A groundbreaking standard, "The Limits of Harmful Substances in Solvent-Based Wood Coatings for Interior Decoration Materials," recently received the first prize at the 2007 National Standard Innovation Contribution Award. This achievement marks a milestone, as it is the only standard from the chemical industry to ever win this prestigious honor. What does this mean for the coatings sector? How has it influenced the industry and society at large? To gain deeper insight, we spoke with Zhao Ling, Secretary-General of the China Paint and Pigments Standardization Committee and one of the key drafters of the standard.
This standard set a crucial precedent by focusing on controlling harmful substances at the source. Solvent-based wood coatings have long dominated the furniture coating market, containing up to 50% organic solvents that eventually evaporate into the atmosphere, causing significant environmental pollution. In addition, synthetic resin residues, heavy metal pigments, and harmful additives also contribute to serious environmental and health risks. These issues not only harm ecosystems but also pose threats to human health, making sustainable development in the paint industry essential.
Prior to this standard, there were no restrictions on harmful substances in domestic paints. In 2001, the China National Chemical Construction Corporation Changzhou Paint and Chemical Research Institute took the initiative to develop and release the mandatory national standard GB 18581, which sets limits on harmful substances in solvent-based wood coatings used for interior decoration.
At the review meeting held by the National Standards Committee, experts praised the standard for its high level of innovation, unique Chinese characteristics, and strong market potential, noting that it reached international advanced levels. The formulation of the standard reflects a proactive approach to managing harmful substances in building materials, setting a new benchmark in the coatings industry. Its main indicators and testing methods are now considered world-class.
Since the implementation of the standard, it has sparked a major transformation within the industry. For the first time, mandatory limits were placed on harmful substances, creating a ripple effect across the entire sector. It raised awareness about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and shifted the focus from academic research to practical product quality control. Reducing VOC content became a central goal for technical innovation and industry development.
Moreover, the standard emphasized strict control over raw material and finished product quality. For example, the use of less toxic solvents like xylene instead of toluene became more common. In 2001, many small and medium-sized enterprises struggled to meet the TDI (toluene diisocyanate) limit, with an average of 3%–4% exceeding the threshold. However, most companies managed to comply with the new requirements.
The standard also spurred the development of eco-friendly coatings. The number of patents related to low-VOC coatings and benzene-free products increased significantly. Since 2002, over 29 relevant patents have been filed, encouraging the industry to invest heavily in green technology. Waterborne coatings, in particular, saw a surge in research and development, with hundreds of related patents emerging.
Additionally, the standard helped reshape the industry structure, promoting consolidation and increasing investment in environmentally friendly coatings. It accelerated the growth of low-pollution alternatives such as powder coatings, solvent-free coatings, waterborne coatings, and high-solid coatings, offering substantial environmental and resource-saving benefits.
In terms of market supervision, regulatory bodies like the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce have conducted annual inspections of solvent-based wood coatings based on this standard. Starting in May 2004, the National Certification and Accreditation Regulatory Commission introduced mandatory 3C certification for all manufacturers of these coatings nationwide.
Recent spot checks show a significant reduction in harmful substances in solvent-based wood coatings, with overall product quality improving. This demonstrates the far-reaching impact of the standard in regulating corporate behavior, protecting public health, and driving technological progress in the coatings industry.
Furthermore, the standard has played a critical role in guiding other types of coatings toward a greener future, reinforcing its importance as a foundational framework for both industry self-regulation and broader environmental protection efforts.
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