Material Health showcase: Sherwin-Williams optimizes beverage can coatings for platinum performance
Driven by a commitment to continuous improvement, the US-based paint and coatings company Sherwin-Williams has developed Sustainability Goals for 2030 that address global issues of critical importance, including stepping up efforts to address climate change, minimizing waste, and accelerating the development of sustainably advantaged products.
Sherwin-Williams is also working to accelerate the incorporation of sustainability attributes into its product blueprint via Sustainability by Design, its proprietary process that integrates lifecycle thinking into the design and manufacture of products. The newly formalized Sustainability by Design process is a strategic evolution of the long-standing commitment to product stewardship, responsible chemical management and compliance excellence. Coupled with the 2030 Sustainability Goals, this approach enables Sherwin-Williams to maximize the positive impact of its innovation capabilities and expertise.
The Sustainability by Design process was used to drive the development of the company’s valPure® V70 product series. Approved for use across a range of food, beverage, cosmetic and personal care product applications, valPure® V70 is a novel epoxy-based can coating that reliably ensures food safety, preserves product quality and increases product longevity, without the use of BPA.
As part of the pioneering product development process, Sherwin-Williams invited toxicologists, NGOs, independent laboratories and universities to evaluate the safety and performance of the valPure® V70 series. The company also implemented the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard Material Health methodology and assessment to further validate the product for human and environmental health and safety. As a result, valPure® V70 is currently the world's only interior spray coating technology for beverage cans to achieve a Platinum C2C Certified Material Health CertificateTM. The valPure® V70 series also works effectively on 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) aluminum, enabling a circular cycle of use and reuse for aluminum packaging products that use the coating.
Earning a Platinum-level C2C Certified Material Health CertificateTM for the valPure® V70 series is an important step on Sherwin-Williams’ journey towards integrating sustainable product design from “concept to commercialization,” according to global sustainability director Douglas Mazeffa. “Our methodology for safe and sustainable product design is constantly evolving; therefore, the revalidation of our products using the C2C Certified Material Health Certificate and the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard helps drive our commitment to continuous improvement. It is also an important tool for providing transparency to our customers and consumers.”
Sherwin-Williams plans to continue its work with industry experts and independent organizations to assess the environmental footprint, product blueprint and social impact of its products and accelerate positive change.