Low Volatile Organic Compounds (LVOC)

This collaborative innovation project began to help suppliers avoid regrettable substitutions as they reformulate to comply with the VOC and hazardous substances contents of the China VOC regulations for adhesives, coatings, inks, and cleaning agents.    

Many VOCs are harmful to the environment and contribute to air pollution, as VOCs play a significant role in the formation of ozone and fine particulates in the atmosphere. Many VOCs are also harmful to human health and can cause a range of health problems such as headaches, dizziness, and eye, nose, and throat irritation, and some organics can cause cancer in animals, and some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.  

Through this partnership, ChemFORWARD developed an extensive solvents dataset to support users in finding safer and viable solvent options that:   

• Meet performance requirements,   

• Have inherently low hazards 

• Can be used to formulate low VOC products such as cleaners, coatings, adhesives, inks, and more  

The results of the GC3-ChemFORWARD project can help companies comply with these laws and regulations, advance their environmental leadership, and enhance their marketing and brand reputation. In some cases, low-VOC, safer chemistry alternatives may be less expensive to produce than products that contain high levels of VOCs or can result in lower overall costs for the company.