New technology in the UAE paint industry is helping to drastically reduce the environmental impact of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the coatings. VOC's can release low-level toxin emissions into the environment for years following the application, but scientific research supported by the research and development laboratories at Al Gurg Paints (AGP) is helping to drastically reduce the impact. Working closely with UK-based ICI Dulux, AGP has developed advanced practices which limit the amount of VOC in paints and coatings currently being used on many projects throughout the UAE. “Reducing the impact we have on the environment is our number one goal,” said Sunil Gudur, chief manager, Al Gurg Paints. “This latest technology helps us to manufacture products low in VOC while still being able to offer total protection solutions for construction projects throughout the UAE.” “These developments will see the biggest change to the paint industry in years,” added Gudur. AGP is the first paint company in the UAE to become members of the US Green Building Council, and all ICI Dulux products supplied exclusively in the UAE through AGP employ LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards in all of its paints. AGP is working with leading consultants in the region to draw up LEED complaint paint specifications for their building projects. These will help buildings acquire LEED compliance in various categories. For decorative, water-based paints, the limit of VOC's is currently set at no more than 50 grams per liter, while for industrial coatings the limit is set at 150 grams per liter. AGP is also more than 75 percent of the way towards reaching targets laid down for 2010 to further reduce the VOC's in its coatings. AGP has now implemented changes to manufacture better and more environmentally-friendly paints and coatings through water and solvent based products.
