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PAINT & PINTURA
Novembro 2012
9
take the opportunity given by the coming of several suppliers to this confer-
ence to learn about new technologies and processes and add value to our
products.”
Belafix director José Carlos Zanotelli also referred to the theme of innova-
tion, but also pointed out the need for regional paint manufacturers to
unite for furthering the production and quality of local products, so that
they can also serve the rest of the country. “That union would strengthen
the paint companies based in our state and spread our power nationwide.”
The 7th Paint & Pintura Coatings Technology and Management Forum for
the Southeast Region was held in Ribeirão Preto, upstate São Paulo, at Hotel
JP Ribeirão Preto, with 104 paint industry professionals registered.
Agnelo Editora’s chief executive officer Agnelo de Barros Neto delivered the
official opening speech stressing once again the importance of spreading
knowledge to the country’s various regions and how the forums have been
repeatedly successful in each passing edition. “The 7th Forum closes Agnelo
Editora’s 2012 events program, but our calendar for 2013 is ready, with an-
other 5 forums to be held around Brazil.” At the end of his speech, he thank
all of the attending professionals for their presence, as well as the forum
sponsors and backers.
The close of the forums was marked by a cocktail party sponsored by East-
man in observance of the 50-year anniversary of its Texanol product.
Oxygenated Solvents - Solvent Power
The wide range of evaporation rates provided by oxygenated solvents
enables formulations to be perfectly adjusted to production and applica-
tion requirements. In addition, the paint industry seeks high-performance,
quality solvents at competitive costs and increasingly sustainable products.
Oxygenated solvents are present in virtually all kinds of paints and coat-
ings, such as decorative paints, printing inks and coatings for automotive
finishes, wood and general industrial applications. An important part of
formulations with solvent and water-based technologies, these solvents
play a number of different roles, such as solubilizing the resin (polymer)
contained in the formulation, regulating the curing process during appli-
cation, and imparting good appearance to the finish.
Since these properties are essential to the good performance of paints, not
only has the consumption of oxygenated solvents increased in the paint
industry, it much probably has kept pace with the expansion of the paint
market itself. On the one hand, the consumption of oxygenated solvents
grows faster than the industry in segments like printing inks, and, on the
other hand, it keeps pace with the growth of the economy in other seg-
ments, such as industrial coatings.
In addition, there is a growing demand for environment-friendlier solvents,
be they produced with materials from renewable sources, through less
greenhouse gas-intensive processes or so as to reduce risks to the health
of their users. Today, the paint industry can opt for a number of environ-
mentally compliant solutions that have been developed as a result of the
raise of awareness among companies and growing social and environmen-
tal movements, which have compelled governments to pass increasingly
strict environmental regulations and made
consumers more conscious about their
choices and the impact that they have on
the planet.
In spite of the benefits provided by oxygen-
ated solvents, loose regulations are one of
the things standing in their way. In certain
countries, including Brazil, other kinds
of solvents that are more harmful to the
environment and human health are still
accepted, especially because of the cost
factor, which has been discouraging some
paint manufacturers from using oxygen-
ated solvents.
More effective regulations towards restrict-
ing the use of certain solvents would most
certainly lead to a substantial increase
in consumption of oxygenated solvents.
Nevertheless, as awareness rises and the
information spreads in our society that
there are alternatives which are more