2016
British Coatings Federation Sustainable Development Policy - seven years on Acknowledgements for images: AkzoNobel (Marine & Protective) Coatings, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints, Ardagh Group, BASF, Beckers Group, Cellucomp, Covestro, Crown Paints, Domino Group, Earth Inks, Farrow & Ball, Firwood Paints, Fujichem Sonneborn, HMG Paints, Jotun Paints, Newlife Paints, PPG Architectural Coatings, RPC Superfos, Rustins, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, Sun Chemical, Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands. British Coatings Federation Sustainable Development Policy seven years on
Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Sustainability: a definition 4
3. Overview of progress since 2009 5
4. Coatings industry best practice in environmental, social and economic sustainability 5
Environmental responsibility 6 Economic responsibility 14 Social responsibility 24
5. Summary and conclusions 28
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 3 1 Introduction 2 Sustainability: a
It is now almost seven years since the British Coatings definition Federation (BCF) published its landmark Sustainable Development Policy. What had taken over a year to produce Sustainability is not a new concept. People have been practicing by a dedicated team of BCF and member company staff sustainability for hundreds if not thousands of years. You only from the UK-based paint, wallcoverings and printing ink have to look at a ruined castle or ancient city wall in Europe to sectors resulted in a policy which spelt out in simple English know that most of the stones that are now missing have since what sustainable development should mean to companies been recycled as part of the fabric of more modest residences across all aspects of elsewhere. the coatings industry. Up until that time, the In Kenya, they have a proverb which captures the very essence global coatings industry, of the sustainability concept: while acknowledging the importance of “The world was not given to you by your parents; it sustainability, had not was lent to you by your children.” defined what it meant or what developments The concept was given fresh impetus by the United Nations it entailed. As a result Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in of the BCF’s initiative, Rio de Janeiro in 1992 at which a definition of sustainability the industry not only in was agreed which has stood the test of time very well. The the UK but also across British Coatings Federation in its 2009 policy statement Europe and beyond had adapted this definition for the coatings industry as follows: a basis for discussion, planning and change for a “We believe in producing our paints, coatings, better world. wallcoverings and printing inks in a way that meets the The policy was written needs of the present without compromising the ability as a voluntary code of future generations to meet their needs.” of conduct and provided member companies with a set of priorities to follow. The policy called for commitment, It has become generally accepted that sustainability can be communication and participation by Federation members and divided into economic, environmental and social elements or this approach resonated with trade associations and coatings pillars. Some companies refer to these elements as the triple companies in Europe, the Americas and beyond. Each company bottom line. Whatever terminology is used, the search for was encouraged to build sustainable development into its improvement on these three pathways is shared. overall medium and long term business strategy, and move forward step by step towards the goals laid out in the policy. This has led to an impressive range of initiatives, many of which are referred to in this report.
“The world was not given to you by your parents; it was lent to you by your children.”
British CoatingsBritish Coatings Federation’s Federation’s Sustainable Sustainable Development Development Policy 2016 Policy 2016 44 3 Overview of 4 Coatings industry progress since 2009 best practice in The coatings industry has made a good start. A major reduction in the solvent content of architectural/decorative environmental, coatings by all coatings companies has been achieved, partly stimulated by the VOC Paint Directive 2004. AkzoNobel, social and economic a corporation that has made a very public commitment to sustainability, topped the Dow Jones Sustainability World sustainability Index for the Chemicals super sector for four consecutive years (2012-15) - a significant achievement against strong competition from other majors in the chemical sector such as To quote from the BCF’s Sustainable Development Policy, DSM and Dow Chemical. In 2011, Sherwin-Williams’ water- the UK coatings, paints, inks and wallcoverings industries based paint made from recycled bottles and soybeans received are committed to providing quality products which protect the EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Award in the USA. the environment, conserve resources, enhance lifestyle and Since 2009, the BCF has actively encouraged the pursuit communicate information. Examples of significant achievement of these policies through its Sustainability Committee are many, but there is only room for a few examples in together with its annual Sustainable Innovation and Coatings this report. Those that have been selected emphasise the Care® Awards programmes. It has rallied support for key breadth and depth of the effort and investment that has environmental programmes, publicised specific initiatives by been expended, together with the progress that has been individual companies as well as the industry as a whole, and achieved against each of the three elements of sustainability lobbied for changes in UK legislation. The BCF has participated by companies, large and small. Many of these examples are actively in programmes organised by CEPE, the European paint relevant to more than one of the elements but are linked trade association. This in turn has led to the development of a under the most relevant section. life cycle inventory database covering almost 300 raw materials that are specific to the coatings industry, together with software that facilitates member companies undertaking their own Life Cycle Analyses. More recently, CEPE has taken on the chair of the Product Environmental Footprint pilot requested by the European Commission to look into greater depth what sustainability means for the architectural coatings sector. CEPE has also asked its industrial coatings sector groups to frame their own policies and develop their own scenarios to be applied in future Life Cycle Analyses. A study by the CEPE Protective Coatings Group on the lifecycle of protective coatings on a major road bridge has been completed, and an analysis on the powder coating for aluminium window frames and on coil coatings is underway.
On a global front, the International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC), of which the BCF is an active member, has created sustainability best practice guidelines for countries that have yet to embark on a sustainable development initiative. This has been recognised as particularly helpful to countries in South America, such as Brazil which has now launched its own sustainability initiative.
British BritishCoatings Coatings Federation’s Federation’s Sustainable Sustainable Development Development Policy 2016 Policy 2016 55 Environmental responsibility
It is generally accepted that 10% of the environmental footprint is created during the production of a coating, with some 50% generated upstream by the raw material manufacturing industries and 40% created downstream during application, use and disposal. Through its choice of ingredients, the coatings industry can impact the footprint of the whole supply chain.
