Life Cycle Assessment Summary

Taking big steps toward a smaller footprint

Finite natural resources coupled with growing world

population is generating increased consumer interest in
paints and coatings that offer quality, cost efficiency and
a smaller environmental footprint. Toward this end, Dow End of Life Raw Materials
Coating Materials is using Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)
to inform and drive innovations in raw materials and
technologies that can help coatings formulators develop
more sustainable paints and coatings.

LCAs track a product or service from raw material sourcing

through end-of-life (cradle to grave). They are typically
conducted in accordance with recognized ISO 14040-14044
standards and validated by external & independent third Application Transportation
parties. Many factors are taken into consideration; for
architectural paints and coatings, these would include the raw
materials that go into the paint formulation, as well as how
the paint is applied, how it performs and how long it lasts.

The results of an LCA can help decision makers choose more Formulation
sustainable options and assist in the implementation of green
procurement programs and eco-label certifications. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) help to inform more sustainable choices.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2)

100% is a major contributor to
90% paint quality, paint cost
and carbon footprint.
80%

TiO2 According to a Life Cycle

70%
Assessment conducted by Dow
60% Coating Materials and validated
50% Binder by a qualified third party, white
pigment (TiO2) and binder
40%
account for the largest share
Water and other
30% of paint by cost and by carbon
ingredients
footprint. They also impact key
20%
performance properties that
10% characterize the quality of paint.
0% Of these, hiding often accounts
By Weight By Cost By Carbon Foot Print for the largest percentage of a
Typical quality semi-gloss paint paint’s carbon footprint.

Testing has shown that EVOQUE™ Pre-Composite Polymer Technology developed by Dow Coating Materials can match hiding
and tint strength with up to 20% less TiO2. This helps formulators maintain the quality of paint while reducing both the cost and
carbon footprint associated with TiO2. These improvements result from the formation of a pigment-polymer composite that not
only facilitates TiO2 reductions, but also offers performance improvements that can extend the service life of the paint. These may
include improvements in:

- - Stain resistance and removal - - Corrosion resistance - - Tannin blocking

- - Dirt pickup resistance - - Nail head rust resistance - - Tint & gloss retention
Improved barrier properties with EVOQUE™ Pre-Composite Polymer
Tannin Block Nail Head Rust Resistance Corrosion Resistance

Control Composite Control Composite Control Composite

Paints formulated with pre-composite polymer technology demonstrate improved barrier properties in lab and exposure testing.

Life Cycle Impact Assessment

Results of a Life Cycle Assessment conducted by Dow and validated by a third party demonstrate that waterborne paints made
with pre-composite polymer technology (green) yield the lowest impact in 10 out of 10 measured categories as compared to
other binder technologies.

Key Learnings
Primary Energy Consumption
- 
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a
Human Toxicity
Water Consumption significant contributor to cost
and carbon footprint of paint.
- EVOQUE
- ™
Pre-Composite Technology
facilitates quality acrylic paint with
Green-House 10 – 20% less TiO2.
Effect Wastes - 
- Composite paint made with less
TiO2 reduces environmental impact
and offers improved performance
benefits and lower formulated cost.
Eutrophication
Potential Non-Methanic
Volatile Organic
Compounds
Resources
Depletion 30 PVC Interior
Chemical Oxygen Demand Semigloss Acrylic Paint

Control
Air Acidification Opaque Polymer
Potential Pre-Composite Polymer
Pre-Composite Polymer
and Opaque Polymer

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