Clariant Leads Industry Effort to Phase Out Lead Use in Paints

Recently, the eighth International Week of Action Against Lead Poisoning was celebrated, a Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint initiative jointly conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organization, to draw attention to the need for action regarding lead exposure from leaded paints and other sources. Clariant (Hoechst AG - now Clariant) was among the first companies to completely end the production and supply of lead-based pigments in the mid-1980s, supporting the United Nations' campaign to eliminate leaded paint through regulatory and legal measures, accelerating the phaseout process at the global stage. To achieve this goal, Clariant supports the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), hosted by the UN Environment Programme, a global policy framework aimed at protecting human health and the environment from the unhealthy management of chemicals and waste, including early planning support for chemicals management in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. [caption id="attachment_111208" align="aligncenter"] Clariant, leading the sector, discontinued production of lead-based pigments in the mid-1980s. (Photo: Clariant)[/caption]  

John Dunne, President of Clariant's Pigments Business Unit, stated: "Currently, only 77 countries have legally binding controls on the production, import and sale of leaded paints, which means it is still permitted in a significant number of countries, providing a continuous and future source of lead exposure for children and workers. For this reason, we believe the SAICM / Global Environment Facility project, 'Global Best Practices on Concerning Chemicals Policy Issues Emerging under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management' project, is an important initiative that sustainable and forward-looking companies should support."

While supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the transition to lead-free paint markets is one of Clariant's focus areas, the company emphasizes providing safer solutions in developing countries where lead-based materials production for paints is still viewed as a cost advantage. In such markets, regulations that do not provide alternatives can prevent the acceptance of safer solutions by the public and industry and prevent the complete elimination of leaded paints; manufacturers fear they will be unable to compete effectively without lower-cost alternatives. The Hostaperm®, Novoperm®, Permanent and Hansa™ pigment series contain no lead-based pigments. Most of the products were developed in the 1970s and 1980s to enable efficient formulation of color shades previously made with lead chrome pigments. Recommendations can be found in the company's brochures. John Dunne stated: "Clariant's alternatives are both easily dispersed powder pigments and pre-dispersed, liquid color concentrates, and these can be made into clear varnishes. Existing equipment in local paint companies is therefore sufficient to allow lead replacement, which means any smart reformulation efforts can save investment in new production equipment. This enables local paint companies to significantly expand their paint color range without increasing costs. Improved sustainability also leads to cost savings and performance improvements." Clariant will continue its active participation in public policy dialogue on the subject and will also support SAICM in its efforts toward globally harmonized legislation to determine market direction and support SMEs in the upcoming transition. For more information about this project, please visit www.clariant.com/pigments.   ™ Trademark Novoperm® is a registered trademark of Clariant in many countries. Hostaperm® is a registered trademark.