Innovation has driven many new coatings technologies, so today’s advanced coatings can do much more than decorate and protect - enhanced functionality can bring significant improvements to the sustainability of downstream industries.
Examples are:
• Coatings that deliver the desired results with a reduced number of applications
• Decorative paints that better reflect light and permit lower wattage light bulbs to be used to create the same level of brightness in a room
• Internal and external roof coatings that reflect heat away from houses during hot seasons and keep warmth in during the winter
• Coatings that generate useable electricity
• Coatings that are scratch resistant in automotive applications
• Coatings that remove impurities from the air
• Low emission paints to protect indoor air quality particularly in well-insulated homes
• Anti-microbial coatings
• Lighter-weight coatings that reduce fuel consumption
• Anti-fouling coatings for marine applications, reducing the build up of algae and barnacles, dramatically reducing the CO2 emissions of the global shipping fleet
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 6 We will develop new materials and processes We will reduce emissions of Volatile Organic to replace those that may pose a risk to the Compounds and greenhouse gases. environment or human health.
Lead in paints During the last seven years, a long term programme of research and development by the coatings industry Having removed lead compounds from decorative paints was completed to replace traditional solvent-based in the UK over 40 years ago, the BCF is fully supporting systems with water-based decorative coatings. the International Paint and Printing Ink Council lobbying at This required significant technological change and a United Nations/World Health Organisation level and is investment by the coatings industry and its supplier participating in the newly formed Lead Paint Alliance (LPA). base, and was achieved in time to meet legislative Many developing countries still allow lead compounds in requirements. decorative paints, which can contribute towards childhood leukaemia when ingested. The LPA is working to assist national An early focus on reducing CO2 emissions and governments to establish effective restrictions on lead paint water usage led to a number of improvements in use. Some multi-national companies such as AkzoNobel coatings manufacturing processes to improve energy (which also serves on the LPA advisory group) and Jotun have efficiency as well as the selection of raw materials that voluntarily removed lead and lead chromates from all products incorporated reduced carbon content. globally, and countries such as Australia have banned lead in all paint applications. Lead chromate use is strictly controlled in industrial coatings, and in the Flint Group: Libra EU it is likely their continued use will be authorised under Libra is an innovative ink and fount REACH for several years to solution system that has been come, despite opposition from formulated together and specifically the BCF’s industrial coatings designed to eliminate the need for Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), a members and CEPE, based VOC, in Sheet Fed Offset printing. The new ink formulation on the established use of incorporates unique raw materials, that contribute to a much alternative pigment technology. wider print window and a more stable process when printing IPA free than ever before. Eliminating IPA has a significant environmental impact and delivers reductions in VOCs, Fujichem Sonneborn: Chrome Finish Paint packaging and transportation waste disposal. Flint won BCF’s Sustainable Innovation Award with this entry in 2011. Fujichem Sonneborn has developed a highly reflective chrome effect coating technology. The technology was launched specifically for Firwood Paints: Water-based floor coatings the industrial automotive sector as an alternative to chrome plating processes, offering an “Firmatch” is a water-based alternative environmental solution to the problems associated with the to all the company’s solvent-based use of Chromium VI. products with equivalent or better performance properties and no commercial disadvantage Since its launch in 2010 the demand for this coating technology for the customer. Firwood has developed water-based floor has significantly grown, and today it is used extensively on a coatings which are non-hazardous for transport and approved variety of interior and exterior components by many vehicle to indoor air quality standards in the German, Belgian and manufacturers, but notably by Jaguar Land Rover. French markets. In a highly competitive market, such newly developed products are seeing significant increases in sales and are well received by its customers.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 7 AkzoNobel Decorative Paints: Dulux Trade Vinyl We will reduce emissions of Volatile Organic Matt White new formulation Compounds and greenhouse gases. During a three year investigation with Forum for the Future, AkzoNobel carried Crown Paints: Breatheasy out a lifecycle analysis and identified Crown Paints launched its Breatheasy® three critical aspects of paint in regard to sustainability, namely: range in 2001, a collection of 99% solvent durability (the longer the paint lasts), quantity used (the better free paints available in hundreds of beautiful the coverage and opacity, the less paint used) and formulation colours. Remaining virtually emission free (the choice of sustainable components). through the drying process, the unique formulation allows consumers to move back into their Based on this insight, Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt White was newly decorated rooms in no time. reformulated to deliver a top quality high opacity emulsion Today over 90% of the Crown range based on unique AkzoNobel technology is manufactured in the Breatheasy® which provides excellent coverage and formulation. Breatheasy is part of the application as well as a durable finish which broader Crown sustainability initiative, Earthbalance®, which lasts everyday living, as well as containing won the BCF Sustainable Innovation Award in 2012. less embodied carbon, using less water in manufacturing and generating less waste PPG Architectural Coatings: Johnstone’s TRADE Aqua than previously. As a core, high volume product, not a niche undercoat, gloss and satin products ’eco’ product, the innovation makes a major contribution to the reduction of the company’s carbon and water footprint. Johnstone’s has developed a water-based trim AkzoNobel won BCF’s Sustainable Innovation Award with this system which meets decorators’ demands entry in 2011. for a viable alternative to solvent-based trim systems as well as creating a product that is Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands: Reduced VOCs more environmentally acceptable. in protective coatings By driving the market for water-based trim, Johnstone’s has led the The transition to new water-based way in reducing the high environmental technology within the Ronseal and impact of solvent-based systems. Thompson’s brands of coatings means a more sustainable offer and reduced VOC emissions. Since 1994, the company has been committed to driving down solvent based product volumes. As it stands today, 93% of Farrow & Ball: All solvent-based paints switched to product volume is now in water-based formulation, a reduction water-based formulations from a base of 25% in 1994. One of the main drivers is that new water-based technologies now outperform their older Farrow & Ball ceased production of all solvent-based equivalents. They make the products easier to solvent-based paints as early as 2009. use for both the DIYer and tradesman, delivering long lasting Following several years of research performance with no compromises. Other key benefits include and collaboration with suppliers, Farrow & Ball’s innovative quick dry and recoat times, being able to wash tools out in 100% water-based product offer is globally compliant, more water, low odour and low VOCs. environmentally friendly, safer for the user and easier to clean up, all without compromising product quality and performance, whilst dramatically reducing VOC emissions.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 8 AkzoNobel Community Repaint: Waste paint We will increase recycling and reduce waste collection and redistribution going into landfill.
