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IP's Marine & Protective Business Phases Out the Use of Lead Chromate in its Products

International Paint's Marine and Protective Coatings (M&PC) business has taken the lead by becoming the first producer in the heavy duty coatings sector to completely phase out the use of lead chromates in its products.

As part of a process that began several years ago, the move reflects International Paint's Product Stewardship and Sustainability goals. Product stewardship is an element of Coatings Care, the worldwide coating industry's commitment to continual improvements in all aspects of health, safety and environmental (HS&E) performance. It plays a vital role in ensuring that the coatings industry's commitment to HS&E is put into action at every stage of a product's life.

The phase-out is in accordance with direction given by CEPE (European Council of producers and importers of paints, printing inks and artists' colours) and other agencies that want to see lead chromate removed from all products.

Bill McKee, International Paints Technical Operations Deputy Manager said: "This is the next step in our continuous drive to improve the sustainability of our total product offer. By removing lead chromate from our products, users, builders, owners and operators will benefit from the assurance that going forward; our products on their assets will be lead chromate free, reducing any potential exposure problems from cradle to grave."

The move is just one of many notable research initiatives from the M&PC business which have helped to bring products to the market that have an improved environmental profile: International paint became the first major coatings supplier to cease production of coatings containing tributyl tin in 2003, and coal tar in 2006.

About International Paint

International Paint Ltd. is part of Akzo Nobel, one of the world's leading industrial companies and the world's largest coatings manufacturer. Their marine coatings are engineered to deliver proven performance in service whilst representing value for money. Environmental responsibility is a major feature of the marine coatings offer; particularly in terms of new product introductions and ongoing global research programmes. They are technology leaders in antifoulings, abrasion resistant coatings, ballast tank coatings and Queen's Award winning foul release coatings for ships being built, repaired or maintained. With 17 manufacturing plants, operations in 60 countries and over 500 pick up points worldwide, we are the most reliable marine coatings supplier in the world.

Source: International Paint

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