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What is VOC legislation 2010?
The official name of the legislation as released by the European Union is EU directive 2004/42/EC. Within UK legislation, this EU directive has been introduced under the name The Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products regulations 2005. However, in the public sphere, the short version that tends to be used is 'VOC 2010 legislation'.
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What does the legislation mean for Glidden Trade paints?
VOC 2010 legislation introduces new, stricter limits on the maximum amount of VOCs that can be contained in decorative paints, stains and varnishes. Products are divided into different categories, and within each categories, different limits apply to solvent and water-based products.
This table shows you which VOC content limits apply to which product grouping:
VOC content limits
| Product subcategory |
Type* |
g/L VOC limit from 01/01/2010 |
| Matt coatings for interior wall & ceilings |
WB
SB |
30
30 |
| Glossy coatings for interior walls & ceilings |
WB
SB |
100
100 |
| Coatings for exterior walls of mineral substrates |
WB
SB |
40
430 |
| Interior/exterior trim & cladding paints for wood, metal & plastic |
WB
SB |
130
300 |
| Interior & exterior trim varnishes & woodstains |
WB
SB |
130
700 |
| Primers |
WB
SB |
30
350 |
| Binding primers |
WB
SB |
30
750 |
| One-pack performance coatings |
WB
SB |
140
500 |
| Binding primers |
WB
SB |
30
750 |
| Two-pack performance coatings |
WB
SB |
140
500 |
| Multi-coloured coatings |
WB
SB |
100
100 |
| Decorative effect coatings |
WB
SB |
100
400 |
- * WB = Water-based
- * SB = Solvent-based
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When will the legislation come into force?
The legislation was effective from the 1st of January 2010. This means we no longer manufacture non-compliant paints.
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Can I still buy Glidden Trade products before the change in legislation?
No. From the 1st of January 2011 it is illegal for any Glidden Trade stockist to be selling non compliant paint. However you can still use stock if you have any in storage.
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What's the purpose of the legislation
VOC 2010 legislation seeks to reduce the amount of VOCs that are emitted by the paint industry for environmental and health reasons. VOCs contribute to air pollution and are causally linked to global warming. They also contribute to the creation of ozone in the lower atmosphere, which poses a health risk to humans, animals and vegetation. Although the paint industry is by no means the largest contributor to total VOC emissions, there is a responsibility on paint manufacturers to invest effort into reducing VOC emissions.
