Evonik: Low-SVHC Siloxane Additives for Paints

Evonik sets the standard for compliance with regulatory requirements and sustainability in the coatings and printing inks industry. Through continuous optimization of production processes and the use of high-quality raw materials, Evonik ensures a high level of purity in its siloxane-based additives for coatings and printing inks—as verified by extensive analytical testing. More than 95 percent of the active siloxane-based additive portfolio has an SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) content of less than 0.1 percent and thus remains suitable for use in paints and coatings with Ecolabel certification. Due to recent regulatory developments in the European Union (EU), some low-molecular-weight siloxanes have been classified as SVHCs because they meet the REACH criteria for persistence and bioaccumulation. In addition, the new EU hazard classes PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic) and vPvB (very persistent and very bioaccumulative) require that products be classified and labeled accordingly if they contain these substances in concentrations of 0.1% or more. These linear and cyclic siloxanes are typical impurities found in many siloxanes. However, their levels can be significantly reduced through careful selection of raw materials and optimized manufacturing processes.

Siloxane Additives for Ecolabel-Compliant Coatings and Paints

With this new approach, Evonik ensures that these substances are either not present or occur only in very low concentrations in more than 95 percent of its active siloxane-based additive portfolio. This allows customers to continue using siloxane-based Tego grades without reformulating or switching to cost-intensive “purified” alternatives. This ensures regulatory compliance, consistent performance, and a reliable product supply. “Our customers can count on us to keep a close eye on regulatory developments early on and to offer solutions that ensure both safety and performance,” says Kristina Meier, Global Head of the Silicone & Acetylenics Product Line at Evonik Coating Additives. “This underscores our commitment to further advancing sustainability and regulatory excellence and to making our customers’ and partners’ day-to-day work easier.”