Luca Amadeo, Chiara Mantovani – SAFIC ALCAN ITALIA
Marco Barban, Eric Oude Spraakste – WANHUA
The flooring and paint industries are in the midst of a revolution aimed at finding solutions that combine high performance with environmental sustainability. Polyurethane coatings, particularly used to protect and finish flooring surfaces in industrial, commercial, and residential settings, are evolving to reduce their environmental impact without compromising efficiency and durability. These products, along with next-generation paints, are at the forefront of a shift focused on reducing the carbon footprint while decreasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
But what exactly does ‘reducing the carbon footprint’ mean? The term refers to the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, measured in CO₂ equivalent, generated directly or indirectly by a product, process, or activity throughout its lifecycle. In the case of polyurethane coatings and paint products, this includes emissions from raw material production, manufacturing, application, and even disposal or recycling. Reducing the carbon footprint means adopting solutions and technologies that minimize these emissions, thereby contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting a more sustainable production model.
Another key element of innovation is the reduction of VOC levels. Volatile organic compounds, traditionally present in flooring coatings and paints, are known for their negative impact on air quality, contributing to indoor pollution and posing health risks. Next-generation polyurethane coatings, designed with advanced technologies, offer a low-VOC or even VOC-free alternative. This represents a significant advantage, especially in enclosed or high-traffic environments where air quality is a priority.
Sustainably coated flooring also provides practical benefits in terms of durability and maintenance. These coatings, thanks to their resistance to wear, scratches, and chemicals, reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements. This not only extends the lifespan of surfaces but also reduces costs and emissions associated with maintenance over time.
At the same time, paint products are following a similar path. The adoption of innovative, low-impact formulations enables the production of high-quality aesthetic finishes with long-lasting protective properties. Water-based paints, for example, are becoming an increasingly common choice for those looking to combine performance and sustainability.
The reduction of VOC and carbon footprint in coating formulations is closely linked to minimizing solvent content and extending the durability of painted goods. By decreasing the use of thinners, not only can emissions of organic volatiles be significantly reduced, but CO2 emissions associated with the production and transportation of these solvents are also lowered.
Additionally, improving the durability of coatings plays a crucial role in sustainability. Longer-lasting coatings help preserve goods, reducing the need for replacements or repairs caused by damage. This translates into a notable reduction in the carbon footprint, as fewer resources and energy are consumed over the lifecycle of the goods.
Wanhua, a global leader in the production of aliphatic polyisocyanates, has introduced a groundbreaking range of low-viscosity products designed to transform polyurethane coating formulations for flooring and paint applications. These innovations address the increasing demand for environmentally responsible solutions while opening new competitive opportunities for businesses aiming to differentiate themselves in the market. By delivering products that align with sustainability goals, Wanhua supports the construction and finishing sectors in their transition to a more responsible and sustainable future.
The chart shows WANHUA’s product range, including several 100% solid content grades with differences in viscosity.
WANNATE low viscosity products allows to formulate high-solid coatings, achieving the right viscosity, but avoiding important dosages of solvents. Graph 1 is well describing this opportunity. The selection of the proper polyisocyanate for a particular formulation has then to be approached by having a look to performances like hardness development, pot-life, chemical resistance and compatibility with binders and pigments.
Graphs below well describe how Wannate HT-100 PLUS represent the market standard in terms of balanced performances. Wannate HT-600 PLUS and HT-3100 PLUS perform practically equal, so the selection depends mainly on the desired viscosity.
In particular, Wannate HT 3100 PLUS represents a real innovation in the polyisocyanate market, since it has the same performance of a standard HDI trimer, with a viscosity 3 times lower, alongside an excellent shelf life which really make the difference in comparison with similar products (Graph. 2, 3, 4).
It worth to point out some additional benefits coming from Wannate HT-300 PLUS: it combines longer pot-life with excellent mechanical flexibility, which make it the perfect co-hardener for systems like polyaspartics and high-resistance soft-touch clearcoats.
On top of this, compatibility towards binders and pigments is dramatically improved compared to other product grades, resulting in the highest possible formulation and application freedom (Fig. 1 and 2).
Wanhua Chemical is active in the research and development, production and sales of a full range of polyurethane products such as isocyanates and polyols, petrochemicals such as acrylic acid and acrylates, functional materials such as water-based resins and specialty chemicals. In 2023, revenues reached 25 billion and there were over 27.000 employees. Branches are located in 27 countries, with 10 production sites and 14 laboratories.
Safic Alcan Italia is the official Wanhua distributor in Italy for MDI, TDI, prepolymers, polyols, isocyanates derivatives, hydrophilic isocyanates and water-based resins for industrial coating.
Safic Alcan is a French distributor of specialty chemicals based in Paris. The company develops and supplies a wide range of polymers, materials and additives for rubber, coatings, adhesives, thermoplastics, polyurethanes, lubricants, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals industries. With a network of 37 locations strategically located across Europe, the Middle East, North America, South America, Asia and South Africa, the company represents cutting-edge manufacturers around the world. Its highly specialized sales engineers enable Safic-Alcan to provide dedicated technical expertise and high-performance solutions, thus creating long-term partnerships with the majority of specifiers and customers. Safic-Alcan employs over 800 people worldwide and generated revenues of 910 million Euros in 2023.
