The Impact of the European VOC Directive on the Coating Process of the Furniture Industry

The implementation of the VOC Directive in the furniture sector is a big challenge for the industry.
Companies must apply this regulation by October 2005 or, with an extension, by October 2007. At present, different countries are carrying out studies to determine the situation of the different sectors (home, kitchen, seats, office, contract.) Many companies are affected by the implementation of this regulation and must find solutions. They have two options: the use of safe products for a reduction at source or abatement technology. Both options imply difficult choices in meeting market needs:appearance acceptable to the market, technical properties  concerning use and production. There is also the question of cost compared to other competitors in this market for the first option and the question of possible technical and economical solutions for the second. This paper will present questions of different end-users and some solutions proposed by the suppliers: coatings producers and equipment manufacturers. It will then present a number of problems to be solved if Europe wishes to continue to manufacture furniture elements and stay competitive in the market while meeting consumer expectations concerning quality.