data (in gallons) and emissions data (tons per day).

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), the state’s clean air agency, collects similar
industry emissions data. Illustrated here, as sales (in millions of gallons) and VOC content
(tons per day) of architectural coatings sold in California increased over the 35-year period,
the average VOC content of architectural coatings decreased by 80%.

15
 Sales and Emissions Trends, CARB Surveys

Figure ES-1
Sales and Emissions Trends
120 160

140
100

VOC Emissions (Tons/Days)

120
Sales (Million Gallons)

80
100

60 80

60
40
40
20
20

0 0
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
Year

Sales (Million Gallons) VOC Emissions (Tons/Day)

Source: California Air Resources Board

It is particularly noteworthy that emissions of architectural coatings have decreased significantly

since the last survey in 2004.

Contributing factors for these large additional reductions include researching and implementing
new paints and coatings chemistries, implementation of rules with lower VOC limits, and increased
consumer demand for low-VOC coatings. CARB’s survey data indicate that architectural coatings
in California are continuing to shift toward waterborne products. It is important to note that since
many paint stores and big box stores sell California products throughout the United States, the Cali-
fornia VOC trends are extrapolated to apply throughout the country.

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Coatings Manufacturing Air Emission Reduction
In addition to reduced VOC emissions from architectural coating products, technical
advancements have led to significant reductions in emissions from coatings manufacturing
operations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) air
release data indicates that, since 1990, coatings manufacturing emissions have dropped by 89%.

TRI Air Releases by the Paint & Coatings Sector

20000
18000
16000
14000
Pounds (Thousands)

12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0

2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990

Source: U.S. EPA 2017 TRI National Analysis Complete Report, Paints and Coatings Sector

17
 Economic Contribution
& Worker Safety
UN SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The UN SDGs promote sustained economic growth, higher levels of productivity and technological
innovation. The U.S. paint and coatings industry aligns with this goal, making significant contributions
to the U.S. economy and its employees.

311,800
people in the United States engaged in
the manufacture, application, sale, and
distribution of industry products, in 2018.

The U.S. Paint and Coatings Industry payroll

was more than $15.8 billion in 2018.

40,400
employed
in the U.S. Paint
and Coatings
manufacturing
sector, in 2018.

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Total 2019 U.S. Paint and
Coatings Industry Exports:

$2.4 Billion

What’s more, the U.S. paint and coatings

industry enjoys a strong trade position,
both with North American, and globally.

Positive U.S. Trade Surplus, Total:

$1.5 billion
Exports to Canada:

$1.1 billion in value

Exports to Mexico:

$590 million in value

Learn more about the industry’s
economic contributions at
www.paint.org/economicfacts.

19
 2018 U.S. Paint & Coatings Industry Stats

$28.4 Billion
Total value of shipments and receipts for services

$11.7 Billion
Shipped value of architectural coatings.

$7.7 Billion
Value of industrial coatings sold to customer industries

$4.9 Billion
Shipped value of special purpose coatings

The Special Purpose Coatings segment

can be divided into the following major
sub-segments:

$2.2 Billion
Automotive Refinish Coatings is the largest sub-segment,
with a value of $2.2 billion in 2018.

$1.4 Billion
Industrial Maintenance Coatings is the second largest
sub-segment, with a value of $1.4 billion in 2018.

$530 Million
Traffic Marking Paint, used on roadways, parking lots and
airport surfaces, had a value of $530 million in 2018.

$460 Million
Marine Paints, including both OEM
(original equipment manufacturer)
and refinish applications, had a value
of $460 million in 2018.

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Promoting Worker Health & Safety
Worker health and safety is an ACA core value and an important focus area for member
companies. ACA members report injury and illness reportable cases annually to the U.S.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA reportable incident data from
2003-2017 for coating manufacturers, shown here, demonstrates the industry has consistently
lowered its recordable cases and continues to prioritize safety.

OSHA Reportable Cases

6

5 4.9
Total OSHA Reportable Cases

4.2 4.4
4.1
4 3.8
3.6 3.3
3.2
3.1 3.1
3
2.9 2.9
2.4 2.4 2.4
2

0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Injury and Illness Report
Database (NAICS 325510) from 2003 – 2017

ACA Safety Awards Program

ACA encourages and recognizes member company facilities with outstanding safety records
through its annual ACA Safety Awards Program. The program aims to:

» Honor member company facilities that demonstrate superior safety performance, which is a key
part of social sustainability; and
» Allow members to benchmark their performance against others in the industry.

