In recent years, as more and more consumers have become conscious of the environmental impact of building materials, the paint industry has witnessed a growing trend toward "eco-friendly" products. This has led to an "environmental protection boom," with many companies rushing to market their own version of "non-odorous" or "green" paints. The term "green and eco-friendly" has become a popular marketing buzzword.
Experts in the field have raised concerns about the use of such terms. Song Guangsheng, director of the National Indoor Environment and Indoor Environmental Protection Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, pointed out that there is currently no unified national standard for coating odors, and the term "non-odorous" is not officially defined. He explained that "non-odorous" is often just a sales strategy used by manufacturers. Yan Ming, general manager of Ting Li Li Li (Beijing) Co., Ltd., also noted that some companies use subtle hints, wordplay, or exaggerated claims to promote their products' environmental benefits.
According to Song Guangsheng, true "non-odorous" coatings are usually special-effect functional paints that can purify air pollutants. However, many low-quality products on the market do not actually have this function. Instead, they may only mask the smell with fragrances or other additives. Consumers should be cautious when purchasing. A genuine non-odorous product should have little to no strong odor. If there is a noticeable chemical smell or artificial fragrance, it could indicate the presence of harmful substances.
Ren Changqing, secretary-general of the China Building Decoration Materials Association, emphasized the long-term health risks of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While the effects may not be immediately noticeable, prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even severe symptoms like convulsions or unconsciousness. He advised consumers to pay close attention to the VOC content when choosing paint. According to national standards, interior latex paint should have a VOC content of no more than 200 g/l. However, some brands claim to have "zero VOC," which, according to Ren, should be verified by an authoritative inspection report. Otherwise, such claims may be misleading.
Sun Lianying, chairman of the China Coatings Industry Association, highlighted the environmental impact of traditional oil-based coatings. These products often use organic solvents, which are harmful to both human health and the environment. In contrast, water-based paints use water as a diluent, making them safer and more environmentally friendly. They can also be cleaned with water, reducing pollution during application.
Despite these advantages, water-based paints still face challenges in the Chinese market. Sun Lianying noted that while consumer awareness of environmental issues is increasing, many people remain loyal to oil-based paints due to price and habit. Water-based paints are gaining traction among high-end consumers, but they still struggle to compete in the mid-to-low price segments. Additionally, the performance of most domestic water-based paints is not yet comparable to oil-based ones, and their application is highly dependent on weather conditions, leading to longer construction times.
Sun Lianying concluded that unless there is a significant improvement in the quality and performance of water-based coatings, they will continue to face difficulties in gaining widespread acceptance in China. The future of the industry depends on innovation, better technology, and increased consumer education about the long-term benefits of eco-friendly alternatives.
Polishing Buffing Wheel,Non-Woven Wheel,Surface Finishing Tools
Jiangmen Gude Polishing Equipment Co., Ltd , https://www.kokipolishing.com