Interim Progress Report on
Paint Product Steward Initiative Project #8
For the Period
July 1, 2005 through September 16, 2005
Preliminary Research on Certification Options, Current Paint Recycling
Manufacturing, Recycled Paint Testing
Prepared for the Paint Product Stewardship Initiative
Acknowledgement
This work was sponsored by
Portland Metro Regional Government
Portland, Oregon
and
The Dunn-Edwards Corporation
Los Angeles, California
Prepared by
Dane Jones, Professor
Ray Fernando, Professor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
September 16, 2005
DISCLAIMER
The statements and conclusions in this report are those of the authors. The mention of
commercial products, their source, or their use in connection with material reported
herein is not to be construed as actual or implied endorsement of such products. This
document is intended for use by the PPSI Markets Workgroup.
ii
ABSTRACT
A survey was made of recycled paint manufacturers participating in the PPSI Markets
Workgroup to provide an overview of current recycled paint manufacturing practices.
Concurrently, research was undertaken to determine what standards and certification
options are currently available for recycled paint products. The results of the survey
showed manufacturers typically produce either consolidated paint (water-based or both
water and solvent-based) made from virtually >95% post-consumer waste material or
they produce reprocessed (remanufactured) water-based paint using at least 50% postconsumer waste (PCW) material and other virgin materials. The Federal Government,
through EPA and the General Services Administration (GSA), provides recommendations
and standards for recycled paint products with recommended PCW levels for various
products. The Master Painters Institute (MPI) provides comprehensive performance
standards applicable to reprocessed paint. Recycled paint products meeting relevant MPI
standards would be equal to virgin paint materials in terms of performance and safety.
The Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) research provides a
method for evaluating the environmental performance of recycled paint products using
the life-cycle assessment approach but is not a “certification” as there is no “seal” to put
on a label to demonstrate a certain level of environmental performance. Green Seal
provides unique certification opportunities for recycled paint products. The EPA
recommended levels of PCW material provide useful guidelines for development of
specific levels for quality recycled paint products.
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER.................................................................................................................... i
ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................ iii
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................... vi
I. Work this Reporting Period .........................................................................................1
A. Research on current recycled paint manufacturing ..........................................1
Questionnaire on recycled paint manufacturing .................................................1
Summary of Questionnaire Responses .................................................................5
B. Research on Recycled Paint Performance Standards .......................................6
EPA .........................................................................................................................6
GSA .........................................................................................................................6
California Public Contract Code ..........................................................................7
MPI ..........................................................................................................................7
BEES .....................................................................................................................12
SCS ........................................................................................................................13
Green Seal .............................................................................................................13
ASTM ....................................................................................................................13
Certification and Standards Matrix ..................................................................14
C. Summary ..............................................................................................................15
II. Future Work ...............................................................................................................17
iv
LIST OF TABLES
Table I Cal Poly Questionnaire on Recycled Paint Manufacturing ............................3
Table II MPI Standard Categories Relevant to Recycled Latex Paint Products ......11
Table III Recycled Paint Certification and Performance Standards Matrix ............14
Table IV Post-consumer Waste Content for Recycled Paint Products ......................16
v
I. Work This Reporting Period
This report summarizes work performed on Phase II of Project 8, Recycled Paint Certification
System, of the Paint Product Stewardship Initiative from July 1 through August 15, 2005.
A. Research on Current Recycled Paint Manufacturing
Paint products produced from post-consumer waste (PCW – also called leftover paint) products
include consolidated paint (both water-based and solvent-based) and reprocessed latex (waterbased) paint. Consolidated paint usually consists of at least 95% PCW paint, with possible
addition of very small amounts of additives. Paint consolidation is the process of combining
leftover paints that have similar characteristics into batches. Consolidation is done at municipal
facilities following collection events and at a small number of retailers. The consolidation
process typically involves the following steps:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Screening out of unusable paint
Sorting paint based on whether it is oil or latex paint
Sorting by characteristics such as color, finish, and type (e.g., interior vs. exterior);
Pouring the latex leftover paint from the original containers into collection drums; and
Mixing.
Consolidation operations also filter the paint to remove large particles and other solids. Many
perform periodic testing for contaminants. The consolidated paint is often packaged in 5-gallon
containers for reuse. This activity is conducted mostly by local programs in batch sizes ranging
from 30 to 200 gallons.1
Reprocessed latex paint is a completely remanufactured product using PCW latex paint as a
primary ingredient. Production of reprocessed paint involves processes characteristic of virgin
latex paint production, and thus is not typically done at municipal collection facilities. PCW is
combined with virgin ingredients (resin, pigments, additives) and secondary industrial materials
including surplus paint (miss-tints, off-batches, discontinued products) to produce the
reprocessed paint. PCW content of reprocessed latex paint often varies depending on the
manufacturer, the PCW, and the product desired. Manufacturers maintain a minimum of 50%
recycled content (PCW and secondary industrial materials). Manufacturers use a variety of
sorting protocols often perform preliminary testing on the PCW collected. A variety of tests are
also performed on the final product.