A full list of ACA Safety Award Recipients can be found on our website:
www.paint.org/safety-awards.

21
 Improving the Community
UN SDG #17: Partnerships for the Goals

The coatings industry believes that the SDGs can only be realized with strong global
partnerships and global cooperation.

In 1992, the International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC) was established to
ensure global coordination on the development of industry policy to lower the industry’s
global environmental and health impacts and ensure sustainable economic growth for
the industry. In 2005, IPPIC was granted NGO status from the United Nations Economic
and Social Council, and advocates for sustainable international industry issues to the
UN and its governing body. In 2019, the name of the International Paint and Printing Ink
Council was changed to the World Coatings Council.

UN Lead Paint Alliance

The World Coatings Council — an international organization for which ACA serves as
Secretariat — is a formal contributor to the Lead Paint Alliance (LPA), an organization
established under the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and the World
Health Organization (WHO). Since its inception in 2010, the LPA has been working
to engage national governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations in
establishing restrictions on lead use in paints that pose public health and environmental
risks, especially to children.

The World Coatings Council’s contribution to the LPA has been to highlight the
widespread existing restrictions on lead use in paints and to encourage the adoption of
similar restrictions by governments that currently have none.

As the LPA continues its efforts to address lead use in paint and coatings, ACA and
the World Coatings Council will continue working with other LPA partners to assist in
industry implementation efforts to ensure widespread and verifiable compliance.

For more information on the LPA and efforts to seek restrictions on decorative paints,
visit the https://worldcoatingscouncil.org and the UNEP website.

22 | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020

As the LPA continues its efforts to address
lead use in paint and coatings, ACA and
the World Coatings Council will continue
working with other LPA partners to assist in
industry implementation efforts to ensure
widespread and verifiable compliance.

23
 RMI’s program as the most innovative and inspiring
Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI)
approach to implementing the UN Guiding Principles
The Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) is a consortium on Business and Human Rights.
of companies and NGO partners implementing
strategies to assure fair labor practices in production ACA and the World Coatings Council have supported
of natural mica. The organization was formed RMI’s efforts by serving on the RMI Board and on
in 2017, based on a long-standing interest of RMI working groups that address traceability, legal
some members who had independently initiated and community empowerment strategies. ACA also
programs to address child labor in the mica supply organized responses to media inquiries at both the
chain. Interest was further galvanized after a domestic (ACA) and international (World Coatings
report published by the Dutch NGO TDH (Terre des Council) level. The World Coatings Council established
Hommes) identified India as the largest global supply a working group under its Industry Stewardship
source of natural mica produced with child labor. Committee to address the natural mica concerns and
TDH’s report called for industries that use mica to derive best practices to apply to future supply chain
work constructively in mica-producing regions to management issues. The council engages in regular
develop a comprehensive strategy to address labor communications on the RMI activities with members
practices, while continuing to source from these and for companies that have an interest in supply
regions to provide income in a low-income area. chain dynamics.

With support from member companies, RMI More information about RMI is available online at:
developed a strategy and continues to implement http://www.responsible-mica-initiative.com/.
programs that allow for improvements in supply
chain management for natural mica by working
with mines, mica processing units and state and
local authorities, while addressing underlying social
conditions leading to reliance on child labor in
affected Indian regions. In addition to working with
regional upstream actors in the mica supply chain,
RMI operates programs in these regions to establish
education, alternative employment, wage equality
for adults, access to government social welfare
programs and other programs. In 2018, the UN
Forum on Business and Human Rights recognized

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ACA Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)
Education Resources
ACA has partnered with Young Minds Inspired to create an educational STEM outreach program for
middle school students that introduces coatings science, creates an awareness of what coatings
are, and demonstrates coatings applications.

ACA’s message to young students helps them develop an interest in the practical science around
them and delivers the message that STEM is for everyone, and STEM specialties are plenty.

A multitude of resources and information on ACA’s STEM offerings is available at

https://www.paint.org/stem.

25
 Industry
Sustainability Stories
ACA is proud of the initiatives its members are undertaking every day in their operations and
through their innovative products and services to advance a Sustainability commitment.
Several member company stories are highlighted here, and additional information about their
Sustainability initiatives may be found on their websites and annual financial and Sustainability
reports. There are many more stories of the industry’s Sustainability commitment. These are a
few examples.

