by Ian Gold, Marketing Coordinator at Chemco International
Paints and coatings have traditionally been solvent-based materials; which have a reputation for causing damage to the environment. In today’s world, great emphasis has now been placed on health, safety and environmental issues. Over recent years, many changes have been made to legislations with the aim of reducing the environmental footprint within the coatings industry.
However, there is still a long way to go. In the marine industry alone, conventional paint systems are still responsible for over 200 million litres of solvent emissions per year being unnecessarily released into the atmosphere and damaging our environment. The harmful biocides and chemicals typically found in these systems are also poisoning our oceans and killing marine life.
A change is required! Strict changes in environmental legislation has seen several hazardous anti-fouling paints being banned; proving that the aim to reduce environmental damage is becoming increasingly more imperative.
Applicator safety is now also a major issue. These conventional paint systems are not only damaging the environment, they are hazardous to applicators and their health. Traditional methods of surface preparation such as abrasive blasting also pose as a threat to applicator safety. Thus, the industry is now looking for new working practices which can reduce HSE levels.
So what is the answer?
Environmental concerns and applicator safety is an issue which has been at the forefront of Chemco International’s product development. Through the use of water jetting as the surface preparation method and utilising solvent-free coating systems, the risks posed to the environment and to applicators is significantly reduced. Applicators can now not only undertake routine maintenance and repair work in a safe environment, they can also substantially reduce environmental damage through the use of solvent-free coatings.
By utilising Chemco’s unique IMO approved, solvent-free, wet & rust tolerant coating systems the overall cost and duration of projects can be significantly reduced, whilst offering a long-term maintenance-free solution. This is good news for ships owners who are now looking for coating systems which can offer long-term protection of their assets.
Who are Chemco International?
Chemco International are a world leader in innovative coating solutions in the Protective & Marine Coatings industry. Founded in 1982, Chemco International traces its origin back to the Original Glassflake Company, the inventors of glassflake technology in the 1960s. In 1990, the name was changed to Chemco International under new ownership.
Today, Chemco specialise in the design and manufacture of the most advanced polymers for leading edge anti-corrosion coatings utilised worldwide. In the early 2000s, Chemco introduced their solvent-free, wet & rust tolerant coating range into the market. These IMO approved products now have over 15 years of successful track records and have truly revolutionised the coatings industry. Not only do Chemco’s coating systems comply with the latest Health & Safety and Environmental
legislations, they surpass them. It is Chemco’s aim to provide the coatings industry with the most advanced technology in the market, whilst extending service life, reducing environmental damage, maintenance and repair costs.
We firmly believe that this is the way to a long, healthy and successful future.
For more information, please visit: www.chemcoint.com
The Future is Environmentally Friendly, The Future is Solvent-free