In order to obtain a clearer picture of current recycled paint manufacturing processes, a
questionnaire was developed and sent to members of the Markets Workgroup involved in
recycled paint manufacturing in both the United States and Canada. The questions from the
questionnaire are listed below:
1
PPSI Background Report, www.productstewardship.us/prod_paint_dialogdocs.html
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
1
September 16, 2005
Questionnaire on Recycled Paint Manufacturing
1. What types of recycled paint products do you produce? For example, interior,
exterior,
flats, non-flats, primers, white base, pre-tinted colors, etc.
2. What tests, if any, do you perform on the post-consumer waste paint collected for
recycling?
3. How do you sort the paint collected for recycling?
4. What is the post-consumer waste content in your final product? Is the content the
same for all products or does it vary from product to product?
5. In producing your final product, do you blend the post-consumer waste with virgin
paint or with virgin raw materials (resin, pigments, additives) or some combination?
6. What tests, if any, do you perform on your final products? Do you also test recycled
paint products produced by other companies? What comparison tests do you do?
7. What standards or certification, if any, must your recycled paint products meet?
8. What information is contained on the labels of your recycled paint products? What
information on the content and formulation is provided to the buyer or consumer?
9. What are the current markets for your recycled paint products?
Responses from the Markets Workgroup members were tabulated. Results are given in Table I
below.
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
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September 16, 2005
Table I Cal Poly Questionnaire on Recycled Paint Manufacturing
Question
#
1
2
3
4
5
area
products produced
PC-waste tests
sorting
PC-waste content
remanufacturing
Q
consolidated paint: interior
latex and alkyd paint and
stain, exterior oil and stain,
clear varnish, interior/exterior
oil-based rust paint, interior
visual inspection
R
consolidated exterior latex
paint
none
company
S
two consolidated recycled
paint product lines: latex –
interior/exterior – satin flat ,
alkyd – exterior – satin flat
Both latex and alkyd are
available in 8 colors – white,
beige, yellow, green, blue,
rose, brown and grey.
T
100% post-consumer latex
paint raw material (also collect
oil-based paint used for
energy content as fuel)
separate oil and latex, 12
colors, special for varnish, 100% post-consumer paint
wood preserv.
sort whiltes and bulk in 55
gal drums
Each can visually
inspected for eligibility
(visual, stirring, odor).
Extensive sorting protocol
Cans are then sorted into
to determine if eligible,
a) acrylic latex paint, b)
analysis for pH, VOCs,
non-acrylic latex paint, c)
PCBs, and heavy metals
latex enamels and
such as lead, mercury and
bathroom paints with
chromium; must comply
biocides, d) post
with the standards set out in
production -retail mistints,
the Federal Specification
manufacturer’s overruns,
#TT-P-2846
date expired product etc,
e) 8 different colors as
stated above
none
sort by color
additives (below 0.1%)
for QC, anti-fungal in
latex
100% - mixture of flat, semiall post-consumer, minor
gloss and gloss white and
additives
off-white latex paints
100% post consumer
content. Except for the
small percentage of paint
from category (d) which is
actually post production as
opposed to post consumer
100% post consumer
paint. Post production
paint may be included. If
QC analysis indicates a
quality deficiency or an
extreme color
discrepancy, some
additives may be
introduced. This may
happen occasionally but
it is not a regular
occurrence.
100%
None
U
consolidated interior, exterior
flat, eggshell, semi-gloss,
primer, elastomeric
no response
segregate by color and
sheen, interior and
exterior
~50%, varies by color.
Darker colors may have
more post-consumer
content
paint is combination of
post-consumer paint,
post-industrial paint (mistints, dented cans,
discountinued products,
off spec products) and
virgin ingredients (resin,
colorant, TiO2)
W
reprocessed interior/exterior,
low sheen, variety of colors
visual and odor, stir
color
99-100%, mostly 100%,
may add thickener
all post-consumer
X
pH, viscosity, density,
reprocessed latex
fineness of grind, color,
by color, driven by market
interior/exterior, various
flat: >95%, glosses
periodically VOC's, %
customer, visually grade:
glosses - flat, eggshell, semidepending on virgin material
solids, volume and weight, high quality, poor quality,
gloss, standard colors, color
required, always >70%
%water, volume and weight,
solids
match
scrub
Y
reprocessed latex flat & semigloss, interior/exterior,
standard colors, color match
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
visual, smell
color, sheen
3
min. 50% , varies 50-100%
virgin paint materials
added
vigin raw materials,
completely
remanufactured
September 16, 2005
Table I Cal Poly Questionnaire on Recycled Paint Manufacturing (con’t)
Question #
6
7
8
9
area
tests on final product
standards/certification
label
markets
brand, 100% post-consumer
primarily consumer (through
hardware, box store), exported
company
Q
Pg, Hg, Cr, oil for PCB's,
grind, gloss, viscosity, sag and standards based on specs for
leveling, dry time, pH, some
new paint
exterior and UV durability
R
VOC (bi-annually)
VOC<250 g/L
off-white exterior recycled
latex paint, VOC < 250 g/L
general public
S
Only runs analysis on own
product. Testing parameters:
color consistency, odor,
viscosity, drying time, hiding
factor, smoothness,
application property, freezethaw stability, adhesion, VOC
level, lead, mercury,
chromium, formaldehyde, pH,
specific gravity, bacterial
content. Weather testing is
randomly conducted to
compare recycled product with
virgin product.
