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Solvent regulations worldwide

 

Navigating the complex regulatory landscape requires a nuanced approach. Formulators and users must ensure compliance while maintaining performance. Eastman's extensive solvent portfolio is designed to meet these dual challenges, offering diverse solutions. 

 

 

Solvent portfolio

Our solvent portfolio includes options to meet varied performance and regulatory needs: 

  • Non-HAP: Non-hazardous-air-pollutant solvents 
  • Low MIR: Solvents with low maximum incremental reactivity values 
  • LVP-VOC: Low vapor pressure-volatile organic compound 
  • VOC exempt: Organic compounds exempt from restrictions placed on most VOCs in the United States, such as methyl acetate 

View regulatory documents

VOC exempt:

Review literature tied to Eastman’s VOC-exempt solvents.
Low MIR:

Learn about our low-MIR solvents.

Non HAP:

See technical tips and more about our non-HAP solutions.

Europe, Middle East and Africa

 

VOC status of Eastman solvents and coalescents under European directives as of February 2025

Product

 European Solvents
Directive (1999/13/EC)		 EU: Deco Paint
Directive (2004/42/EC)		 EU Eco Label for "Indoor
Paints and Varnishes"
(2002/739/EC)
Vapor pressure
≤ 0.01 kPa @ 293.15 K		 Initial boiling point
≥ 250°C @ standard pressure of 101.3 kPa
Eastman DB acetate  Non-VOC VOC VOC
Eastman DB solvent 
 Non-VOC VOC VOC
Eastman DE acetate 
 Non-VOC VOC VOC
Eastman DE solvent 
 Non-VOC VOC VOC
Eastman EEH solvent Non-VOC VOC VOC
Optifilm™ enhancer 300  Non-VOC Non-VOC Non-VOC
Optifilm™ enhancer 400  Non-VOC Non-VOC Non-VOC
Texanol™ ester alcohol Non-VOC Non-VOC Non-VOC
Velate™ 368 coalescent Non-VOC Non-VOC Non-VOC
Velate™ 375 coalescent Non-VOC Non-VOC Non-VOC

Asia Pacific and Latin America

 

Reach out to an Eastman representative for more information.

 

Contact us 

North America

LVP-VOC (United States)

View Eastman’s qualifying LVP-VOC solvents:

  • Alcohols
  • Esters
  • Glycol ether esters
  • Glycol ethers
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Woman injects liquid into a container while another woman holds a beaker.

Regulatory authority

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have regulatory authority for consumer products and set product VOC limits. These products include adhesives; household, institutional, brake and electronic cleaners; degreasers; some personal care products; multipurpose lubricants; paint thinners; and multipurpose solvents.

Definition

  • The CARB definition for LBP substances is VOCs that have a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mmHG at 20°C or a boiling point greater or equal to 216°C.
  • The EPA definition is VOCs that have a vapor pressure < 0.1 mmHg at 20°C or a melting point > 20°C and do not sublimate if the vapor pressure is not known.

LVP exclusion

If a substance qualifies for LVP exclusion, it is not counted as a VOC, and VOC limits do not apply to its use for most product categories regulated under consumer product rules.

Consumer product rules

Consumer product rules allow an LVP exclusion based on low volatility for most product categories.

Note: Coatings and industrial applications are not regulated under these rules, and the LVP-VOC exclusion does not apply to these products.

Inert ingredients

In the United States, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act rule (FIFRA) 2(m) defines an inert ingredient as "an ingredient which is not active." Inert ingredients may be solvents, carriers, perfumes, dyes and surfactants. They include any substance, or group of structurally similar substances, other than the active ingredient(s) intentionally included in a pesticide product. Inert ingredients are regulated under both FIFRA and U.S. Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Food use comparison tool

Food use is use in, on or around something that may come into contact with food, including water for human consumption; feed, including water for animal consumption; or livestock unless a data review shows the use will not result in residues in the food (including water for human consumption) or feed (including water for animal consumption).

Solvents (food)*

*Food (limitations) based on EPA InertFinder, November 2024. For details on status and specific permissions for food use, visit epa.gov.

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Nonfood use

Nonfood use is permitted solely for use in pesticide products applied to nonfood use sites, such as ornamental plants, highway right-of-ways and rodent control. Food use is not permitted. 

Note: Pesticide formulations must be identified to and registered with the EPA. Pesticide formulation manufacturers should consult the EPA to get product registrations.  

Solvents (nonfood)*

*Food (limitations) based on EPA InertFinder, November 2024. For details on status and specific permissions for food use, visit epa.gov.

Reach out to our team to learn more.

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