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Introducing Borchi® Dragon Low VOC

Borchers, a prominent brand under Milliken & Company, has launched an innovative drying solution known as Borchi® Dragon Low VOC, designed specifically for formulating alkyd coatings. This high-performance catalyst has been engineered to significantly reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, addressing the increasing regulatory demands for environmentally friendly coatings.

The coating industry has faced growing scrutiny and stringent regulations regarding VOC levels due to their potential harm to both human health and the environment. Borchi® Dragon Low VOC provides an effective alternative to existing solutions, containing only 2% VOC content as determined by ASTM D2369 standards. This remarkable compliance helps formulators meet both current and future VOC regulations, promoting a move towards more sustainable practices in coating formulations.

Jeff Losch, vice president and coating additives business manager at Milliken, voiced the company's dedication to providing innovative additive options likely to satisfy ongoing regulatory requirements. He stated, "We are committed to delivering additive options like Borchi® Dragon Low VOC that help meet current labeling requirements and future-proof from potential regulations in final coating formulations." This commitment to sustainability has been recognized with Milliken receiving a prestigious gold EcoVadis rating for three consecutive years.

One of the main features of Borchi® Dragon Low VOC is its ability to offer outstanding drying performance while ensuring that the drying speed of the coating is not compromised, even under challenging ambient conditions. This capability is vital for manufacturers looking to maintain efficiency in their production processes. Additionally, this catalyst boasts a higher flash point, which improves handling safety, reduces yellowing, and enhances the hardness of the final product compared to alternative low-VOC driers.

Notably, Borchi® Dragon Low VOC is composed of up to 92% biobased carbon based on ASTM D6866-24 B standards, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable material sourcing. It serves as an excellent addition to Borchers’ already extensive range of cobalt-free high-performance catalysts, which includes Borchi® OXY-Coat iron-based driers suitable for a variety of alkyd formulations. Moreover, other cobalt-free options like the new Borchi® Phoenix accelerator are also available, designed to improve drier performance in high solids and solvent-borne alkyd coatings.

In light of recent health concerns related to cobalt compounds, which have been classified as a Category 1B carcinogen in the European Union and are currently scrutinized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the introduction of Borchi® Dragon Low VOC reflects a significant step forward in making coatings safer for both consumers and industry professionals. Traditional alkyd formulations often relied on cobalt driers to accelerate curing times; however, with increasing regulatory restrictions on such compounds, transitioning to safer alternatives has become critical.

Borchers' proactive approach not only enhances the performance and safety of coating formulations but also encourages manufacturers to rethink their ingredient sourcing and regulatory compliance strategies.

For more information about Borchi® Dragon Low VOC and explore Borchers’ cutting-edge solutions, visit borchers.com.

About Milliken

Milliken & Company stands as a global manufacturing leader devoted to advancing materials science, driving innovation across various sectors including textiles, flooring, chemicals, and healthcare. The company relentlessly pursues breakthroughs that not only enhance people's lives but also positively impact communities. With a portfolio rich in patented innovations, Milliken epitomizes integrity and excellence in its drive to shape a sustainable future for generations.

About Borchers

Borchers, a brand of Milliken, excels in providing high-performance additives designed to meet the evolving demands of the coatings industry through technical expertise, innovation, and collaborative customer engagement.