Use USA Federal Procurement
Specification TT-P-2846 as
guideline. Products sold to
customers outside of North
America. Different countries
have different requirements,
eg. China requested test for
formaldehyde and Jamaica
requested a shower test. Most
countries insist on receiving
samples for their own
government analysis prior to
issuing permission for the
paint to be imported.
Products are shipped in bulk
(55 gallon drums)and
repackaged locally for selling
in the destination country, so
label content is minimal. The
labels on the individual
smaller containers are
designed and printed by the
customer, in their language, to
meet the requirements of the
local market place. Product
information is discussed with
the client during the purchase
negotiations.
Products not sold in Canada
or the USA. Sold in 26
different countries, eg. Chile,
Guatemala, Qatar, Dominican
Republic, Trinidad, Poland,
Russia, Indonesia, Mexico, Sri
Lanka, Africa countries, India.
T
None
None
N/A
Provide "raw material" for
other recycled paint
manufacturers
U
mold, fungus, VOC content,
sag, scrub
own quality standards, certify
at least 50% post-consumer
content
W
environmental, scrub, stain,
washability, adhesion, hiding,
addel. Weathering, sag, flow,
leveling, roll out, density, %
solids, pH, viscosity, gloss
regulatory (EPA, CPSC)
X
same as PC-waste testing, do
not test other company
products
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
internal standards based on
tests
4
type of product, surface pre.,
color, application, dry time,
private sector and government
stpread rate, thinning, clean
(state agencies)
up, at least 50% postconsumer content
recycled content, use,
coveratge, surf. Prep, paint
prep, paint app.
general public, commercial,
reseller, non-profit,
government
interior/exterior for properly
prepped drywall, masonry,
wood, metal, min. 50% PC
private label, cities and
paint, max VOC 250 g/L, also counties, contractors, general
have PI sheet:acrylic
public
copolymer, NVV 30-40%,
NVW 40-55%, wpg 10.0 min.
September 16, 2005
Summary of Questionnaire Responses
Eight manufacturers of recycled paint products in the United States and Canada were contacted
and all eight provided responses.
Consolidated paint
Five of the eight manufacturers produce only consolidated paint. Three of these produce only
latex paint while two produce latex and alkyd. One company also produces stains, varnishes
and primers. The primary latex paint produced is exterior or exterior/interior but some
manufacturers produce separate interior and exterior latex paints.
Initial inspection for these products ranges from fairly simple visual and odor tests to much
more comprehensive tests including VOC level, pH, and heavy metal analysis. Incoming
material is primarily sorted by color. Other sorting parameters include gloss level or sheen,
resin type, and listed application (interior/exterior). These products are all 100% or nearly
100% PCW. Some manufacturers include manufacturing overruns, expired products, and mistints in these products. Minor amounts of additives are sometimes added, particularly antifungal agents. Testing on these products varies widely.
Tests used include VOC analysis, heavy metal analysis, PCB analysis, gloss, grind, density,
viscosity, sag and leveling, dry time, pH, percent solids, mold and fungus, freeze-thaw stability,
color and performance testing (scrub, stain, washability, adhesion, and even exterior weathering
and UV durability. Virtually no information was collected on the frequency of any of these
tests nor standards used for comparison in these tests. It is assumed relevant ASTM testing
procedures are used. No manufacturer currently certifies their consolidated paint as meeting
any published performance standards. Manufacturers certify their products comply with
requirements for VOC content and mercury and lead levels. Some use published standards as
guidelines and most have internal standards, sometimes based on virgin paint specifications.
These consolidated paint products are primarily sold to consumers either directly by the
manufacturer or through retail outlets but they are also used by commercial and governmental
agencies. Products are also shipped overseas.
Reprocessed paint
Three of the eight companies produce reprocessed paint. According to survey results, these
companies do not generally also produce consolidated paint products. The products produced
are almost entirely interior, interior/exterior and exterior latex paints. Small amounts of
elastomeric coatings (highly flexible barrier coatings) are also produced.
