Sustainable release coating technology delivers environmental, economic, and safety benefits for China

The world’s first 100 percent solids silicone release coating for solvent-based application systems is helping Chinese label makers greatly reduce solvent use and waste, cut processing costs, reduce energy use, improve safety, and increase productivity.

The new coating is a solvent-free product designed specifically for the China market, where solvent-based silicone release coating systems are still widely used. Traditional solvent-based release coatings contain up to 30 percent silicone. Additional solvent is added until solid content reaches 4 to 5 percent during processing, and, unless optional pollution control equipment has been installed, much of that solvent is subsequently discharged into the air.

There is growing concern in China about the negative effects solvents can have on health, safety, and the environment. This, coupled with the global increase in crude oil prices and resulting increases in the price of solvents used in release coating operations, has created the need for a practical, economical alternative.

The new 100 percent solids silicone coating enables the region’s label makers to continue using proven solvent-based application methods but with much less added solvent. Since the product was introduced in 2006, users in China have reduced their reliance on solvents by as much as 70 percent. They have also reduced their processing material costs by as much as 10 to 30 percent, and saved more than 2,400 tons of solvent waste from being discharged into the environment.

Additionally, users of the new silicone release coating have saved energy, improved process efficiency, and increased productivity through the coating’s fast, low-temperature cure performance. The material is also safer and less costly to transport, store, and handle than traditional solvent-based coatings.

Learn about silicone release coatings from Dow Corning.