Community RePaint schemes collect The British Coatings Federation has been tracking the reusable, leftover paint and re-distribute manufacturing performance of its members for almost it to individuals, families, communities and 20 years via its Coatings Care® programme and, over charities in need, improving the well being of people and the that time, has recorded significant improvements in appearance of places across the UK. Community RePaint has production efficiency leading to reduced waste and use become the largest waste paint recycling networks in the of landfill. country, which distributed 301,000 litres of paint in 2014 and has been supported by AkzoNobel Decorative Paints (Dulux) Incineration as sole sponsor since 1993. Waste paint is collected from a 5% Other number of sources including Household Waste Recycling 3% Centres (HWRCs), Dulux Decorator Centres and DIY retailers. Across the network, paint is sold at a low cost to all Recycling Other forms and varieties of charities and 37% 3% community groups. It is also made Landfill Landfill 75% available to families and individuals on low Incineration 12% incomes and in social need especially via 18% housing associations.
Recycling 65%
1996 2014 64 kg of waste 31 kg of waste per tonne of production per tonne of production
BCF member companies that delivered zero waste to landfill in 2014 were Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems, INX International, Crown Paints (Darwen), PPG Architectural (Birstall), PPG Architectural (Morley), AkzoNobel Paints (Slough), AkzoNobel Paints (Stowmarket), AkzoNobel Hammerite, Rustins, Teal & Mackrill and HMG Paints. Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems: Zero waste to landfill
In the more recent past, attention has turned to the Fujifilm’s waste reduction, reuse and recycling of post-consumer waste paint and paint cans with recycling initiative achieved zero waste an industry wide effort through the BCF, which is starting to landfill in 2013 and has been delivered to gain momentum and interest from local and national through a process of commitment to government, the waste industry and paint retailers. PaintCare continuous improvement. The goal of was launched as a voluntary waste minimisation and zero waste to landfill was a significant initiative in May 2015 by the undertaking for the company which manufactures 1,500 BCF to help overcome some formulations, maintains approximately 2,300 stocked items and of the obstacles to solving the uses more than 140 packaging items. This waste initiative has challenge of leftover decorative contributed to reduced environmental impact to society as a paint (see case study on page whole and also provides positive economic benefits to Fujifilm. 12). Fujifilm SIS won BCF’s Sustainable Innovation Award with this entry in 2014.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 9 We will increase recycling and reduce waste going into landfill.
Crown Paints: Kick Out The Can Introduced in 2013, the Crown Paints Kick Out The Can initiative invites householders to return unused paint to their local Crown Decorating Centre. The paint is then collected and sorted by social enterprise NIMTECH before being distributed to community projects around the country in partnership with environmental charity Newground. The initiative is reducing the potential for unused paint to end up in landfill whilst brightening communities across the UK. Ardagh Group: Paint can recycling project
Over a five year period, Ardagh led a communications programme with the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association to provide information to enable most local authorities in the UK to accept empty dry metal paint cans for recycling. Metal paint cans were awarded the On-Pack Recycling logo – Widely Recycled at Newlife Paints: Recycled paint Local Authority Recycling Centres. The project engaged with over 400 Newlife Paints was an early innovator authorities educating county councils developing methods of collecting, and consumers of the recyclability reprocessing and recycling waste of empty metal paint cans. To emulsion paint. The company is publicise the programme, consumer UK-based, but already has licences granted in Europe, and information was distributed through is increasing production as demand grows. Commitment to selected B&Q stores and local sustainability / environmental impact has been developed authorities. The leaflets highlighted company-wide via staff training and education. Waste paint local recycling points and gave paint accepted from local councils has significantly reduced disposal disposal methods including how to dry via landfill. The company is a winner of the ‘Recycled Product out any residual paint and the use of of the Year’ award. Newlife Paints won BCF’s first Sustainable local recycling services. Innovation Award in 2010.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 10 RPC Superfos: The recycling of plastic packaging into Veolia: Solvent recycling paint cans Veolia contributes to the circular An RPC YouTube video provides an economy by processing crude solvents insight into how used plastic containers – and turning them into high specification particularly pots, tubs and trays used for all solvent products that can be reused types of convenience foods from margarines again. The company has invested in the to salads to ready meals – can be recycled and used again in UK’s newest Thin Film Evaporator that broadens the range valuable second-life applications of materials the company can now recycle to include viscous such as plastic paint containers. solvent materials like paint, printing inks, high residues and The video shows the process waste thinners. Veolia estimates that this method of solvent that takes a used margarine tub recycling saves 5,200 tonnes of CO2 per annum. back to the house it originally came from, but this time as part Veolia also offers a no-charge, value-add service to its clients of a new plastic paint can. The to assess their waste at its state of the art laboratory. Lab key message is ‘don’t throw your tests indicate whether the waste is suitable for diversion plastic packs away – recycle away from incineration into Veolia’s alternative fuel processing them, as they are a valuable resource’. Search “The lifecycle of facility in Sheffield or even further up the European waste a plastic container “ on YouTube. hierarchy into thinners recovery at its Liverpool facility.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 11 We will discuss future regulations with the We will make voluntary commitments in appropriate authorities to ensure they are support of sustainable development. effective at improving our environment.
