Paints & Coatings (PCv2.3i-2012)

Paints and coatings are an essential part of Australia’s built environment; however, they can significantly impact the environment and human health, depending on what ingredients and components they contain.

For example, if a paint uses organic solvents rather than a water base, it will release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the surrounding air. As a result, solvent-based paints can also contain about 50 per cent more embodied energy. VOCs are detrimental to indoor air quality. Exposure can trigger headaches; irritation to the eyes, nose and throat; damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous systems; and loss of coordination.

An ingredient such as titanium dioxide, widely used in the paint industry as a pigment, has its major environmental impact occur during its manufacture. This is because it has high embodied energy, is a limited resource, and its production can result in unsustainable air and water emissions.

The standard sets requirements that aim to provide a benefit by:

• reducing waste generation and resource consumption
banning ozone-depleting substances

• requiring that water and air emissions are responsibly managed

• minimising VOC (volatile organic compounds) content

• preventing the use of harmful ingredients such as carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins

• requiring that suitable information on the preparation, application, care, storage and disposal of the product is supplied to the public

• ensuring workers and suppliers through the supply chain can expect fair pay, equal opportunity, and a safe working environment

The scope of this standard is applicable to the following types of paints in the product categories:

• Interior architectural paints;
• Exterior architectural paints;
• Other water based coatings; and
• Student and artist paints.

Solvent-based coatings are not eligible for application under this standard.