SGS, the world’s leading provider of
inspection, verification, testing and certification services, is reminding
paint manufacturers of the importance of ensuring their products perform well
and are safe.
With consumers restricted to their homes
during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not surprising DIY projects have become a
popular way to fill time. A OnePoll survey in the US found that 81% of Millennial
homeowners had undertaken a DIY project since the start of lockdown.
Redecoration is a common DIY
project because it is relatively inexpensive but can have a major impact on the
way a property looks. This helps to create a growth industry. The global market
for paint and coatings, including industrial applications, is expected to grow
annually by 4.92%, reaching a predicted USD 204.83 billion by 2023.
To capitalize on this market
growth, manufacturers need to ensure their paints perform as advertised.
Consumers may not understand what
constitutes ‘good quality’ in paint, but they certainly know ‘poor quality’
paint and will know not to buy it a second time. Poor quality paints often have
less covering power, which means the decorator has to apply multiple coats to achieve
the correct intensity of color. This will leave the consumer dissatisfied, and
this can have a negative impact on the brand’s reputation.
Manufacturers are reminded that working with a highly experienced,
independent testing service provider can help them ensure their paint products
conform to customer expectations. By
subjecting paint products to comprehensive analysis, deficiencies can be identified
before the product reaches the market.
Testing solutions should be conducted under real-life conditions,
against the wide variety of factors that consumers may reasonably expect from a
particular paint product. For example, a consumer will expect a bathroom paint
to be water resistant. What characteristics a paint must conform to depends on
where the paint is to be applied. For example, outdoor paints should be tested
for factors such as application, adhesion, age resistance, water permeability,
rust resistance (metal paints), and beading.
Bathroom and kitchen paints, however, should be assessed for similar
characteristics, such as application and adhesion, but also:
- Gloss
- Opacity
- Washability
- Anti-condensation
- Water
steam permeability - Liquid
resistance - Fungal
resistance
It is only by testing paint products
against the demands of real-life usage that paint manufacturers can ensure
their reputation is protected.
Another primary consideration for consumers is safety.
Manufacturers need to ensure their paint products comply with relevant market
regulations governing safety. This can include the presence of hazardous substances – formaldehyde, volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, etc.
Finally, manufacturers should consider the fact that consumers are
increasingly demanding environmentally friendly products. In the case of paint,
this can mean low emissions. A good way to ensure paint products meet these
criteria is ensure the paint conforms to the requirements of the EU Ecolabel.
It demonstrates waste quantities have been limited, environmental risks
reduced, and the discharge of toxic or polluting substances has been
minimized.
SGS DIY,
Tools and Hardware Services
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing solutions to help paint
manufacturers produce safe and compliant products for markets around the world.
Testing solutions include determining content for heavy metals, and content and
emissions for formaldehyde and VOCs. In addition, they provide performance testing services for paints and painting
tools. Learn more about SGS DIY,
Tools and Hardware Services.
SGS
Consumer Compact keeps you
up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods
industry. Read the original article, What Makes a Good Paint?
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For more
information, please contact:
Damien Berthe
International Business Development – Home
Improvement & DIY
SGS Consumer and Retail Services
Tel: +33 (0)6 44 17 57 47
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection,
verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the
global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees,
SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.