The British Coatings Federation: PaintCare The BCF continues to actively engage with government and other organisations with regard to future regulations and In 2015, the British Coatings initiatives related to the environment. There are a number of Federation launched PaintCare, an forums with regular meetings, where the BCF and other trade industry-led project to create a circular associations are consulted by government representatives economy for leftover decorative paint from the Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive in the UK. On average, each household and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK has 6 cans of leftover paint and when the household (Defra), on topics such as waste packaging classification, the wants to dispose of it, leftover paint either ends up in general Water Framework Directive, and indoor air pollution. waste, or is separated and disposed of as A common theme hazardous waste at Our commitment Company logo here is the important considerable cost process of interpreting to local authorities. As part of our wider ambition to maximise use of resources, and implementing Although the [insert company name] commits to help create a sustainable circular EU environmental technology to economy for leftover decorative paint in the UK. legislation during its remanufacture We support the goals of the BCF’s Resource Efficiency Action Plan for decorative paint: evolution into UK law, first quality paint Stop the landfilling of over 20m litres Help find new markets for to ensure that this is from leftover paint of leftover decorative paint per year remanufactured paint products done in a logical and has been proven, Increase the reuse and Facilitate a national network of paint pragmatic manner, and remanufacturing of leftover collection and remanufacturing challenges remain decorative paint from 2% to 50% centres, bringing new job opportunities that any issues are including finding Work with local and national Maximise the use of valuable raised up front rather an end market for Government, paint manufacturers, raw materials and resources than after publication. retailers, the waste industry and remanufactured other stakeholders The introduction of paint and removing Remove legislative barriers the VOC legislation regulatory barriers. related to paints and coatings over the The project is period 2004 – 2010 backed by local and was successfully national government, achieved through the the waste industry, active participation paint retailers and other stakeholders who have voluntarily of the BCF and its members in the preparation and decision- confirmed their commitment to the ambitions of the making process well before the Paint Directive was published, PaintCare project. In collaboration with these stakeholders, leading to the significant reduction in the use of VOCs in the PaintCare aims to break through the barriers and help create UK paint industry, as mentioned on pages 7 and 8. a national reuse and remanufacturing scheme for paint that householders no longer want. It is estimated that 20 million litres of leftover paint is suitable for remanufacturing, and PaintCare aims to increase reuse and remanufacturing rates from 2% to 50%. The project also aims to strengthen the existing leftover paint collection network in which only one in three recycling centres accept leftover paint today. Full details of the opportunity, project ambitions, the action plan, and organisations involved are available at www.paintcare.org.uk.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 12
Economic responsibility
Over the past five years, growth in the global coatings industry has been greater than GDP. It has recovered well from the recession of 2009 and has increased enterprise value faster than major stock market indices. Some of that premium has come through consolidation by acquisition as well as organic growth and innovation.
The UK paint industry has followed the global trend, proving to be resilient during the worst recession for a generation, while the printing ink and wallcovering sectors have had to face a more challenging market place.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 14 social enterprise provides industry job experience and training Economic to NIMTECH employees that they would otherwise have difficulty accessing, as well as the opportunity to strengthen contribution their personal CVs.
Rustins: Repatriation of manufacturing on shore We will grow sustainably as viable companies and create employment within our industry As an example of a UK company and suppliers. bringing their manufacturing processes back to British soil, Rustins worked with Hornby, the owner of Humbrol The UK coatings industry supplies all major sectors model paint, to manufacture Humbrol ‘tinlets’ of enamel within UK manufacturing and construction, worth over paint in the UK from China at the end of 2012. Changing £190 billion to UK PLC and over 300,000 people work costs relating to labour and freight reignited the appeal of with our members’ paints, coatings, printing inks and British manufacturing but Rustins, a family-owned SME based wallcoverings products every day. in north London, didn’t stop there. Rustins capitalised on available opportunities, expanding Humbrol’s market by using their strong standing in DIY paint to distribute Humbrol paints to home improvement customers. Rustins also formulated new products for the Humbrol portfolio of model decorating finishes and sundries which are exported to more than 60 countries.
AkzoNobel: Recognition from Dow Jones and the Crown Paints: Job opportunities for long term Carbon Trust unemployed AkzoNobel has been ranked in first place During 2012, Crown Paints embarked in the Dow Jones sustainability world on a partnership with a social enterprise, ranking for the chemicals/material super NIMTECH, which provides job sector for 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. This is a significant opportunities for the hard to reach and long achievement given the strength of interest and commitment term unemployed. From bases at both UK manufacturing sites, expressed by many large multinational chemicals and coatings NIMTECH provides waste recovery and recycling services companies in sustainable development. The decorative paints to the whole of Crown’s UK operations. As well as the waste business of AkzoNobel in the UK has also recently been from its manufacturing plants, all waste from the Crown awarded the Carbon Trust’s triple standard for the second Decorating Centre network in mainland UK is backhauled time and was further recognised by them as the top overall to manufacturing sites where NIMTECH segregate and sort UK performer in both waste and water reduction and it for reuse, recycling or recovery. The partnership with this management.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 15 We will invest in our people, their skills, Crown Paints: A major supporter of the UK apprenticeship programme knowledge and awareness.
Crown Paints currently employs a number of apprentices across the British Coatings Federation/Cogent training business, in engineering, manufacturing programmes and supply chain roles in support of the For more than 20 years, the BCF has BCF/Cogent programme and won BCF’s Excellence in Training provided a wide range of distance Award in 2012. Crown Trade has also been a proud sponsor learning technical training courses of the UK’s leading painting and decorating skills competition designed to help both new entrants for the past 36 years. The company’s trade brand has and skilled operators/technicians enhance their understanding sponsored the Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year and competences in coatings technology. This programme, competition since 1979, showcasing the talent of apprentices entitled the Coatings Training Institute (CTI), has recently from across the UK and Northern Ireland to find one national become a Cogent Skills Assured Provider for apprenticeships winner. for the full suite of over 60 training modules specific to the coatings sector. The assured network is aimed at ensuring high quality training across the entire science sector, promoting the availability of employer-backed training solutions, supporting new entrants into the sector, particularly through apprenticeships, and boosting skills transferability.
