Thinking ahead in a changing landscape: Sustainable paint stripping without methylene chloride and working without solvents.

The surface treatment industry is at a tipping point. Stricter legislation, such as the REACH regulation, is forcing companies to critically review their processes and materials. Substances such as methylene chloride (DCM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are coming under increasing pressure. Thinking ahead is no longer an option – it is a prerequisite for ensuring production reliability, safety and sustainability.

Legislation as a wake-up call

Strict rules on the use of methylene chloride in paint stripping have been in place in the EU for many years. Under REACH (EC) No. 1907/2006 and national environmental legislation, its use in consumer and professional applications has been banned since 2010. Only industrial applications in fully enclosed systems, where vapours are controlled and exposure is minimal, are still permitted.

A total ban is expected to be only a matter of time. Those who do not anticipate this now will soon run the risk of production stoppages, higher costs or even legal consequences. That is why it is important to switch to safe and effective alternatives in good time.

STRIP MCV: Sustainable and powerful paint stripping

In response to these developments, AD Chemicals has developed STRIP MCV: an innovative cold paint stripper without methylene chloride, but with the same powerful effect as traditional products.

Key properties of STRIP MCV:

Special corrosion inhibitors protect metals during the process.
Energy efficient: effective at 30°C to 50°C.
Versatile: removes polyester/epoxy, wet paint, powder coatings, electrolytic coatings and GEOMET® coatings, among other things.
High efficiency: long bath life and application in closed immersion systems, which reduces costs and downtime.

Combining power, durability and ease of use, STRIP MCV is a fully-fledged alternative to methylene chloride, without compromising on speed or results.

Solvents under pressure

Not only methylene chloride, but also many traditional solvents such as thinner, xylene and heptane are under pressure. The reasons are clear:

Health risks for employees due to high exposure.
Environmental impact due to VOC emissions.
Increasing legislation that will further restrict their use.

Although the use of solvents in paint systems has already been greatly reduced, they are still widely used in metal cleaning processes, for example prior to coating. There is often a lack of awareness that this method does not always produce the desired clean surface and poses risks to people and the environment in the workplace.

How effective are solvents really?

In practice, solvents are often applied with a cloth. This cloth is used several times, which can spread contamination across the surface instead of removing it. The result: a surface that looks clean, but still has grease and oil residues on it. This can lead to poor adhesion of coatings or premature corrosion on seemingly flat and simple parts.

The Water Break Test

A simple water break test can be used to demonstrate whether a surface is truly clean.

A clean, metal-hydrophilic surface allows water to flow in an even film.
If contamination is present, the water film “breaks”.

This test often shows that solvent-cleaned surfaces leave something to be desired in terms of cleaning results.

Safer alternatives from AD Chemicals

AD Chemicals has developed water-based cleaning agents that can completely replace solvents without compromising on cleaning power.

Cleaner OV

Free of hazard labels; safe for both employees and the environment.
Ideal for manual degreasing in powder coating and wet painting processes.
Environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvents.
Removes oil, grease and carbon contaminants without severely affecting the metal.
Suitable for use on multiple metals.
Ready to use.

Cleaner Neutral

Environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvents.
Ideally suited for immersion and spray applications.
Perfect cleaning as a pre-treatment for coating, possibly in combination with a conversion coating/passivation as desired.

These products make it possible to work without solvents while improving the quality of the pre-treatment.

Anticipating is staying ahead of the curve

The transition to sustainable paint strippers and solvent-free cleaners sometimes requires adjustments to processes. But it also offers opportunities:

Ensuring continuity by being prepared for new regulations.
Improve safety for employees.
Strengthen sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
Strengthen competitive position by working in a future-proof manner.

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Optimise with the Chemistry Check

AD Chemicals supports companies in this transition with a free chemistry check. This analysis provides insight into current chemical consumption and opportunities for improvement.

The chemical check includes:

Analysis of cleaning and paint stripping processes, including consumption and potential savings.
Advice on more sustainable alternatives such as STRIP MCV and water-based cleaners.
Solutions for specific cleaning problems.

This gives you a complete picture of how processes can be made more efficient, safer and more sustainable.

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Conclusion

The changing legislation on methylene chloride and solvents is a clear signal for the sector. Investing now in alternatives such as STRIP MCV and solvent-free cleaners will prevent problems in the short term and at the same time take a step towards a more sustainable future.

Together, we are working towards safe, efficient and future-proof surface treatment.

Thinking ahead in a changing landscape: Sustainable paint stripping without methylene chloride and working without solvents.

Legislation as a wake-up call

Categories

STRIP MCV: Sustainable and powerful paint stripping

Solvents under pressure

How effective are solvents really?

The Water Break Test

Safer alternatives from AD Chemicals

Cleaner OV

Cleaner Neutral

Anticipating is staying ahead of the curve

Optimise with the Chemistry Check

Conclusion

Newsletter

Metal Surface Treatment

AD International B.V.

+31 (0) 167 526 900

Visiting address

Thinking ahead in a changing landscape: Sustainable paint stripping without methylene chloride and working without solvents.

Legislation as a wake-up call

Categories

STRIP MCV: Sustainable and powerful paint stripping

Solvents under pressure

How effective are solvents really?

The Water Break Test

Safer alternatives from AD Chemicals

Cleaner OV

Cleaner Neutral

Anticipating is staying ahead of the curve

Optimise with the Chemistry Check

Conclusion

Newsletter

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Metal Surface Treatment

AD International B.V.

+31 (0) 167 526 900

Visiting address