Jotun has announced plans to phase out lead chromates, a toxic chemical compound from all paint and coatings formulations worldwide, in line with its environmental initiative Jotun GreenSteps.

The company is scheduled to phase out lead chromates in 2014, by which Jotun will take a global position and apply with new EU Reach regulations.

Jens Christoffer Markmanrud, project manager, Jotun, said: “This global phase out applies to paints and coatings in all segments worldwide. It is a big step, but we are confident that by substituting lead chromates with safer, high performing alternatives, we can make a big difference.”

The phase out is consistent with Jotun GreenSteps, a programme launched by the company in 2011 to improve its environmental performance over a broad range of areas, including hazardous materials, carbon footprint, reducing VOC emissions, energy consumption and waste.

“GreenSteps also broadcasts the work the company does to develop safer, more effective paints and coatings solutions that help customers improve their environmental performance,” said Markmanrud.

In addition to investing more resources to produce safer, more environmentally responsible paints and coatings, Jotun is exploring new ways of managing pigments and colours to achieve better results.

By combining primer and topcoat colours, the company can offer a superior finish compared to less advanced alternatives, the statement said. The global phase out of lead chromates is an important step in strengthening Jotun’s reputation as an environmentally responsible company. - TradeArabia News Service