Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Water-based and Solvent-based Primer Paints for Steel Plate Priming

Abstract

Nowadays, hazardous substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are still being used and released in steel plate priming processes. These releases might have severe negative impacts on the environment. One of the well-established methods for the evaluation of these impacts is the life cycle assessment method. In this study, life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to justify product substitution in a Lithuanian company due to regulatory concerns. In this study, life cycle impacts of this substitution were assessed by using LCA methodology. The results, within the mentioned uncertainties, indicated that the substitution to the water based primer paint was beneficial in all environmental impact categories. The study results also showed the importance of conducting an LCA study, and the shortcomings of local assessments.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.72.2.16236