Jotun Paints: Staff training
Typically in the manufacturing industry, first line managers have worked their way up from the shop floor. Jotun Farrow & Ball: Technical training programme UK recognised that this was a familiar pattern at their site in Flixborough near Scunthorpe, and that there was a skills gap Farrow & Ball is extremely proud to and understanding of team management at the Supervisor/ have implemented a technical training Team Leader level across the site. Flixborough is a high programme for all its employees, and risk COMAH site so to have fully trained and competent to see the positive impact this has had employees is essential. From May 2012 to July 2013, Jotun on the customer experience, employee engagement, and sales undertook a 14 module first line manager course for 16 Team performance. Its modular programme allows flexibility across Leaders, which was given endorsed approval by the Institute a global business and uses a combination of blended and of Leadership and Management. The business has been able accelerated learning techniques to embed learning and provide to react to a highly interactive experience across a range of media which and plan more brings its products to life. effectively for the changes and The company has designed bespoke training that brings challenges they together leading industry standard technical information with face on a daily its brand and company information always with a customer basis with the focus, delivering a premium experience that is aligned to its increased skills, products. As a result, employees have a better understanding competence, Jotun Paints – winners of BCF’s of the unique qualities of the company and have increased team work and Excellence in Training Award 2013 confidence when speaking with their customers. awareness.
HMG Paints: Staff training
HMG Paints has always had a rich history of providing training to develop the knowledge and skills of its workforce. In 2014, the company rolled out a number of forward thinking initiatives, providing training to individuals from across the business. Supplying key personnel with Health and Safety training ensured everyday duties were carried out with due care and to best practice.
In addition, the numerous Apprenticeship Schemes as well as the philanthropic Future Entrepreneurship Partnership have brought fresh talent into the business as HMG seeks to kick Farrow & Ball – winners of start the careers of local young people, and safeguard the BCF’s Excellence in Training Award 2014 future of the coatings industry for years to come. British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 16 AkzoNobel (Marine & Protective) Coatings: marine Innovation foul release saves fuel and reduced emissions
We will develop and deliver products which AkzoNobel’s marine coatings brand International® introduced Intersleek® in meet customer needs whilst maximising 1996. The technology is biocide free and sustainable processes and resource use. works on a foul release basis by providing a very smooth, slippery, non-stick surface onto which fouling organisms have difficulty attaching. Any organisms which do attach normally do so only weakly, and can usually be easily removed. AkzoNobel: Ashington Plant design Intersleek® is now well established within the maritime sector and has a total track record of over 5,000 vessels worldwide. Environmental commitments at In 2013, International® launched Intersleek®1100SR, the AkzoNobel’s newly built Ashington shipping industry’s first biocide free, fluoropolymer technology manufacturing facility include achieving that tackles the market’s age-old ‘slime challenge’. Designed for energy efficiency through state-of-the art advanced all commercial vessels, the technology typically delivers 9% fuel manufacturing processes, as well as best practice in building savings and a corresponding reduction in vessel CO2 emissions. thermal efficiency, heating design and energy efficient lighting. Together with The Gold Standard, the company has also There will be 100% reuse of water, 90% solvent reuse targets developed the first marine-based methodology for generating and the elimination of waste at source. The company will also carbon credits within the shipping industry. The methodology deliver a minimum of 10% of site energy from on-site low- is based on ship owners and operators converting existing carbon sources, such as biomass, photovoltaic panels and solar vessels from a biocidal antifouling system to a premium, thermal water heating. biocide-free advanced hull coating such as Intersleek®.
Crown Paints: High Speed Filling Line
In 2013, Crown Paints purchased and implemented a state of the art high speed filling line into the water-based production facility at its Hull site. Dedicated to filling 7.5, 10, 12 and 15 litre pack sizes, the new line provides a 50% reduction in the amount of water used to clean the paint delivery pipework along with 25% reductions in compressed air and electrical power used and will also increase filling rates by up to 75%.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 We will develop and deliver products which meet customer needs whilst maximising sustainable processes and resource use.
Rustins: Saving energy with solar panels
Keen to reduce emissions and save money, Rustins took advantage of its ideal south facing warehouse roof to install 60KWH of solar panels to generate electricity powering its warehouse and factory.
Synthomer: Energy from waste Beckers Group: Manufacturing efficiency improvements At its site in Stallingborough, UK, Synthomer takes electricity on an exclusive contract Through its in-house sustainability initiative in from the Newlincs municipal waste 2014, Beckers recorded year-on-year tangible incineration plant, which was built on land owned by the improvements in manufacturing performance, company next the site. The plant was built on the basis of a namely; emissions of Volatile Organic long term contract with Synthomer and has been certified as Compounds (VOC) reduced by 10%, producing renewable electricity for Climate Change Levy greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 8%, waste generated purposes. The Synthomer plant uses this electricity for reduced by 6%, and water consumption reduced by 3%. manufacturing processes and any surplus electricity produced is fed back into the National Grid. Additionally the site receives low grade heat in the form of hot water, which is passed via a heat exchanger to preheat plant water. By using this energy from waste, Synthomer estimates it saves approximately 2,300 tonnes CO2 per annum.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 18 We will partner with suppliers and customers Cellucomp: Curran®, a microfibrilated-based cellulose in the development and use of sustainable raw product materials.
