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Paint is everywhere—whether it’s for a weekend DIY project, a home renovation, or a professional endeavor, we all interact with paint. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually in that can? The composition of paint isn’t just about color and finish; it’s a significant player in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry with major implications for safety, compliance, and sustainability.
Paint production is a big deal. In fact, the U.S. paint and coatings industry is projected to produce 798 million gallons of paint in 2024 alone, according to Behr. That’s a 2.9% increase from the previous year! But this growth also brings increased scrutiny. The chemicals in paint mean it’s subject to various transportation, storage, and waste regulations—rules that aren’t just bureaucratic red tape but critical measures for protecting health and the environment. Paint can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contain heavy metals, and even have PFAS, particularly in water-resistant varieties. Understanding these components is essential for proper classification and compliance.
At SmarterX, we’ve got a personal history with paint. Our founders initially started the company with a mission to recycle paint, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. So, it’s no surprise that we’re deeply invested in understanding and solving the challenges associated with paint in the CPG industry.
Let’s break down the basic structure of paint:
Base Formulation: Paint generally consists of solvents, binders, resins, and pigments.
Color Additives: Various pigments and dyes give paint its color. But here’s where things get interesting—these pigments can drastically change the paint’s hazard classification. For example, titanium dioxide is common in white paint, iron oxides in red and yellow, and chromium oxide in green.
Even with similar base formulations, the presence of different pigments can make one paint significantly more hazardous than another. Additives like drying agents, stabilizers, and UV protectants further complicate the classification process. Thankfully, SmarterX simplifies this with our AI-driven compliance tools, ensuring that no critical details slip through the cracks.
Here’s a snapshot of data from 525 paint products already on our platform:
Interestingly, we also found that transportation regulations vary by color:
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are another concern. We analyzed 6,022 paint products from a major home improvement retailer and found that 60.42% are likely to contain PFAS. The categories most affected include:
Paint isn’t just paint—it’s a complex product with significant regulatory implications. At SmarterX, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges with our advanced AI models, ensuring compliance, safety, and sustainability in every can. Want to see how we can simplify paint compliance for your business? Explore our interactive use cases and discover the SmarterX difference.
Have any questions or want to set up a time to chat? Click the Get Started button in the header.