Sustainable Coatings for washroom products

Reading time: 6 minutes

Eco-friendly finishes and sustainable coatings play a vital role in safeguarding and protecting the components of washroom products. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also extend the life of these products, preserving the natural resources used in their manufacturing, particularly steel.

As a provider of commercial washroom products, Dolphin Solutions frequently emphasises the benefits and significance of sustainable coatings for commercial washroom products to our clients. We help them in selecting optimal finishes for their washroom design, as it is crucial to look at sustainable coatings that provide durability and environmental friendliness in the pursuit of sustainability.

Let’s explore the world of sustainable coatings for commercial washroom products, highlighting some of the most eco-friendly finishes available and discussing their recyclable properties. We will also examine the existing standards and regulations governing specialty coatings in the UK and explore the sustainability of the coating application process itself.

The information provided is for general guidance purposes only with genuine goodwill. Consulting with a Washroom Specialist can help determine the most sustainable coatings for washroom products.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Compliance
  VOC compliance refers to meeting the regulatory limits on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted from specialty coatings. VOC compliance means that the coating formulation adheres to the maximum allowable VOC content set by relevant regulations or standards.

  In the United Kingdom (UK), for example, VOC regulations are in place to control emissions and promote sustainable practices. The UK has its own limits and requirements for VOC content in various products, including sustainable coatings.

• REACH Regulation (EU Regulation 1907/2006/EG)
  REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) is a comprehensive regulation that governs the production, import, and use of chemicals within the European Economic Area (EEA). It aims to protect human health and the environment by ensuring the safe handling and use of chemicals, including substances used in special coatings.

  If a special coating contains substances that are subject to registration under REACH, the manufacturer or importer must comply with the relevant requirements, such as registration, evaluation, and communication of information downstream. This applies to coatings used in various applications, including those used for washroom products.

• Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
  RoHS is a directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), including components and coatings. Specialty coatings applied to washroom products that fall under the scope of RoHS, such as those used in electrical or electronic components within the washroom products, must comply with the restricted substance limits outlined in the RoHS directive.

  Manufacturers and importers of washroom products are responsible for ensuring compliance with RoHS regulations by using coatings that meet the restricted substance requirements. Compliance may involve obtaining material declarations or testing for the presence and concentration of restricted substances in the coatings used.

• Proposition 65 (Prop 65)
  Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is a California state law in the United States, and its compliance is not directly applicable to washroom products sold in the United Kingdom (UK). While Prop 65 compliance may not be a legal requirement in the UK, some manufacturers and suppliers may voluntarily adopt Prop 65 standards or similar practices as part of their commitment to product safety and consumer protection.