Environmental Benefits
Aqueous polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) contain mainly a polyurethane polymer
dispersed in water. They are low in VOC and they are friendly to the environment.
This allows them to be in compliance with current VOC regulations around the
world and upcoming regulations concerning solvent emissions in the
EU.
Adhesives based on Aqueous polyurethane dispersions comply with the most stringent
workplace safety rules such as OSHA (Occupational
Safety & Health Administration).
Polyurethane dispersions are EINECS and TSCA listed and they are as
easy to use as solvent-based systems!
Governments and the adhesives industry are more and more under pressure to produce
environmentally-friendly alternatives to solvent-based products. The goals are to
limit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs);
therefore reducing the use of solvents and reducing ground-level ozone created by
solvents.
Water-based adhesives based on polyurethane dispersions achieve the same high level
of performance that you have come to expect from solventborne polyurethanes.
One example is depicted in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Bond Strength of Polyurethane Adhesives
on Standard Leather
Adhesives based on Aqueous polyurethane dispersions comply with the most stringent
workplace safety rules such as OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration).
Aqueous polyurethane dispersions are water-based systems, that are low VOC making
them friendly to the environment as well as the people who use them.
Polyurethane dispersions do not require extensive personal protective equipment.
Unlike the solvent-based systems, there is no solvent waste management issue or fire
and explosion risks.
