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Low-VOC Adhesives: What Manufacturers Need to Know
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in many industrial products, including adhesives. For manufacturers, reducing VOC emissions can help improve workplace conditions, support environmental goals and meet customer or regulatory requirements.
But what exactly are low-VOC adhesives, and what should you consider before switching products?
What are VOCs?
Volatile organic compounds are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate readily at room temperature. In adhesives, they are often associated with solvents that evaporate as the adhesive dries or cures.
The amount of VOC released depends on factors including the adhesive formulation, application method and quantity used.
What is a low-VOC adhesive?
A low-VOC adhesive is formulated to release fewer volatile organic compounds than a conventional alternative.
There isn’t one universal definition of “low VOC”, and different industries and regulations may use different limits or measurement methods.
Low-VOC formulations can be achieved in several ways, including:
- Reducing the amount of solvent used
- Using lower-emission solvents
- Increasing the adhesive’s solids content
- Using water as the primary carrier
It’s also important to remember that low VOC doesn’t necessarily mean VOC-free. Always check the technical documentation for the specific product.
Why are manufacturers using low-VOC adhesives?
There are several reasons to consider a lower-VOC adhesive.
Improved workplace conditions
Solvent vapours can contribute to odours and affect air quality, particularly in enclosed production environments. Reducing VOC emissions can therefore form part of a wider approach to improving workplace conditions.
Environmental considerations
VOC emissions can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and photochemical smog. Switching to a lower-VOC formulation can be one part of a broader effort to reduce emissions.
Customer requirements
Some customers and supply chains have their own environmental or material specifications. A low-VOC adhesive may help manufacturers meet these requirements.
Regulatory compliance
VOC emissions are regulated in certain applications and industries. Requirements vary, so manufacturers should check the regulations and standards relevant to their particular process and products.
Are water-based adhesives always low VOC?
Not necessarily.
Water-based adhesives generally use water as their primary carrier, but some formulations can still contain organic solvents or other volatile components.
Likewise, not every solvent-based adhesive has the same VOC content.
If VOC emissions are an important consideration, look at the actual formulation and technical data rather than relying solely on whether an adhesive is described as water-based or solvent-based.
Does low VOC mean lower performance?
No. A lower-VOC adhesive can still provide the performance required for demanding manufacturing applications.
Depending on the formulation, this can include:
- High bond strength
- Strong initial tack
- Fast drying or curing
- Moisture resistance
- Temperature resistance
- Flexibility
- Adhesion to difficult substrates
However, the right adhesive will always depend on the application. The materials being bonded, required bond strength, production speed, application method and environmental conditions all need to be considered.
What should you consider when choosing a low-VOC adhesive?
VOC content is only one part of adhesive selection. Manufacturers should also consider:
Substrates: What materials are being bonded?
Application: Will the adhesive be sprayed, rolled, brushed or automatically dispensed?
Performance: Does the bond need to withstand heat, moisture, chemicals, vibration or impact?
Production: Will the adhesive’s drying or curing time work with your production process?
Environment: What temperature, humidity and ventilation conditions will it be used in?
Compliance: Does the adhesive meet the relevant regulatory, industry or customer requirements?
Can low-VOC adhesives replace solvent-based adhesives?
In some applications, yes. Water-based and other lower-VOC formulations can provide the required performance while reducing emissions.
However, solvent-based adhesives can still offer advantages for certain applications, including fast drying, substrate compatibility and resistance to specific conditions.
If an off-the-shelf adhesive doesn’t provide the right balance of performance and VOC characteristics, a bespoke formulation may be worth considering.