Curran® is a microfibrilated cellulose- based additive derived from waste AkzoNobel: Prudhoe Site Rainwater Harvesting streams of root vegetables. When used in a paint or coatings formulation, it can enhance the properties of the film with numerous mechanical AkzoNobel Hammerite Products and rheological benefits: increased scrub resistance, reduced installed a rainwater harvesting system mud cracking and micro cracking, anti-sag, anti-settling and at its Prudhoe manufacturing site that excellent suspension to name a few. By adding Curran® a takes water from the main factory roof formulator can remove or reduce other elements such as and uses it within its products. The factory’s consumption of HECs (HydroxyEthyl Cellulose), coalescent or binders in mains water for manufacturing has been reduced by up to 50%. order to make a final product of superior quality that is more Additionally, water can now be supplied at a higher pressure environmentally-friendly. than previously, and this has halved batch cycle times on some lines. AkzoNobel won BCF’s Sustainable Innovation Award with this entry in 2011. Covestro: Polyurethane hardener
Covestro has developed the first polyurethane hardener on the market with a significant Earth Inks (Solar Inks): Water-based inks from renewable content. It has 71% renewable renewable raw materials carbon content and no direct competition with the food chain. Earth Inks are water-based inks made from raw materials that can be planted or regrown and so are more sustainable products compared with traditional water- based systems that incorporate materials that are ultimately derived from oil. For the very first time, brands need not sacrifice print quality or price in an ink while meeting stringent environmental standards. Every product in the Earth Ink range is based on natural ingredients such as soy, starch, sugars, dextrin, tree resin, cellulose and other polysaccharides. Natural waxes replace synthetic grades and natural oils are used to defoam in place of mineral oils and silicones.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 19 We will invest in new technologies for the AkzoNobel: Light and Space paint range benefit of future generations. This innovative paint range assists building designers to reduce energy losses from buildings by improving light reflectance from the painted internal surfaces. It provides a lighter and brighter living environment without compromising energy efficiency. It absorbs up to 50% less light than conventional emulsion paints and up to 22% energy saving, demonstrated independently. These energy cost savings have been independently proven by the Building Research Establishment.
Domino Group: A520i printer
Domino Group manufactures printers and inks to provide customers with the ability to code, mark, address, decorate or personalise their products. The company invests in research and development to ensure that each new generation of printers is more Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings: The resource efficient than the Forth Rail Bridge “Transgard” previous generation. Domino’s innovation in ink jet The landmark red bridge, printer design has enabled it standing 110 metres high and to create the A520i printer 2,467 metres in length, was which uses 50% less solvent opened in 1890 after almost a decade of construction. Prior to and 50% less ink in operation Sherwin-Williams’ involvement, painting the bridge was famous as well as reducing waste ink for being a never-ending job - however, Sherwin-Williams by 90%. It also features worked with Network Rail and contractor Balfour Beatty to advanced energy saving supply a protective system which would offer the bridge 25 software which shuts the years of protection against corrosion. Due to the bridge’s printer down automatically location, the 230,000 sq metres of steelwork faces an whenever it is not in use. aggressive environment including high winds and sea mists.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 20 BASF Coatings: Partnering with Tata Steel and Jotun: Hull Performance Solutions deliver carbon Academia emissions savings
BASF Coatings and Tata Steel are key Poor hull and propeller performance partners in the Sustainable Product accounts for around 1/10th of world Engineering Centre for Functional fleet energy cost and green house gas Industrial Coatings (SPECIFIC) project set emissions. This translates into around up through Swansea University in South Wales. SPECIFIC’s USD 30 billion in additional fuel costs per year and 0.3% of vision is to develop functional coatings for roofs and walls for all man-made carbon emissions. Jotun’s Hull Performance large-volume manufacture that generate, store and release Solutions (HPS) are designed to make it easy to maximize renewable energy hull performance and thereby reduce both fuel cost and – and, in so doing, greenhouse gas emissions. The solutions combine state-of- transform “buildings the-art antifouling and application technologies with reliable into power stations”, monitoring of hull performance and high performance delivering significant guarantees. Jotun’s method for monitoring hull performance environmental and has served as the starting point for ISO 19030 - measurement economic benefits. of changes in hull and propeller performance. Introduced These products will be in 2011, the current HPS install base is estimated to yield a suitable for both new carbon emissions saving of around 16 million metric-tons over and existing buildings, the 3 to 5 year lifetime of the solutions. such as retail outlets and corporate office blocks, where metal and glass predominate. SPECIFIC already provides work for around 60 people in South Wales and has the potential to deliver many more jobs in the supply chain in the future.
Beckers Group: BeckryTherm Thermal control Sun Chemical: Solimax multi-purpose ink system
The BeckryTherm technology is an exterior In the search for the printer’s ‘holy grail’ in coating system using high durability binders to which one ink can be used successfully for deliver high solar reflectivity, and high a wide range of processes, Sun Chemical emissivity together with an interior coatings has developed the SunUno Solimax system that delivers very low emissivity and multi-purpose ink system suitable for both improved thermal barrier properties within surface and reverse print applications on a number of the the building envelope. The economic benefits are significantly commonly used flexible packaging substrates, Solimax can reduced costs for air conditioning and heating buildings improve press room efficiency while simplifying the overall together with reduced C02 emissions and longer lived print production process. structures. The considerable work to optimise the chemistry and physics of the coatings system was complemented by dynamic thermal modelling studies of various typical building configurations with a university partner. Beckers won BCF’s Sustainable Innovation Award with this entry in 2013. British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 21 Muraspec: First wallcovering Life Cycle Analysis by Compliance BRE In 2012, Muraspec became the first We will not only comply with legal wallcovering company to have a requirements but also reach higher standards Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) carried with voluntary codes of practice. out by BRE global. This entailed a cradle to grave analysis of the company’s products and examined 13 Paint manufacturers: Going lead free globally categories of environmental impact, of which carbon footprint, use of natural resources, and waste disposal are three Several multi-national companies such as AkzoNobel and examples. The results of this process are contained within an Jotun have voluntarily removed lead and lead chromates from Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for each principle all products globally, above and beyond regulations in many type of wallcovering that Muraspec manufacture. The EPD is a countries. The global coatings industry, represented by the standardised way to represent the environmental footprint of International Paint and Printing Ink Council, which BCF are a product and is the basis on which meaningful improvements a member of, is part of the Lead Paint Alliance set up by the of environmental performance can be made. The increased United Nations/World Health Organisation, committed to recognition of EPDs has meant that Muraspec customers have remove lead from decorative paints in areas where it isn’t also benefited from their availability, with the opportunity already banned (mainly the developing world) and encourage to earn credits towards their Green fit out schemes such national governments to legislate in this area. as LEED®, BREEAM® and SKA® and this as a consequence of the continued rise of the use of EPDs by purchasers to quantify and reduce the environmental impacts associated with their buildings.
