Solvent emissions at a south coast reproduction furniture factory have been reduced by more than 40% since the introduction of Arch Chemicals water-based finishing materials.
Newhaven-based Bevan Funnell, which was keen to reduce solvent emissions in line with legislation and pressure from the Environmental Protection Act, claims to be the first British traditional furniture maker to have adopted a water-based finish in place of a solvent-based compound.
A large contract for a major retail group that wanted its own-label product range finished entirely in water-based materials made a significant contribution to the reduction in emissions.
The finishing materials were supplied by Hickson Coatings – now part of Arch Chemicals Inc – which has championed water-based finishing throughout its evolution. Its latest water-based lacquers dry to form a hard surface which the company says is less easily damaged than those finished with solvent-based compounds.
Hicksons has been awarded a BS 6250 Severe Rating from FIRA for its AF7200 water-based lacquers. Work is also under way to develop colour fast water-based stains which will not fade or discolour when subjected to strong sunlight.
