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Ahead of the curve in reducing our environmental footprint
Sico is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of every
aspect of its product manufacturing process.
We know there
are no quick fixes, no one-size-fits-all solutions; progress will be
made through many small improvements. We took our first step a
number of years ago when we began to reduce the use of Volatile
Organic Compounds (VOCs) in our paints.
Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-containing elements that readily
evaporate into the atmosphere. While these compounds are everywhere
in nature, there are also many organic compounds emitted through a
variety of industrial products, paints being one of them.
This prompted the Canadian government to introduce legislation aimed
at reducing the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
contained in paints. The new Canadian regulation will come into
effect on September 1, 2010. But Sico is already ahead of the curve.
Several years ago, we took the initiative to reformulate our
products in advance of the law. As a result, by September 1st, 2010,
all Sico products will be in compliance with the new norms, and some
will even surpass them.
Change was necessary and change has
been made. But one thing remains the same: the new VOC compliant
products, including our very low or zero VOC paints, still provide
the same high level of performance, the same excellent quality
finish, and the same unlimited color selection you have come to
expect from Sico.
Sico products which comply with the
new standards are identified with the following logo:
Sico products which exceed the new
standards are identified with the following logo:
The Sico Design product line, made up of Cashmere, Chamois, and
Shantung, is part of these products reformulated to contain zero VOC
before the addition of colorant.
“Green” Tips
- Do not buy more paint than you need for your projects.
Use our
paint calculator; it is there to help you!
- Prefer latex paint over alkyd paint.
- Before cleaning your paint brushes, use a paint brush and roller cleaner. This tool has a serrated edge to remove excess paint from brushes, and a concave edge for rollers. This will help you recover quite a bit of paint which you can pour back into its container. Cleaning your brushes will then require much less water.
- To clean your latex-covered paint brushes, finish cleaning them in a container of water instead of under the tap.
- If you need to use an alkyd paint, let the solvent used to clean your
brushes clarify. Paint particles will go to the bottom, allowing you to filter the solvent and use it later.
- Do not pour leftover paint on the ground or down household or storm
drains because it could contaminate a nearby stream or the water table.
- If your paint container is nearly empty, let the leftover paint
dry completely in the open container before throwing it out.
- Give leftover paint to someone who could use it: a neighbour or friend,
a recreational service or a non-profit organization. However, make sure the leftover paint is in its
original container and that the label is intact..
Where you should take your paint remains
To quickly find the closest collection point for leftover paint, please visit
www.eco-peinture.ca
if you are a Québec resident. This site also contains information on recovery and recycling of discarded paint and paint containers.
If you live elsewhere in Canada, visit instead www.productcare.org and click on the province of your choice.
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