DuPont Performance Coatings voices support for Canadian low-VOC legislation

DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC) supports the Canadian government’s proposed regulations to lower the volatile organic compound (VOC) content in automotive refinish and architectural and industrial maintenance coatings, the company said in a statement released April 26.
The proposed regulations were published by Environment Canada in Canada Gazette, Part 1, earlier that day. This is the first official step to make the low-VOC regulations law, which would take effect on January 1, 2010.
“During the development of the low VOC legislation, DPC regularly consulted with Environment Canada and the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association,” says Brian Edwards, DuPont Canada’s Performance Coatings country manager. “We wanted to ensure that learnings from Europe’s transition to low VOC products were heard, along with the concerns of Canadian collision repair professionals.
“The global trend is toward low VOC products, so it’s important to draw upon the experience of other countries that have implemented similar regulations to understand the impacts, both social and economic, they may have on the industry,” said Edwards. “The goal is for the transition to be completed with the industry being stronger, more viable and capable of meeting the emission targets set by Environment Canada. I believe the industry can accomplish these goals.”
To date 304 collision repair facilities have converted to a DPC waterborne basecoat brand: DuPont Cromax Pro, Spies Hecker Permahyd or Standox Standohyd.