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As Europe raises the bar on VOC regulations, manufacturers can leverage technological advances to meet standards without compromising on performance.

Consumer demand adds to VOC pressures, with 56% of European consumers considering the environmental impact of purchases at least once a year.

Discover solutions to help construction, automotive, and other industries develop high-performing, lower-VOC adhesives and sealants to meet regulatory and consumer demand.

EU VOC regulations that could impact your products — and how to stay ahead

Navigating EU VOC regulations requires careful consideration from adhesive and sealant manufacturers, as reformulation time may be necessary. Although VOC regulations differ, they tend to become increasingly restrictive.

Generally speaking, adhesives must have a VOC limit of 200 g/L and sealants must have 40 to 500 g/L, depending on the application. On top of that, some EU countries have their own VOC regulations to comply with, which creates additional pressure.

Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 states that VOC emissions must not threaten the health and safety of workers and end-users.

Help avoid formulation overhauls through DMC technology

Polyol production methods can be a major differentiator in VOC levels. Double metal cyanide (DMC) technology can reduce VOCs more than potassium hydroxide (KOH) polyol production technology.

Polyols based on low monol DMC technology cut VOCs by more than 95% compared to polyols produced by KOH technology. Polyol odour is also significantly reduced.

Lower VOC isn’t the only benefit of DMC technology. It also positively impacts carbon footprint. DMC technology can reduce the amount of CO2 produced by polyols by approximately 70% compared to the same polyols produced by KOH technology.

Build VOC resilience with alternative adhesive and sealant types

Solvent-free, water-based, and polyether polyol solutions can help formulators meet VOC requirements.

Solvent-free

Solvent-free adhesives can reduce VOC emissions by 80% or more. Industries like packaging and automotive are using solvent-free adhesives more to help meet VOC requirements. As a result, the global solvent-free adhesives market is projected to grow by a 12.42% CAGR from 2025 to 2030, expanding from $30.85 billion to $55.4 billion. Solvent-free sealants can also cut VOC, along with increasing flexibility and reducing shrinkage.

Water-based

Water-based adhesives developed from natural or soluble synthetic polymers can help reduce VOC content. They’re increasingly used for automotive and construction material shipment packaging. As a result, the global water-based adhesives market is projected to grow by a 7.7% CAGR from 2023 to 2033, expanding from $20 billion to $42 billion.

Water-based sealants are also projected to grow, with water-based sealants leading the building and construction sealants market in 2023. The construction industry gravitates towards these since they’re easy to apply and their longevity can protect concrete surfaces for years.

Polyether polyol-based

Polyether polyol building blocks can help lessen VOCs in adhesives and sealants for sectors like construction, industrial, automotive, and beyond. Introducing low-VOC polyols can attract customers focused on performance and help them meet emerging industry demands.

From compliance to leadership, how Shell CARADOL® supports lower-VOC strategies

Shell Chemicals helps manufacturers shift from compliance pressure to product leadership by offering polyols that meet performance and VOC demands.

Shell CARADOL® polyether polyols meet various application needs for sealants and adhesives. These polyols are fast-curing, flexible, and have lower VOC levels. Formulators working with Shell Chemicals benefit from ongoing R&D updates that track EU VOC regulation changes and support compliance.

Our scientists continually refine our products and offer industry-leading expertise to customers formulating with Shell CARADOL. Application labs support our customers with:

• Product technical information
• HSSE information
• Quality and testing support
• Start-up and training support
• Formulation support

Polyether polyols can meet a wide range of adhesive and sealant demands. Below is a breakdown of key attributes Shell Chemicals supports through its CASE products.

Shell CARADOL adhesives and sealants

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