The future of acrylic and other paint is green

The future of acrylic

and other paint is green

In light of growing climate change concerns and youth eco-activists like Greta Thunberg calling us all to task, we’re increasingly taking more and more meaningful steps to reduce our impact on the environment.

This is happening across all sectors of industry. The marked shift by no means excludes the coatings we apply to the walls, roofs and surfaces of our homes, businesses, factories, machinery and modes of transport, and covers anything from the way these paints are manufactured to the substances they contain.

With its leaps and bounds in green technology, a household-name paint manufacturer is leading the charge with numerous eco-wise coatings. The first of these innovations is the company’s introduction of formulations without alkylphenol ethoxylate (APEO).

APEOs toxic to human and wildlife

APEO compounds are bioaccumulative compounds which, when released into the environment, can be toxic to human and wildlife, especially marine life. Conventional roof paints contain APEOs that, over time, leach into waterways through rain and drainage, and eventually contaminate the soil, water tables, rivers and ultimately, our oceans.

According to Dr Kevin Winter from the University of Cape Town’s Future Water Organisation: “APEOs found in freshwater systems are toxic to aquatic organisms. In Plascon Velvaglo Water-Based Enamel is just one product in the extensive range of water-based products offered by Plascon. Leading the field in water-based alternatives, Plascon Velvaglo Water-Based Enamel is prized for its superior strength, satin finish and versatility.

Formulated with a unique water-based acrylic hybrid called Aquatough, Plascon Velvaglo Water-Based Enamel offers all the toughness of a solvent-based enamel. This includes UV, flaking and stain resistance, with non-drip properties, while remaining environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

large doses, APEOs even have the potential to disrupt human hormonal systems. APEOs are discharged into freshwater systems from stormwater runoff and sewage works. They are found in a variety of products including paints, packaging and cleaning agents.”

By choosing to use APEO-free products, you are contributing to a safer, healthier and more sustainable planet. Plascon TradePro Roof & More is Africa’s first roof paint to be entirely free of the harmful APEO chemicals, and the default choice for conscious consumers.

Water, although a reusable resource, still needs to be treated responsibly and conserved in order to avoid pollution and shortages. South Africa is amongst the most water-scarce countries in the world and one way to use water more responsibly and save more money on your monthly municipal bill, is to harvest rainwater from roofs. Since Plascon TradePro Roof & More is APEO-free it is safe for the harvesting of rainwater for non-potable use.

There has also been a global shift toward water-based products, which offer equal, if not better, quality with added benefits. These perks include faster drying times, lower associated costs and minimal impact to the environment and the health and wellbeing of consumers.

Leading the field in water-based alternatives