Testing on collected PCW ranges from only visual and odor to pH, viscosity, density, grind,
color, percent solids, water content, and VOC levels. Incoming material is sorted by color,
gloss level, interior/exterior, solids, and quality (no parameters specified).
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
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September 16, 2005
The PCW content of the reprocessed paints ranges from 50-95%. One manufacturer always
maintains PCW content above 70%. The PCW content may depend on gloss level desired
(higher gloss generally means lower PCW content) and color (darker colors may have higher
PCS content). Materials added to PCW in remanufacturing include virgin resin, pigments,
colorants, rheological additives, biocides, and generally any ingredient added to virgin paint.
Tests on the final product are generally the same as those done on virgin paint products of
similar type. These include VOC level, sag, scrub, viscosity, gloss, pH, coalescence, adhesion,
percent solids, etc. One manufacturer also tests competitors recycled paint products. Internal
standards are used to insure quality. No manufacturer currently certifies their reprocessed paint
as meeting any published performance standards. Manufacturers certify their products comply
with requirements for VOC content and mercury and lead levels.
The reprocessed paint products are sold through company-owned stores or contracted vendors.
Users include government agencies, consumers, contractors, school districts, and non-profit
organizations.
The labels used on both consolidated and reprocessed paints generally give information on the
PCW content of the product. For consolidated paints, labels give simple directions for use,
clean-up, disposal and cautions concerning ventilation, keeping away from children, ingestion,
contact and washing after use. For reprocessed paints, labels are more detailed, describing
maximum VOC content, surface preparation, priming, material preparation, application,
coverage, dry time, clean up, first aid and cautions similar to those for consolidated paint
including protection from freezing.
B. Research on Recycled Paint Performance Standards
As stated in the previous section, currently, no manufacturer of reprocessed latex paint certifies
their product as meeting any nationally recognized standard. One goal of this project is the
development of a performance standard for recycled paint, including a sorting protocol,
ensuring it performs equally to virgin paint in a given category with respect to product quality
and health and environmental protection. Ideally, the reprocessed latex paint should be held to
the same performance standards as virgin paint, to insure product quality and consumer
confidence. Currently available standards and certifications for both recycled and virgin paint
were researched. An attempt was made to identify all relevant procurement standards including
those from public agencies and the private sector, including the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and Federal General Services Administration (GSA), California
Public Contract Code. Additionally, this report attempts to identify all relevant national
performance and environmental standards, testing, and certification organizations including the
Master Painters Institute (MPI), Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), ASTM International
and non-governmental organizations involved with environmental standards, such as Building
for Environmental and Sustainability (BEES) and Green Seal, and individual manufacturers.
EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency)
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
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September 16, 2005
The Environmental Protection Agency worked through the 1990’s to develop guidelines for
reprocessed and consolidated paints. Input was solicited from all sectors of the coatings
industry. The recommended recovered materials content levels for reprocessed and
consolidated latex paints developed as a result of this work are given below:
Product
Reprocessed Latex Paint
 White, off-white, pastel colors
 Grey, brown, earth tones, and other dark
colors
Consolidated Latex Paint
Postconsumer
Content (%)
Total Recovered
Materials
Content (%)
20
50-99
20
50-99
100
100
Originally, the EPA product recommendation for reprocessed and consolidated latex paint was
GSA specification TT-P-2846, Paint, Latex (Recycled with Post Consumer Waste). TT-P-2846
was withdrawn in 2001 and EPA now recommends procuring agencies refer to GSA
commercial item (CID) A-A-3185 Paint, Latex (Containing Post-consumer Material) described
more fully under the GSA heading below. The relevant information is available at
http://www.epa.gov/cpg/products/paint.htm#recommended
Although it does not have a specific specification for recycled paint, EPA does specify
procedures for determining environmental properties of paint, notably Method 24 for
determination of VOC levels in paint available at
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/emc/promgate.html
GSA (United States General Services Administration)
As mentioned above, the General Services Administration had published a specification for
recycled paint as TT-P-2846, Paint, Latex (Recycled with Post Consumer Waste). This
specification was withdrawn in 2001 and was replaced with CID A-A-3185 Paint, Latex
(Containing Post-consumer Material). The reason for the replacement of TT-P-2846 is not
known by the authors of this report. A-A-3185 was adopted on April 3, 2001 and can be found
at http://dsp.dla.mil/
Once to the site, select “online specs”, then “click here to get DSP files” then “assist quick
search”. For ID use A-A-3185.
A-A-3185 covers latex emulsion paint containing a minimum of 20% post-consumer materials.
