Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, supports North America’s architectural paints market in creating a healthier indoors for US households with innovative formulation ingredients now launched to the region. New renewable-based and hazard label-free multifunctional neutralizer Genamin Gluco 50 and new advanced stabilizer system Dispersogen SPS/SPV for “breathable” biocide-free paints offer a step-change to environmentally friendly coatings.

“With architectural paints and especially environmentally friendly solutions expected to grow at an above average rate in the US through 2019, Clariant is excited to introduce new additive solutions that contribute towards a healthier future for the region’s thriving indoor paints segment,” comments Ruzmir Niksic, Clariant’s Head of Regional Business Line North America for Business Unit Industrial & Consumer Specialties.

New Genamin Gluco 50 stands out in the market for offering formulators the unique chance to reduce formulation complexity with a single additive and keep within the low VOC/SVOC limits of the most stringent regulations and eco-labels. It is suitable for paints certified with an ecolabel such as the U.S. GreenSeal, the German Blue Angel, or the Chinese TenRing. It is also an ideal ingredient for paints that align with very low VOC limits such as those required in Southern California, where only 50 g/L VOC is allowed in flat indoor paints.

The VOC/SVOC-free, low-odour additive is proven in extensive laboratory testing to boost the lifetime and performance of waterborne paints above current market standards. It achieves this by improving storage stability even in colder regions, increasing tinting strength thanks to better pigment compatibility, and reducing the formation of flash rust on ferrous metals. It offers these benefits without any negative impact on properties such as gloss or drying behavior. Paints are also easy to apply and have a pleasant smell that is ideal for indoor environments.

As a result of its extensive benefits, formulators now have access to an innovative alternative to ingredients that are currently under scrutiny.

To support the region’s niche but growing interest in biocide-free paints, Clariant introduces a new stabilizer system offering a number of advantages compared to current benchmark two-product systems. Biocide-free paints are inherently less allergenic since they do not contain biocides such as isothiazolinones. As they are mineral-based, they offer better vapor permeability which contributes to a healthier indoor climate. They are often called “breathable paints” because the paint film does not seal the substrate, but allows the wall to “breathe.”

Clariant’s stabilizer system Dispersogen SPS and Dispersogen SPV is suitable for paints which are certified by an ecolabel. Dispersogen SPV is low VOC while Dispersogen SPS is APEO-free. The stabilizer system offers performance advantages by increasing the paint’s lifetime, or storage stability, as well as improving the paint’s handling properties. It overcomes the known viscosity and texture drawback of biocide-free paints which makes them difficult to stir and apply. Biocide-free paint based on Dispersogen SPS/SPV has an enhanced rheology profile which makes it both easier to stir and homogenize before use and to apply onto a surface with a brush or roller.