Stringent Environmental Regulations
In many industrialized countries, the implementation of stringent environmental regulations is significantly affecting the industrial coatings market. Regulations such as the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) in the United States, and European VOC (volatile organic compounds) directives, are limiting the emission of VOCs and hazardous air pollutants (HAP). These substances are often present in traditional solvent-based industrial coatings. As a reaction, manufacturers are gravitating towards development and adoption of water-borne and high solid coatings, which have lower VOC content. Not only does this meet regulatory requirements, but it also enhances their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) image, while assuring the same level of protection and durability for their products.