PPG Architectural Coatings: EU Eco Label Firwood Paints: Eliminating hazardous substances
The Ecological Solutions range from PPG Core to Firwood’s emphasis on a Architectural Coatings is home to 14 more sustainable future is a desire to products that have had their environmental reduce the impact on the credentials independently tested and verified, environment of the company’s allowing them to carry the coveted EU products and protect the health and safety of their own staff Ecolabel accreditation. The environmental and their customer’s employees. Well before REACH criterion behind it is agreed at European level and is only legislation, Firwood started a program of eliminating hazardous awarded after verification that a product meets rigorous substances from their products starting with lead chromates environmental and performance standards. These standards and hexavalent chromium compounds previously used in are based on several factors, which starts from raw material industrial finishes and etch primers. As demand for these newly extraction in the pre-production stage, through to production, developed products grew then the original products were distribution and disposal. eliminated from the product range.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 22 We will create partnerships with the The BCF has also been supporting via CEPE a response to the European Commission’s invitation to run a pilot appropriate authorities to develop further programme for architectural paints through the EU’s Product initiatives. Environmental Footprint programme – for the UK, Crown Paints have taken a leading role on the project. A major element in this approach is to draw on CEPE’s Life Cycle Inventory raw material database and Life Cycle software, which BCF: interfaces with the UK Government and the members of the BCF were instrumental in initiating. European Commission The BCF represents the UK coatings industry at a number of UK government committees. Its current focus is to create legislative support for waste paint recycling in the UK. The recent launch of PaintCare UK which government organisations are invited to join is a major component in this strategy.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 23
Social Responsibility
The BCF policy expressed its support for the social element of sustainability by committing to progress in a number of key areas, namely: - Fairness, diversity and equal opportunities - Respect for people and communities - Employee health and safety
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 24 Fairness, diversity and equal opportunities Respect for people and communities
BCF: Code of Conduct BCF Minutes Matter Campaign
In 2013, the BCF launched a Code of Conduct for its members In 2013, in partnership with BT and the Community HeartBeat which addressed many aspects of the social element of Trust (CHT), the BCF launched a programme to encourage sustainability. The Code of Conduct sets out the principles by rural communities to convert their local red telephone kiosk which members agree to behave. Members will not knowingly to house a defibrillator. Since then, over 20 BCF members misrepresent facts or mislead any customers or suppliers have volunteered undercoat and red gloss paint to nearly 120 concerning any aspects of the goods and services they provide. Parish Councils, to renovate these Members will provide adequate training and instruction kiosks to their former glory, and to to their employees and agents, bringing the contents and remind residents of the life-saving application of this Code and its principles to their attention equipment held within. and requiring such employees and agents to carry out their duties in accordance with the Code. Members are committed In 2015, the BCF helped initiate a to providing clear, responsive and user-friendly procedures national campaign called “Minutes to deal with complaints should they arise. Any complaints are Matter” to help promote the handled by a separate BCF Disciplinary Procedure. programme. The new Minutes Matter website www.minutesmatter. org.uk enables MPs to nominate a community in their constituency to convert a telephone kiosk into a lifesaving defibrillator station. In this way, the BCF, together with CHT and BT, will continue to encourage local communities to make a difference to the emergency service response provided to rural parts of the country. The BCF was proud to pick up the Trade Association Forum CSR Award of the Year for this initiative.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 25 Employee health and safety Respect for people and communities.
HMG Paints and BASF: Leading the way supporting the STEM Ambassador programme
The STEM Ambassador programme is designed to introduce young students to the ‘world of work’ and create opportunities to inspire young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It was organised in response to the looming shortage of engineers and scientists in the UK. It is proving to be inspirational not only to the young students involved but also those from industry who take on the role Rustins: A focus on safety of STEM Ambassadors and contribute their time to the programme. The programme results in presentations, classes Rustins has increased its investment in and internships which allow young people to gain experience safety equipment such as more bunds to and potentially a foothold on the jobs ladder at an early stage protect the environment in the case of in their career development process. spillage and has focused on actions designed to improve PPE by investing in prescription safety BASF and HMG Paints have been leading supporters of glass and custom fitted face masks. It has also increased the this programme, and the BCF will continue to promote the level of staff training. programme to its members around the country.
Crown Paints: Occupational Health
Crown’s Occupational Health Team runs various activities and campaigns to promote health awareness and healthier lifestyles. 2014 included amongst others: Well Person clinics, ‘Know Your Numbers’ blood pressure campaign, cancer awareness, travel health awareness and access to weight loss clinics.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 26 PPG Architectural Coatings: Reaching out to Respect for people and communities. employees and communities in the UK
Crown Paints: Work with local communities PPG UK is committed to making charity count with donations to charities, taking pride in Crown Paints engages with the local employees with regular ‘Wellness Week’ events, community and regularly hosts visits and championing and encouraging future painters and training sessions for schools and decorators around the country through their Young Painter community groups. In 2014, the company of the Year initiative, and contributing to community spirit by helped to bring chemistry to life in a BBC programme aimed at sponsoring the Johnstone’s Paint Football Trophy. educating GCSE students, opening the doors of its Lancashire headquarters to renowned science presenter Fran Scott and camera crew to showcase the chemistry processes which take place across the site.