Disclaimers

While reasonable efforts have been made to include reliable data and information here, ACA cannot assume responsibility for the validity
of all facts, data and materials contained herein, the consequences of their use, or any translation of the contents of these stories. The
information was created and/or compiled by ACA or its agents and is offered solely to aid the reader. To the fullest extent permissible
under applicable law, ACA and its member companies do not make any guarantees, representations or warranties of any kind, express
or implied, with respect to the accuracy and completeness of the information contained herein and assume no responsibility for the use
of this information. ACA and its member companies do not assume any responsibility to amend, revise, or update information contained
herein based on information which becomes available subsequent to publication.

26 | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020

Formaldehyde-Free Crosslinker for
Industrial Wood Applications

For allnex, sustainability is a commitment to our One such resin is our CYMEL® NF 3030, which is a
stakeholders and a key part of our continued success. formaldehyde-free, water-based solution for the industrial
We are embracing this responsibility with a dedication to wood coatings market. It is an acid-catalyzed no VOC
pursuing a greener and more sustainable future with our crosslinker that can replace isocyanates. Typical urea and
customers and suppliers. Each of us has a tremendous melamine resins off-gas formaldehyde, methanol and
responsibility to protect the planet in which we all live. butanol on cure and isocyanates off-gas carbon dioxide
when mixed with water. CYMEL NF 3030 is unique and
allnex is aiming to “be the catalyst of a greener future.” environmentally friendly in that the condensation product
We have developed a portfolio management system to from the crosslinking reaction mechanism is only water.
help the business grow in a focused and sustainable way.
To us, greener technologies mean delivering safer, more When formulated with VIACRYL® SC 6834 acrylic
environmentally-friendly solutions, replacing substances of dispersion, this crosslinker provides excellent early property
high impact to the environment, utilizing sustainable and development (print resistance, film hardness), excellent pot
renewable raw materials, formulating products that allow for life, good film appearance and cures at ambient temperature
lower energy consumption and provide a longer useful life thus lowering energy costs. The coatings can be sanded in
for the final products. as little as 30 minutes, allowing for faster recoat and cycle
time. CYMEL® NF 3030 delivers the desirable performance
Sustainable resins are moving from marketing buzz to characteristics required of water soluble systems, while
reality. Many of our customers intend on delivering greener meeting the customer need for zero formaldehyde
products to the marketplace, and we’ve responded to emissions and zero VOC’s.
support their efforts with high quality solutions. Our research
& development team uses the principles of green chemistry For more information, visit
to improve products. Today, a significant share of our R&D https://www.allnex.com/en/info-hub/sustainability.
projects is focused on developing sustainable solutions for
our clients. We continually strive to increase the percentage
of non-harmful feedstocks in our products as well as to
increase the breadth of products in which these materials
are used.

27
 Adding Years to Old Structures
Axalta coatings find many applications that Our challenge in developing Hydropon was its
contribute to sustainability goals in the course application and durability in the most severe
of new building construction and the restoration environments. For example, painted metals in
of existing structures. Axalta’s water-based tropical, coastal or highly humid climates, which
Hydropon™ spray-applied field repair coating can expose materials to salty sea fog, wind and strong
transform the appearance of an old roof or siding ultraviolet light, are what Hydropon is especially
into looking brand new. designed for.

The product can extend a structure’s years of Learn more about Axalta’s sustainability efforts
service and provide a new color without affecting https://www.axalta.com.
the environment.
» Waterborne technology significantly reduces
emissions compared to solventborne alterna-
tives.
» Air-dry technology means Hydropon can be
applied in the field without the need for high
temperature curing. This conserves resources
by repainting rather than replacing structures
and doing so without energy required to cure the
coating.
» Durable performance translates into the ability
to withstand extended exposure to humidity,
temperature extremes, UV light and acid rain.
» A smooth finish enables newly coated surfaces
to resist mold and mildew, staying clean longer
and reducing maintenance costs.
» A combination of cool and high reflectivity
pigments reduces energy use by directing heat
away from the building, lowering the burden on
air conditioning systems.
» Reflective properties and cool pigments also
combine to help reduce urban heat island effect
and lower ambient outside air temperatures.

