Division BAT 4 In order to reduce solvent consumption, VOC emissions and the overall environmental impact of the raw materials used, BAT is to use one or a combination of the techniques given below.
United Kingdom
| Technique | Description | Applicability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | Use of high-solids solvent-based paints/coatings/varnishes/inks/adhesives | Use of paints, coatings, liquid inks, varnishes and adhesives containing a low amount of solvents and an increased solids content. | The selection of the surface treatment techniques may be restricted by the activity type, the substrate type and shape, product quality requirements as well as the need to ensure that the materials used, coating application techniques, drying/curing techniques and off-gas treatment systems are mutually compatible. |
| (b) | Use of water-based paints/coatings/inks/varnishes/adhesives | Use of paints, coatings, liquid inks, varnishes and adhesives where organic solvent is partially replaced by water. | |
| (c) | Use of radiation-cured inks/coatings/paints/varnishes/adhesives | Use of paints, coatings, liquid inks, varnishes and adhesives suitable to be cured by the activation of specific chemical groups by UV or IR radiation, or fast electrons, without heat and without emission of VOCs. | |
| (d) | Use of solvent-free two-component adhesives | Use of solvent-free two-component adhesive materials consisting of a resin and a hardener. | |
| (e) | Use of hot-melt adhesives | Use of coating with adhesives made from the hot extrusion of synthetic rubbers, hydrocarbon resins and various additives. No solvents are used. | |
| (f) | Use of powder coatings | Use of solvent-free coating which is applied as a finely divided powder and cured in thermal ovens. | |
| (g) | Use of laminate film for web or coil coatings | Use of polymer films applied onto a coil or web in order to give aesthetic or functional properties, which reduces the number of coating layers needed. | |
| (h) | Use of substances which are not VOCs or are VOCs of a lower volatility | Substitution of high-volatility VOC substances with others containing organic compounds that are non-VOCs or VOCs of a lower volatility (e.g. esters). | |