Latex paint is classified into three types: I - interior, II - exterior, III - interior/exterior; three
classes: 1 – flat (low sheen), 2 – eggshell, 3 – semi-gloss; and three grades: A – 40% minimum
volume solids, B – 30% minimum solids, C – utility (for graffiti abatement). The standard lists
prohibited materials, condition in container, color tolerance, accelerated storage, freeze-thaw
stability, application properties, odor, dry-through, consistency, VOC content, contrast ratio,
alkali resistance, flexibility, scrub resistance, biological growth, total solids, fineness of
dispersion, gloss, adhesion, and special marking of “DO NOT FREEZE”. Quantitative
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
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September 16, 2005
requirements for each grade and class are specified as are test methods (either ASTM or Federal
Standard).
Grades A and B, white/off-white/pastel must contain 20% minimum PCW. Grades A and B,
grey/brown, earth tones, dark must contain 50% minimum PCW. All Grade C must contain
100% PCW. All must have <200 g/L VOC (calculated less water and exempt solvents). The
intended use and surface preparation are also described. Ordering data and bid evaluation
information are also given. National Stock Numbers (NSNs) have been assigned for all types,
classes and grades.
California Public Contract Code
The California Public Contract Code discusses recycled paint in section 12170, paragraph 4:
4. (A) Recycled paint means having a recycled content consisting of at least 50 percent
post-consumer paint. Pre-consumer or secondary paint does not qualify as recycled
paint pursuant to this subparagraph. (B) If paint containing 50 percent post-consumer is
unavailable, a state agency may substitute paint with the maximum amount of postconsumer content, but not less than 10 percent post-consumer content.2
Although this is not a performance standard, it does provide a relevant definition of recycled
paint in terms of post-consumer waste content.
MPI (Master Painters Institute)
The Master Painters Institute was created in 1996 and evolved over a period of 100 years from
the The Master House Painters and Decorators Association of USA MPI maintains an
extensive website at
http://www.paintinfo.com/
Two of the most significant MPI publications are their Maintenance Repainting Manual and
Architectural Painting Specification Manual. These manuals provide extensive guidelines on
choosing the appropriate paint for a particular surface and describe in detail how the surface
should be prepared and how the paint should be applied. MPI provides detailed guidelines on
writing paint specifications for a particular application.
MPI maintains the MPI Approved Products List identifying manufacturers whose products have
been tested and approved by MPI for over 170 different categories of paint. Each of these
categories described a paint designed for a particular application, with particular performance
and appearance properties.
According to Barry Law, MPI President,
MPI Standards have replaced the former U.S. Federal Paint Standards, and are
now referenced by the U.S. government, the U.S. Military, the IA MasterSpec,
Spec Link, the Canadian Government’s National Master Specification, etc. etc.
2
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
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September 16, 2005
They pretty much are “all the relevant standards” relative to virgin architectural
coatings.
In developing its standards, MPI has also developed its own gloss and sheen classifications,
given below.
MPI Gloss and Sheen Standards
Gloss Level 1
Gloss Level 5
A traditional matte finish - flat Max. 5 units,
and
A high side sheen flat - 'a
Max. 10 units,
velvet-like' finish
and
A traditional 'eggshell-like'
10-25 units,
finish
and
A 'satin-like' finish
20-35 units,
and
A traditional semi-gloss
35-70 units
Gloss Level 6
A traditional gloss
70-85 units
Gloss Level 7
A high gloss
More than 85
units
Gloss Level 2
Gloss Level 3
Gloss Level 4
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
Gloss@60°
9
Sheen@85°
Max. 10
units
10-35 units
10-35 units
Min. 35
units
September 16, 2005
More than one MPI standard might apply to a particular type of paint, for example, an
“eggshell” interior latex:
MPI #
52
139
145
151
Category name
Interior Latex, MPI Gloss Level 3 (an ‘eggshell-like’ finish)
Interior High Performance Latex, MPI Gloss Level 3
Institutional Low Odor/VOC Interior Latex, MPI Gloss Level 3
Interior W.B. Light Industrial Coating, MPI Gloss Level 3
The MPI #52 standard lists specifications for toxic elements, viscosity, fineness of grind, gloss,
hiding power, reflectance, alkali resistance, scrubbability, package stability, applicability and
appearance and flexibility. The MPI #139 standard has more stringent scrubbability
specifications and additional specifications for burnish resistance and cleansablility. The MPI
#145 standard adds a VOC limit of 10 g/L and an odor specification to the MPI #139 standard.
The MPI #151 standard is the same as that for MPI # 52 with a more stringent scrubbability
specification, a chemical resistance specification replacing the alkali resistance specification,
and specifies the paint must be based on an acrylic resin.
The MPI standards provide detailed instructions for test methods, often with references to
ASTM or EPA methods. Labeling details are also specified.
To be qualified and approved for listing by MPI, products must be tested by MPI to assure
compliance. Continued compliance is confirmed by periodic MPI testing. All costs for testing
are borne by the manufacturer.