28 | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020

Trendsetters in Sustainability
More and more, consumers are becoming aware that, textiles and innovative materials can be used to create
for better or worse, their choices have a direct impact on a stylish and inviting in-car experience. This waterborne
the future of our planet. And many are willing to leverage polyurethane technology enables more sustainable, flexible,
this power to make a difference. At the same time, they lighter and durable coatings with a premium look and feel.
are looking for greater comfort, style, and functionality Outdoor clothing and accessory brands can also benefit
in products they use every day. Covestro offers material from INSQIN® technology. When venturing outdoors, the
technologies that allow consumers to enjoy the convenience art of staying dry is twofold: consumers want waterproof
and beauty of high-quality products—and still support the gear that offers protection from the elements, but they also
sensible trend toward sustainability. want fabrics that allow water vapor from sweat to escape.
In addition, buyers are now looking for clothing that is
The textiles industry, for instance, is one area that has produced in a way that lessens impact to the environment.
placed increasing importance on the use of sustainable
solutions, from raw materials to manufacturing processes. Our waterborne technology is a more environmentally
To support the use of mindful materials, Covestro compatible solution for textile manufacturers to achieve
developed a portfolio of environmentally friendly products waterproof performance with a soft, breathable feel that
for textile applications. Known as INSQIN®, this technology keeps consumers comfortable. It can be used to produce
can be used to formulate high-quality, water-based durable and flexible textile coatings for jackets, shoes, caps,
polyurethane (PU) coatings for colorful, sustainable textiles gloves, backpacks and other items.
that also boast strong durability, superior elasticity, soft-
touch layers, breathability and water resistance. Switching to a waterborne PU technology like INSQIN®
can have a positive ripple effect. For instance, using a
The benefits of creating functional textiles from Covestro waterborne process can cut the carbon footprint of PU
materials are multifaceted. In addition to boasting low- materials by half. If the entire textile industry switched to this
odor and low-VOCs, thanks to water-based PU binders, technology, the effect in one year would be like offsetting
textile coatings formulated with INSQIN® technology the emissions of 6 million cars—that’s more than all the
perform at least as effectively as solvent-based products. cars in London, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. Additionally,
Furthermore, these customizable materials provide visual enough process water would be saved to meet the water
appeal and superior durability. They can be utilized by a use of nearly 340,000 people in China every day.
broad range of industries—including sportswear, footwear,
automotive and more. Waterborne PU technology is one of the many ways
Covestro is developing sustainable solutions to make the
In the automotive industry, for example, electric vehicles, world a brighter place.
car sharing, and tightening regulations on VOC emissions
and sustainability are redefining the role and function of Learn more at solutions.covestro.com.
automotive interiors. With INSQIN®, a variety of coated

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 Responsible Environmental Awareness

Products from the paint, printing inks and coatings industry The combination of properties – high performance, ease
are subject to increasingly stringent demands. Modern, new of handling, and approval for food contact – makes this
products enable Coating Additives to play its part in meeting product unique on the market. Customers can enjoy
current and future requirements for coatings. Coating greater freedom when formulating their coatings as the
Additives occupies a leading position especially in the areas silicone resin can be combined with numerous pigments
of modern environmentally-friendly paints such as water- and can be used anywhere stoving coatings are used. This
borne coatings, radiation-curing systems, solvent-free and also includes, for example, toasters or other household ap-
high-solids formulations. pliances (electrical appliances). The working temperature
resistance is 200°C. The high flashpoint of above 90°C
Our latest sustainable highlight: New silicone resin for pots offers corresponding benefits for storage and transport.
and pans – heat resistant and waterborne, with a unique
combination of properties: sustainable, high performance, “In this silicone resin we offer a product that meets
and easy to use. increasingly stringent regulations,” says Maximilian Morin,
head of the industrial coatings market segment. “The ex-
Colorful cookware is right on trend. Bright reds, deep blues, tensive and vigorous development has paid off and is an
and vibrant yellows – pots and pans are increasingly be- excellent example of our efforts to continuously expand
coming a design feature rather than simply a functional tool. our portfolio and offer more sustainable products.”
This gives a dual purpose to the external coating: It has to
look good and withstand a fair amount of punishment. You can find regulatory, technical, and safety data sheets on
the product as well as more information about sustainability
Heat-resistant coatings for cookware and bakeware are at Coating Additives on www.coating-additives.com.
certainly not new – but to date, they have been almost
exclusively solvent-borne. Evonik’s Coating Additives busi-
ness line is now launching a more environmentally friendly
silicone resin, which has been specifically developed for
waterborne coatings.

