OUR STANDARDS
paints & COatings (PCv2.3i-2012)
Status
Current
Issue Date
July 10, 2021
Recognised programs
Paints and coatings are an essential part of Australia’s built environment; however, they can significantly impact the environment and human health, depending on what ingredients and components they contain.
For example, if a paint uses organic solvents rather than a water base, it will release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the surrounding air. As a result, solvent-based paints can also contain about 50 per cent more embodied energy. VOCs are detrimental to indoor air quality. Exposure can trigger headaches; irritation to the eyes, nose and throat; damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous systems; and loss of coordination.
An ingredient such as titanium dioxide, widely used in the paint industry as a pigment, has its major environmental impact occur during its manufacture. This is because it has high embodied energy, is a limited resource, and its production can result in unsustainable air and water emissions.
The standard sets requirements that aim to provide a benefit by:
Requiring that water and air emissions are responsibly managed
Preventing the use of harmful ingredients such as carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxins
Requiring that suitable information on the preparation, application, care, storage and disposal of the product is supplied to the public
Reducing waste generation and resource consumption
banning ozone-depleting substances
Minimising VOC (volatile organic compounds) content
Ensuring workers and suppliers through the supply chain can expect fair pay, equal opportunity, and a safe working environment
The scope of this standard is applicable to the following types of paints in the product categories:
General purpose adhesives, fillers and joint sealants for building work including but not limited to:
✔︎ Interior architectural paints
✔︎ Exterior architectural paints
✔︎ Other water based coatings
✔︎ Student and artist paints
Download Paints & Coatings (PCv2.3i-2012) Standard
Certified Products by Paints & Coatings (PCv2.3i-2012)
