VAE can help decorative paint manufacturers to make more sustainable paints
- Typical VAE Polymers provide better hiding power with the same PVC in relation to standard styrene Acrylic copolymers, therefore, typical CO2 contributing products like TiO2 can be reduced. Typically from 8.0% to 6.9%, a relative reduction of 15%
- Standard VA has a CO2 content of 1.2 KgCO2/Kg, whilst standard styrene acrylic have 1.5 (source)
- VAE is already available based on 50% biobased raw materials by massbalance. (Raw material is biobased acetic acid from wood industry). This can help reduce the carbon footprint also by another 50%.
- VAE is very low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).
- VAE is a stable copolymer. Non yellowing enables applications to have a longer lifetime
- VAE is used in many construction applications, including concrete. It has no negative impact on most recycle waste streams.
VAE can contribute in various stages to your carbon reduction plan
VAE copolymers can help specifiers reduce their environmental impact and provide a more attractive offering for climate-conscious clients.
By reading the LCA or EPD of the different raw materials in paints, one can reduce waste, increase its contribution to the circular economy and ensure its buildings are more environmentally friendly.
Low VOC emissions of decorative paints
Useing VAE can reduce VOC in paints significantly. In Carpet applications it is published that a reduction of 99 per cent volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been realised. VAE can help reducing the binder content, reducing TiO2 and even additional film forming additives . VAE’s are available with LCA and EPD that enable BREEAM and LEED compliant paint developments. VAEhelps to minimise the impact on indoor air quality, while helping decorators offer clients sustainable options.
Recycled content
Current VAE’s are already available produced with biobased acetic acid, from waste streams in the wood production industry. VAE, with almost only Methanol and Ethylene in it’s supply chain, can be made 100% reneweable by using biobased ethanol/ethylene and biobased methanol in the future. At this moment, the supply of more cost effective biobased acetic acid is sufficient to supply the demand for CO2 reduced VAE polymer.
Massbalance concept
The massbalance concept that is practically used for useing biobased streams, is officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
What polymers can be used for decorative paint?
Styrene acrylate copolymer (SAC), vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE), polyvinyl acetate (PVAC), acrylics, and styrene butadiene (SB) are all different types of copolymers.
SAC is a thermoplastic copolymer that is used in a variety of applications such as adhesives, coatings, and paints. It is known for its excellent weatherability, water resistance, and adhesion properties 1.
VAE is a copolymer of vinyl acetate and ethylene. It is used in a variety of applications such as adhesives, coatings, and paints. VAE is known for its excellent adhesion, flexibility, and water resistance 2.
PVAC is a thermoplastic copolymer that is used in a variety of applications such as adhesives, coatings, and paints. It is known for its excellent adhesion, flexibility, and water resistance 3.
Acrylics are a group of thermoplastic copolymers that are used in a variety of applications such as adhesives, coatings, and paints. They are known for their excellent weatherability, water resistance, and adhesion properties 4.
SB is a synthetic rubber that is used in the production of tires, footwear, and other products that require high elasticity and durability 1.
In summary, SAC, VAE, PVAC, acrylics, and SB are all copolymers that are used in various applications. SAC is a thermoplastic copolymer that is used in adhesives, coatings, and paints, while VAE and PVAC are copolymers that are known for their excellent adhesion, flexibility, and water resistance. Acrylics are a group of thermoplastic copolymers that are known for their excellent weatherability, water resistance, and adhesion properties. SB is a synthetic rubber that is used in the production of tires, footwear, and other products that require high elasticity and durability