VOC GLOBE
BCF takes over globe labelling system
from B & Q
BCF have acquired legal ownership of the paint ‘VOC globe’ labelling system, originally devised by B&Q. This is
part of the industry’s initiative to better manage, and thus reduce, the amount of VOCs currently going into the
atmosphere.
VOCs can react with nitrogen oxide to produce ground level
ozone and photochemical smog - these, in turn, can contribute
to health effects. The scheme is voluntary and is available to all
manufacturers and suppliers of paint in the UK. This is to ensure
progression for the wider goal of the coatings industry: to raise
consumer awareness of the amount of VOCs contained in
decorative paint products.
The system utilises a rather simple but effective ‘globe’ symbol
which participants use on product packaging, labelling and
literature. Each globe represents a different level of VOC content
also has a different colour depending on the quantity of VOCs.
The colour-coded categories will be used to communicate VOC
content within a large array of consumer products:
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paints and varnishes
primers, undercoats, sealers and stabilisers
timber treatments, wood stains and dyes
damp sealers, water sealers, roof sealers and stain blockers
patio sealers, paving block sealers and drive sealers (but not
patio and path cleaners)
algae and bacteria treatments for garden furniture, timber
and greenhouses
waxes and polishes
wood oils and wood fillers
• thinners, brush cleaners and paint stripes
• any of the above products delivered by aerosol
This labelling system is intended to help consumers understand
VOC content and will encourage them to make more informed,
and hopefully greener, choices. The scheme can also aid paint
recyclers, as it will be easier to separate solvent borne and water
borne leftover paints. So regardless of consumer choice, the
scheme will yield a greener outcome and better awareness.
BCF also strive to challenge misleading ‘Zero VOC’ or ‘VOC
free’ claims made by companies supplying decorative paints and
has written to over a dozen companies as there is no definition
or test method to justify those claims. 50% have changed their
marketing messaging as a result.
BCF are in an excellent position to manage the scheme with
access to the correct forums for paint companies’ technical
representatives to review the definitions and standards related
to the VOC globe system in the future. The Federation and its
members share VOC concerns with the UK Government and
wish to encourage greater involvement from non-participating
paint manufacturers in the VOC globe scheme. The greater the
involvement from paint manufacturers, the better the visual
outcome and, subsequently, the engagement and success of the
scheme. To join the scheme, email [email protected]
BCF are encouraging members to introduce the new artwork, with BCF copyright information
BCF ANNUAL HANDBOOK 2019/20
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