Crown also supports charities, projects and teams in its local community through the Crown Paints Community Awards. Held in partnership with Darwen Town Council, the annual awards scheme provides funding to groups whose purpose is to serve the local community, such as Girl Guides, running clubs and football teams.
AkzoNobel: Positively colouring 1 million lives
AkzoNobel Decorative Paints UK & Ireland is firmly committed to inspiring and unlocking the potential of the next generation and bringing colour to communities both locally and overseas. In 2011 they committed to positively colouring the lives of 1m people by 2020. So far the lives of more than 800,000 people have been impacted in a positive way through their wide ranging community and social activities. These have included a Let’s Colour Project which transformed grey spaces across UK and Ireland, supporting the work of Community RePaint by sponsoring the network of reuse schemes for over 20 years, creating opportunities for over 500 children to attend Outward Bound courses, running science summer schools in South Africa for those wanting to study STEM subjects in higher education, and building schools in Cameroon.
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 27 5 Summary and conclusions
This report has illustrated the significant commitment of BCF The work led by CEPE on Life Cycle Analysis has the capability member companies in the paint, printing inks and wallcoverings to provide objective comparisons between competing sectors to sustainable development. There is strong evidence coatings formulations and delivery systems in terms of the eco that the policy has been supported with energy, enthusiasm footprint of a litre of paint, which will potentially redirect the and creativity across all the three elements (environmental, product development strategy of the coatings industry. economic and social), and there have been some excellent Greater incorporation of sustainability into the long term achievements; many of which have been referred to in the case thinking of all coatings companies will become the norm, not studies in this report. just because it is the responsible corporate position to take, but also because it will be necessary to anticipate and prepare However, the BCF recognises that sustainable development for further legislation down the track. is a continuous process and there is always room for further improvement. In the coming years, opportunities will present In the future, many new products in society which are coated themselves based on technology developments by suppliers will be designed with sustainable thinking from the outset who themselves are reducing their environmental footprints – this holistic approach will incorporate the manufacturing and improving manufacturing economics. Much can also be processes, choice of raw materials, the way it is used and also expected from the development of renewable raw materials the end of life. With its central position between the chemical derived from non-food sources which will not only deliver industry and those downstream industries that apply and lower carbon footprints but can also provide a different benefit from coatings, BCF members are in an ideal position to balance of properties compared with the synthetic materials lead sustainable development the entire length of the supply they replace, thereby providing the coatings industry with chains, and play our part in completing this virtuous circle. new opportunities for technical development worthy of commercialisation. New formulation ingredients can also lead to functionality enhancements in coatings which can assist in the sustainable development of downstream industries.
Pursuit of the circular economy will become increasingly more important over time, and waste management will be a major agenda item for all aspects of the coatings industry requiring ever closer collaboration with other industries up and down stream, as well as government authorities and the waste industry. The BCF’s PaintCare programme will form a major part of the coatings industry’s effort in this area in the coming years. Tom Bowtell, BCF CEO Tony Mash, BCF CEO 2012 - to date 2009 - 2012
British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 28 British Coatings 2012 Sustainable Innovation Award Federation Award Awarded to Crown Paints, for Earthbalance®
Coatings Care Overall Best Performer Award winners 2010 – 2014 Awarded to AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings
Coatings Care Progress Award Awarded to BASF Coatings, Deeside
Excellence in Training Award Awarded to Crown Paints 2010 Student of the Year Award Awarded to Cindy Xin Xu, PPG Architectural Coatings UK BCF Sustainable Innovation Award Newlife Paints for “Recycled Paint” 2013 BCF Coatings Care Overall Best Performer AkzoNobel Packaging Coatings Sustainable Innovation Award Beckers Group, for “BeckryTherm Solar and thermal control BCF Coatings Progress Award technology” Schloetter Company Excellence in Training Award Student of the Year Award Jotun Paints (Europe) Paul Fisher, R J Stokes Coatings Care Overall Best Performer Award PPG Architectural Coatings, Morley 2011 Coatings Care Progress Award Sustainable Innovation Award AkzoNobel Decorative Paints, Slough AkzoNobel Decorative Paints UK for “Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt White new formulation” Student of the Year Award Peter Smith, Beckers UK Sustainable Innovation Award AkzoNobel Decorative Paints UK for “Prudhoe Site Rainwater Harvesting” 2014 Sustainable Innovation Award Sustainable Innovation Award Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems (FSIS), for “Waste reduction, re- Flint Group, Print Media Europe for “Libra” use, recycling”
Coatings Care Overall Best Performer Award Excellence in Training Award Pronto Industrial Paints, Chesterfield Farrow & Ball
Coatings Care Progress Award Coatings Care Overall Best Performer Award NP Automotive Coatings (Europe), Swindon Crown Paints, Hull
Student of the Year Award Coatings Care Progress Award Susan Bromley, PPG Architectural Coatings Steyport, Blackburn
Excellence in Training Award Student of the Year Award AkzoNobel Wood Coatings Europe - WFA Ben Perriman, Jotun
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The British Coatings Federation is the sole UK Trade Association representing the interests of the decorative, industrial and powder coatings, printing inks and wallcovering industries. The BCF’s prime aims are to promote and to protect the interests of its members, to encourage the prosperity of the industry, to improve the business climate in which the industry operates and to provide an interface between the industry and the government, other industry and non-industry organisations, the media and the general public.
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British Coatings Federation’s Sustainable Development Policy 2016 32