CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOLVENT FOR ECO-FRIENDLY COATINGS

As environmental regulations tighten more and consumer expectations soar through the roof, the coatings industry is at a crossroads.

In solvent-based coatings, 40–65% of a typical coating's volume can evaporate as VOCs, according to the U.S. EPA. Therefore choosing the right solvent s more than critical.

Making the right choice can dramatically optimize a coating's evaporation profile, ensuring a flawless, detect-free finish that meets discerning quality standards. This finish is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it is free from visible or tactile imperfections, such as streaks, bubbles, and uneven texture.

Therefore, when sustainability and performance must go hand in hand, solvents remain the key enablers in coatings. As the industry pushes for greener solutions, the right solvent could be the differentiator that not only meets regulatory demands but also brings product performance to new heights.

In practice, the co-solvent blend directly affects leveling, gloss, and defects. Solvents that are too fast cause orange peel or cobwebbing, while those that are too slow can extend drying time. In short, the right solvent optimizes drying rates and complements the formula, ensuring a smooth, high-quality finish.

Let's not forget that compatibility is another critical factor. A great solvent must mix well with the resin, pigments, and additives. Well, GFBiochemicals develops modern bio-based solvents specifically for that purpose. For example, our SOLVE100 is extensively compatible with other formulation ingredients, meaning it integrates without hazing or incompatibility.

Environmental Challenges with Conventional Options

Traditional solvent-borne coatings often rely on petrochemicals with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Besides emissions, worker safety is a significant concern. Some fossil-based solvents used in coating industry are still hazardous: the EPA lists acute symptoms, such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, upon exposure. Long-term effects can include organ damage to the liver, kidney, and nervous system.

In real-world operations, strict precautions are mandatory under heavy protocols, and conventional organic solvents demand extensive ventilation and protective equipment.

Faced with these challenges, formulators are seeking safer solvent alternatives. This is where eco-friendly solvents step in. They reduce both Carbon foot print of the formulation and harmful exposures, thereby meeting environmental and worker safety requirements.

Bio-Based Solvents as a Solution

In the face of environmental issues, bio-based solvents such as SOLVE100 and MOVE200 offer innovations and resolve a lot of problems. They provide high performance without the drawbacks of petrochemicals solvents, inspiring a new approach to coatings formulation. SOLVE100 and MOVE200 are plant-derived from non-food biomass and are biodegradable.

SOLVE100 (Ethyl Levulinate) / MOVE200 (Butyl Levulinate) - A plant-based ester solvent containing 100% biogenic carbon. It has excellent solvency for both polar and non-polar ingredients and is non-flammable with a very low Maximum Incremental Reactivity - MIR values for quantifying relative ground-level ozone impacts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). SOLVE100 boiling point is at about 206°C, and its evaporation rate is extremely low (<0.01 relative to n-butyl acetate), meaning it evaporates slowly.

This low volatile bio-based solvents enable the development of eco-friendly coatings by utilizing renewable carbon sources, and thus reducing the carbon footprint of your formulation. SOLVE100provides high-performing, safer, and biodegradable alternatives to fossil solvents. In practice, using these eco-conscious industrial chemicals enables formulators meet Eco-Design requirements and sustainability goals without compromising finish quality.

Application Areas and Success Stories

RE:CHEMISTRY bio-based solvents have found widespread use across the coatings market. For example, Brenntag – a global chemical distributor –highlights that SOLVE100, MOVE200, and CLEAN300 are being supplied for coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers. This covers coil, metal packaging, , industrial and maintenance paints, and more.

In all cases, these eco-conscious industrial chemicals deliver good performance with low carbon footprints.

By integrating SOLVE100 /MOVE200 into formulations, many users report achieving performance on par with traditional solvents – sometimes with improved gloss and leveling – while drastically cutting environmental impact. SOLVE100 / MOVE200 allow product developers and formulators to create safer and more sustainable products that consistently deliver high impact.

Get Started with Green Solvents

The path to sustainable, high-performance coatings doesn't have to be complicated—it just needs the right chemistry. With SOLVE100 or MOVE200, you're redefining what's possible in coating performance. Whether you're formulating for durability, finish quality, or environmental compliance, this bio-based solvents deliver the versatility and impact of today's market demands.

Innovation starts with a decision. Choose plant-based solvents that align with your sustainability goals and upgrade your formulations. Our technical team is ready to guide you toward smarter, greener solutions tailored to your system.

Let's make coatings cleaner, stronger, and better—together. Contact us today to take the next step toward a greener, high-performance future.