MPI recently announced its MPI Green Performance Standard for paints and coatings,
designated GPS-1-05. The standard designates those products meeting performance
requirements, banned chemical list requirements and current and future maximum VOC limits.
A list of MPI standards thought to be relevant to recycled paints is given in Table II. These
standards can be purchased from MPI for $20 each or $500 for the entire set of standards.
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
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September 16, 2005
Table II MPI Standard Categories Relevant to Recycled Latex Paint Products
MPI
Category Name
#
6
Exterior Latex Wood Primer
10
Exterior Latex, Flat, MPI Gloss Level 1
11
Exterior Latex, Semi-Gloss, MPI Gloss Level 5
15
Exterior Latex, Low Sheen , MPI Gloss Level 3-4
16
Exterior Latex-Based Solid Hide Stain
40
Exterior High Build Latex
43
Interior Latex, MPI Gloss Level 4 (a 'satin-like' finish)
44
Interior Latex, MPI Gloss Level 2 (a high side sheen flat, 'velvet-like')
50
Interior Latex Primer Sealer
52
Interior Latex, MPI Gloss Level 3 (an ‘eggshell-like’ finish)
53
Interior Latex, Flat, MPI Gloss Level 1
54
Interior Latex, Semi-Gloss, MPI Gloss Level 5
60
Interior/Exterior Latex Floor Paint, Low Gloss
68
Interior/Exterior Latex Floor Enamel, Gloss
114 Interior Latex, Gloss, MPI Gloss Level 6
119 Exterior Latex, Gloss, MPI Gloss Level 6
138 Interior High Performance Latex, MPI Gloss Level 2
139 Interior High Performance Latex, MPI Gloss Level 3
140 Interior High Performance Latex, MPI Gloss Level 4
141 Interior High Performance Latex, MPI Gloss Level 5
143 Institutional Low Odor/VOC Interior Latex, Flat, MPI Gloss Level 1
144 Institutional Low Odor/VOC Interior Latex, MPI Gloss Level 2
145 Institutional Low Odor/VOC Interior Latex, MPI Gloss Level 3
146 Institutional Low Odor/VOC Interior Latex, MPI Gloss Level 4
147 Institutional Low Odor/VOC Interior Latex, Semi-Gloss, MPI Gloss Level 5
148 Institutional Low Odor/VOC Interior Latex, Gloss, MPI Gloss Level 6
149 Institutional Low Odor/VOC Interior Latex Primer Sealer
Interior W.B. Light Industrial Coating, MPI Gloss Level 3 [Formerly, MPI # 110 - Gloss
151
Level 3]
Interior W.B. Light Industrial Coating, Semi-Gloss, MPI Gloss Level 5 [Formerly, MPI #
153
110 - Gloss Level 5]
Interior W.B. Light Industrial Coating, Gloss, MPI Gloss Level 6 [Formerly, MPI # 110 154
Gloss Level 6]
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
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September 16, 2005
Exterior W.B. Light Industrial Coating, MPI Gloss Level 3 [Formerly, MPI # 110 - Gloss
Level 3]
Exterior W.B. Light Industrial Coating, Semi-Gloss, MPI Gloss Level 5 [Formerly, MPI #
163
110 - Gloss Level 5]
Exterior W.B. Light Industrial Coating, Gloss, MPI Gloss Level 6 [Formerly, MPI # 110 164
Gloss Level 6]
161
BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability)
BEES is a methodology taking a multidimensional, life-cycle approach to assessing impact of
wide range of products on the environment. Economic analysis of products throughout their
life-cycle is an integral part of this methodology. This automated method for measuring the
life-cycle environmental and economic performance of building products has been developed by
the Building and Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST). The effect of 1 ft2 of a product over a 50 year cycle is used as a standard
measure to compare alternative products for a given application. Environmental impact of a
product is analyzed on the basis of 12 attributes listed below:












Global Warming
Acidification
Eutrophication
Fossil Fuel Depletion
Indoor Air Quality
Habitat Alteration
Water Intake
Criteria Air Pollutants
Human Health
Smog
Ozone Depletion
Ecological Toxicity
Economic score is based on two attributes, First Cost and Future Costs. BEES 3.0 software
package and an accompanying report can be downloaded from the BEES website,
http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html
In the current version of BEES (Version 3.0) a generic, virgin, interior wall paint is compared
with a generic recycled paint containing 65% recycled content. Based on the formulation
information provided, the two examples are for white paints. In our assessment, although the
assumptions used in analyzing the two examples require further review, BEES methodology is a
useful tool that should be considered at a more detailed level during Phase III activities.
