Life Cycle Assessment Summary

Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) help to inform more sustainable choices.

Finite natural resources coupled with growing world population is generating increased consumer interest in paints and coatings that offer quality, cost efficiency and a smaller environmental footprint. Toward this end, Dow Coating Materials is using Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to inform and drive innovations in raw materials and technologies that can help coatings formulators develop more sustainable paints and coatings.

LCAs track a product or service from raw material sourcing through end-of-life (cradle to grave). They are typically conducted in accordance with recognized ISO 14040-14044 standards and validated by external & independent third parties. Many factors are taken into consideration; for architectural paints and coatings, these would include the raw materials that go into the paint formulation, as well as how the paint is applied, how it performs and how long it lasts.

The results of an LCA can help decision makers choose more sustainable options and assist in the implementation of green procurement programs and eco-label certifications.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a major contributor to paint quality, paint cost and carbon footprint.

According to a Life Cycle Assessment conducted by Dow Coating Materials and validated by a qualified third party, white pigment (TiO2) and binder account for the largest share of paint by cost and by carbon footprint. They also impact key performance properties that characterize the quality of paint. Of these, hiding often accounts for the largest percentage of a paint’s carbon footprint.

Formulation

End of Life

Application Transportation

Raw Materials

Taking big steps toward a smaller footprint

Testing has shown that EVOQUE™ Pre-Composite Polymer Technology developed by Dow Coating Materials can match hiding and tint strength with up to 20% less TiO2. This helps formulators maintain the quality of paint while reducing both the cost and carbon footprint associated with TiO2. These improvements result from the formation of a pigment-polymer composite that not only facilitates TiO2 reductions, but also offers performance improvements that can extend the service life of the paint. These may include improvements in:

- Stain resistance and removal - Dirt pickup resistance

- Corrosion resistance - Nail head rust resistance

- Tannin blocking - Tint & gloss retention

Typical quality semi-gloss paint

TiO2

Binder

By Weight By Cost By Carbon Foot Print

Water and other ingredients

90%

100%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

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Notice: No freedom from infringement of any patent owned by Dow or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate for Customer’s use and for ensuring that Customer’s workplace and disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other government enactments. The product shown in this literature may not be available for sale and/or available in all geographies where Dow is represented. The claims made may not have been approved for use in all countries. Dow assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean the Dow legal entity selling the products to Customer unless otherwise expressly noted. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.

Form No: 884-00331-0813-NAR-EN-GS Rev. 9-6

Results of a Life Cycle Assessment conducted by Dow and validated by a third party demonstrate that waterborne paints made with pre-composite polymer technology (green) yield the lowest impact in 10 out of 10 measured categories as compared to other binder technologies.

Improved barrier properties with EVOQUE™ Pre-Composite Polymer

Paints formulated with pre-composite polymer technology demonstrate improved barrier properties in lab and exposure testing.

Nail Head Rust Resistance Corrosion ResistanceTannin Block

Control Composite Control Composite Control Composite

Key Learnings

- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a significant contributor to cost and carbon footprint of paint.

- EVOQUE™ Pre-Composite Technology facilitates quality acrylic paint with 10 – 20% less TiO2.

- Composite paint made with less TiO2 reduces environmental impact and offers improved performance benefits and lower formulated cost.

Life Cycle Impact Assessment

Human Toxicity

Green-House Effect

Eutrophication Potential

Resources Depletion

Air Acidification Potential

Primary Energy Consumption

Chemical Oxygen Demand

Non-Methanic Volatile Organic Compounds

Wastes

Water Consumption

30 PVC Interior Semigloss Acrylic Paint

ControlOpaque PolymerPre-Composite PolymerPre-Composite Polymer and Opaque Polymer