The new product is a heat-resistant silicone resin that

meets all the requirements of a sustainable formulation. It is
free of organic solvents and features a significantly reduced
VOC content from production to application.

It’s suitable for food contact as part of the external coating.

By eliminating critical ingredients, the silicone resin is not
classified as hazardous according to GHS.

30 | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2020

Innovative Powder Coating Extends Spring
Life, Increases Recyclability

At PPG, we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, provide superior chip and corrosion resistance to extend
coatings and specialty materials that our customers have the life of high-tensile automotive coil springs on original
trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles. The dual-coat
creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, process features a sustainable approach and an entirely
collaborating closely to find the right path forward. new impact-absorption mechanism for chip mitigation.

We are committed to using resources efficiently and driving Based on a patent-pending technology using reclaimable
sustainability throughout our entire value chain to preserve materials, PPG Envirocron Extreme Protection powder
and protect the environment in which we operate. coating system surpasses 150 cycles of testing as pre-
scribed by SAE International’s J2334 Laboratory Cyclical
Environmental stewardship has driven PPG’s research and Corrosion Test, which is the automotive industry’s most
development for more than a century. In the last decade, a stringent performance standard for this type of testing.
strategic realignment to focus our product portfolio almost
entirely on paints and coatings has enabled a concerted and A key aspect of PPG’s product development process is
disciplined approach to developing sustainably advantaged selecting sustainable and safe materials to manufacture
products and processes that provide environmental and a product. We actively seek to avoid using chemicals of
other sustainability benefits to our customers. concern in new products, and we have been successful in
removing these substances from many existing products
Our coatings, materials and technologies reduce corrosion, through reformulation. For example, PPG Envirocron
extending the life of our customers’ products. We also help Extreme Protection powder coating is specially formulated
our customers reduce energy usage and emissions, protect without fiberglass, and is easier to reclaim and recycle
their employees and minimize waste and water consumption compared to a similar competitive product. Additional
through the use of our products. benefits include exceptional application transfer efficien-
cy, consistent film builds on spring surfaces and a wide
One major advancement in corrosion and chip resistant application window for ease of use.
coatings technologies is the PPG ENVIROCRON® Extreme
Protection powder coating system, which is formulated to To learn more, visit www.ppgindustrialcoatings.com.

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Executive Summary
The American Coatings Association (ACA) is a voluntary, nonprofit trade association that represents the U.S. paints
and coatings industry by working to promote policies to enable its members to bring innovative, effective and safe
coatings products to market that protect and preserve the surfaces to which they are applied. As such, Sustainability
is a focus for ACA’s various committees and initiatives.

The 2020 ACA Sustainability Report focuses the industry’s contributions to sustainability through five specific United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs): Good Health and Well-Being (UN SDG #3); Decent Work and
Economic Growth (UN SDG #8); Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (UN SDG #9); Responsible Consumption and
Production (UN SDG #12); and Partnerships for the Goals (UN SDG #17).

The paint and coatings industry advances technologies that protect infrastructure from corrosion, reduce energy
usage through reflective coatings, prevent the harmful transfer of invasive aquatic species and increase fuel efficiency
in boats via anti-fouling marine coatings, and streamline the application processes in manufacturing and commercial
use by utilizing monocoat technology.

But Sustainability in the coatings industry extends beyond product design and processes to industry stewardship.

ACA has created opportunities for recycling leftover paint by creating a non-profit program — PaintCare — that
facilitates the reduction, recovery, reuse and recycling of leftover architectural paints and coatings. The landmark
PaintCare product stewardship program is enacted in 11 states and the District of Columbia, and has collected more
than 39 million gallons of post-consumer paint since its inception in 2009.

Advancements in coatings technology have led to significant reductions in volatile organic compound (VOC)
emissions from paints and coatings. Despite increasing sales, VOC emissions from architectural coatings continue
to decrease. Moreover, U.S. EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) air release data indicates that, since 1990, coatings
manufacturing TRI air emissions have dropped by 89%.

COATINGS PRESERVE materials and make products more sustainable through enhanced durability and increased
performance properties. COATINGS PROTECT the surfaces we depend on every day, all while enhancing and
beautifying our world. COATINGS PROVIDE for our future.

901 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 300 West | Washington, DC 20001
www.paint.org