Environmental and economic scores based on BEES can serve as a tool in an objective
determination of the impact of recycling latex paints. A favorable BEES score would be a
valuable marketing tool. According to Barbara Lippiatt of NIST, work on version 4.0 of BEES
is in progress. Our project has the opportunity to provide timely input regarding the recycle
paint analysis section of the new version of BEES. Current cost per product (subsidized by
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
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BEES funds) are $8,000 for first product and $4,000 each, for additional products. This cost
covers BEES analysis including the twelve environmental impacts listed above.
SCS (Scientific Certification Systems)
SCS is a third-party certifying agency involved in certifying materials in a wide range of fields
including food and agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, fisheries, electricity, and CSR
(corporate social responsibility) purchasing. SCS services include environmental certifications
and life-cycle assessments. Certification of paints and coatings would be handled through the
Manufacturing Division. The familiarity of SCS with coatings and coating formulations appears
to be very limited.
Green Seal
Green Seal is an independent non-profit organization, whose mission is “to achieve a more
sustainable world by promoting environmentally responsible production, purchasing, and
products.” Green Seal follows the Guiding Principles and Procedures for Type I Environmental
Labeling adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14024). As the
Work Group members are aware, Green Seal is well known in the environmental community for
its involvement in activities stated in their mission. Among many product certification
standards available from Green Seal, there are two certification standards for paints, GS-11
(Paints) and GC-03 (Anti-Corrosive Paints). GS-11 deals with architectural interior top coats
and exterior top coats, and thus, is relevant to this report. The complete GS-11 standard is
available at http://www.greenseal.org/standards/paints.htm.
Information on paint products along with names of manufacturers marketing virgin latex paints
certified under GS-11 can be found at
http://www.greenseal.org/certproducts.htm#paints.
Currently, no recycled paint product is marketed with Green Seal certification. A recycled
product meeting the GS-11 standard must pass Green Seal’s certification process including a
life-cycle environmental impact analysis. In preparing for this project, PSI’s Paint Dialogue
Team held discussions with Green Seal concerning certification of recycled paints. According
to those discussions the certification costs could vary between $10,000 and $90,000. However,
it is expected this cost would at the lower end because this project will generate most of the
background information necessary for potential Green Seal certification.
ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials or
simply ASTM)
ASTM standard test methods are widely used, both within the United States and internationally,
in determining the performance of coatings and other materials. ASTM has no certification
methodologies for paints or related products. However, ASTM test methods are integral to
other certification methodologies discussed above. ASTM has developed standards for other
recycled products, including paper. The possibility of ASTM developing a standard for
recycled paint products will be investigated in Phase III.
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September 16, 2005
Certification and Standards Matrix
Table III below presents the current state of our research on recycled paint performance
standards and certification. This matrix will be used in Phase III to guide our activities in
developing the certification process and related performance standards for recycled paint
products.
Table III Recycled Paint Certification and Performance Standards Matrix
Organization
EPA/GSA
MPI
BEES
Services
Offered
Procurement
Standards,
Performance
Standards
Performance
Certification
Potential Benefits
to PPSI
National
recognition,
standard for
recycled paint
National
recognition, listing
of approved
products
Life-Cycle
Methodology
Impact Analysis allows objective
comparison of
recycled and virgin
paints. Can be a
valuable marketing
tool.
SCS
Life-Cycle
Assessment &
Environmental
Certification
Green Seal
Life-Cycle
Assessment,
Performance
Standards &
Environmental
Certification
ASTM
Performance
Testing
Methods
PPSI #8, Cal Poly
Recommend
ed Action
Compare to
MPI
Use for
performance
standard
Initiate
dialog with
NIST to
refine
method to fit
paint
products.
Familiarity with
None
paint industry is
limited. Services
offered are
duplicated by others
being considered.
Certification can
Pursue
validate products.
Can be a valuable
marketing tool.
Test methods are
widely used by
other organizations.
14
Cost
Current version
(BEES 3.0) is
free. NIST will
conduct first
product analysis
for $8000. Cost
for each
additional
product is
$4000
N/A
$10,000 to
90,000 to
develop
standard, 5-tier
fee structure for
product
certification
Maintain
awareness of
changes
September 16, 2005
C. Summary
Current Recycled Paint Manufacturing
Current manufacturers of recycled paint products generally produce either consolidated paint
products or reprocessed (remanufactured) paint products, not both. Reprocessed paint
manufacturers produce latex interior, exterior or interior/exterior products. The post-consumer
waste content of these reprocessed products is at least 50%. The screening of the PCW stream
varies, ranging from simple visual and odor tests, to more extensive tests typically applied to
virgin paint. The frequency of these more extensive tests is not known at this time. None of the
manufacturers surveyed currently certifies their recycled paint products using any nationally
recognized performance standard or certification. Having recycled paint products meet
accepted performance standards should increase their marketability.
