Impact of Coating Selection on Environmental Compliance and Waste Reduction
The industrial landscape nowadays is extremely conscious about the environment and related regulations. In this evolving landscape, coating selection is no longer just about protecting different surfaces. In addition to increasing asset durability, the types of coatings we use also determine the ecological footprint of an operation. If you are a project manager or asset owner, you should always look to meet environmental regulations and minimise waste throughout the coating lifecycle by choosing the right coating system.
In Australia, environmental compliance is governed by the National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs) and various state-specific regulations. All these frameworks demand accountability in industrial processes such as coating selection, surface preparation, application, and waste disposal.
Impact of Poor Coating Choices
Improper selection of coating system can lead to a number of undesirable outcomes including
- Increased resource usage owing to frequent re-coating cycles.
- More abrasive blasting, reapplication, and disposal of contaminated materials because of premature failures.
- Increased air pollution and health hazards resulting from high VOC emissions.
- Excessive waste of materials
- Heavy metal or solvent-based coatings can create hazardous waste.
During initial selection, we often tend to overlook the long-term environmental cost. However, the more often a coating needs maintenance or fails, the more is its cumulative impact on the environment.
Water-Based and Low-VOC Coatings
Low-VOC or zero-VOC coating systems such as water-based epoxies and urethanes are extremely effective alternatives for improving environmental compliance. These coatings help improve air quality and minimise health risks by reducing the emission of harmful vapours into the atmosphere.
Moreover, water-based coatings generate less hazardous waste, require lower quantities of solvents, and easier to clean up. This is why these coatings are now used extensively in industries where sustainability and safety are paramount.
Reducing Lifecycle Waste
A coating that lasts more is likely to generate lower amounts of waste. For example, traditional coatings may last 3–5 years in coastal or marine environments. In the same environment, the service life can be extended to 10–15 years or more by using advanced systems. This results in reduced blasting media, scaffolding, labour, shutdowns, and packaging waste, reducing overall waste as well as carbon footprint.
High-performance coatings such as fluoropolymer, polyurea, or ceramic-epoxy hybrid coatings are quite expensive. However, their extended service life often translates to significant reductions in surface prep requirements, materials used over time, and recoating frequency.
Surface Preparation
Surface preparation techniques such as hydro blasting, grit blasting, and some others produce waste in the form of contaminated debris, spent abrasives, and runoff. To reduce the environmental load at the preparation stage, it is advisable to use coatings that require less invasive or minimal surface preparation.
Packaging, Application, and Cleanup Efficiency
In addition to the coating material, the application efficiency and packaging of the system also plays an important role. The volume of material needed to achieve film thickness is reduced by 100% solid or high solid coatings, which can reduce transport emissions as well as packaging waste.
At Coating Management Solutions, we have a dedicated and extremely knowledgeable team working closely with clients across many different industries to recommend coatings that align with both environmental responsibilities and operational needs. Please contact us today for all your coating related requirements.