Thematic focus: Sustainability and recycling at the heart of the markets challenges

| Eurocoat takes stock of the sustainability and recycling of paints, varnishes, inks, glues and adhesives...

How to make paints, varnishes, inks, glues and adhesives more durable?

• Environmentally-friendly formulation: manufacturers of paints, varnishes, inks, glues and adhesives are striving to develop environmentally-friendly formulations, by reducing the quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and using less harmful materials.
• Water-based products are often considered more durable than solvent-based coatings, as they emit fewer VOCs and are less harmful to the environment.
• Better abrasion resistance means fewer repairs and replacements, contributing to more sustainable use.

How can paints, varnishes and inks be recycled?

• Recycling paints, varnishes, inks, glues and adhesives residues: some coatings can generate residues during the application or removal process. Recycling these residues can reduce waste and contribute to more sustainable management.
• Powder coatings are often recyclable, as unused surplus powder can be recovered and reused, minimizing waste.
• Removable coating systems: some coatings are designed to be removable, facilitating the process of separating materials for end-of-life recycling.
• Return and recycling programs are offered by some paint manufacturers, enabling users to return leftover products for environmentally-friendly processing.
• Use of recycled materials: using recycled materials in the manufacture of coatings reduces the demand for new resources.
• Circular economy: the idea of a circular economy, where materials are continually reused, repaired and recycled, is gaining in importance in the coatings field.