Recycled Paint Certification Standards
EPA, GSA, state contract codes, MPI, BEES and Green Seal are very relevant to our goals of
developing standards for recycled paint products based on our review of certifying and
regulatory organizations. Although some overlaps exist in their functions, each has certain
unique features. Pursuing certification through SCS is not prudent at this time since SCS has
limited familiarity with coatings and other more relevant options are available.
The EPA has carefully developed recommended recovered materials content levels for
reprocessed and consolidated latex paints and uses the CID A-A-3185 specification for latex
paint. We believe EPA’s recommended PCW levels are an excellent guidepost for all
reprocessed and consolidated latex paints.
The GSA standard for latex paint with post-consumer waste, CID A-A-3185, provides a
comprehensive array of tests and is a valuable standard. The standard classifies recycled paints
into three types, three classes, and three grades. Recycled paints with minimum 40% volume
solids (grade A) and meeting this standard should be comparable in quality to virgin paints of
similar type.
The MPI standards are by far the most comprehensive of the standards researched for this
report. These standards were developed for virgin paint products, but there in no reason they
could not be applied equally well to reprocessed paint products. If a can of paint meets the
applicable MPI standard, it doesn’t matter if it was produced entirely from virgin materials or
from a combination of PCW and virgin material -- it still meets the standard and should be listed
as an approved MPI product. As stated by MPI President Barry Law, “… as it presently stands
MPI is not prepared to list recycled product(s) unless they not only meet current MPI Standards
but are confirmed as meeting those standards by the same MPI lab as all other MPI Approved
Product Listings”. MPI certification would be “proof” a reprocessed paint was of equal quality
in terms of performance and safety to a virgin paint. We see no reason to develop special new
standards for reprocessed paint products.
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BEES offers the complete life-cycle analysis of products, a feature not offered by other
approaches. The 50-year span used for analysis of paint products may be too long, although 50
years may be quite relevant for other products (e.g. roof shingles). The Work Group has the
option to review this and other assumptions defining the BEES model making it a more useful
tool for comparing virgin and recycled paints. A method for comparing virgin and recycled
paints with equivalent performance in terms of the environmental and economic impact would
be very useful.
Green Seal certification would provide a recognized and respected validation of the positive
environmental impact of recycled paint products. It is likely reprocessed paint meeting the
appropriate MPI performance standard would also meet Green Seal’s GS 11 standard.
The Recycled Paint Certification and Performance Standards Matrix in Table III will be used to
focus our efforts in Phase III on development of certification and performance standards.
Post-consumer Waste Content of Recycled Paint
Based on the results of the manufacturer survey and available certification and standards
options, the most logical approach is to continue the division of recycled paint into consolidated
paint and reprocessed (remanufactured) paint. Consolidated paint will consist of 95% minimum
post-consumer waste and a maximum of 5% other secondary industrial materials (off batches,
mis-tints) and virgin additives, such as biocides and rheology modifiers. Reprocessed paint with
performance properties matching those of virgin paint will be produced from post-consumer
waste, virgin materials such as resin, pigments and additives, and other secondary industrial
materials. This product can likely be produced containing at least 50% post-consumer waste for
darker colors. A question remains whether or not high quality white paints can be produced at
this level given the nature of the post-consumer waste stream. A recommended minimum level
of 50% post-consumer waste for whites and pastels should be the goal. However, if whites and
pastels containing 50% post-consumer waste are not available, product containing a minimum
of 25% post-consumer waste and 50% minimum total recycled material content (post-consumer
waste and secondary industrial materials) would be acceptable. However, all attempts should
be made to keep the post-consumer waste content as high as possible while still maintaining
quality equal to that of virgin paint. These recommendations are summarized in Table IV.
Table IV Recommended Post-Consumer Waste Content for Recycled Paint Products
Product
Minimum % post consumer
waste
Consolidated paint
95% minimum
Secondary
industrial
materials
5% maximum
Reprocessed paint (darker
colors)
Reprocessed paint
(whites, off-whites and
pastels)
50%
varies
5%
maximum
varies
50% if possible, 25% minimum
with total recycled content at
least 50%
varies
varies
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Virgin
materials
September 16, 2005
II. Future Work
Phase III of Project 8 will commence upon submittal of this report. The primary responsibilities
of the Cal Poly group in Phase III will be creation of a draft standard for recycled paint,
development of a draft testing process for validation of the standard, manage peer review of
standards and validation process and development of final standard. Several major questions
will need to be answered to achieve these goals, some of which were raised during Phase II.
For example, how often will recycled paint products need to be tested? What fraction of the
collected PCW will need to be tested? Will all reprocessed paint have the same minimum PCW
content or will some sliding scale be used. Can all reprocessed paint be held to the same
performance standard? Can federal, state, and local agencies agree to a uniform standard and
certification process? What costs will be associated with certification and product listing by
recognized standards organizations? The input and cooperation of the PSSI Work Group will
be critical to our being able to answer these and other questions and to achieve our ultimate
goals.
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